Obituaries

Roy A. Tilson, Jr.

Roy A. Tilson, Jr.

Feb 2, 2025

Seven Mile Ford, Virginia 

Roy A. Tilson, Jr. age 67, went to be with the Lord Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Ballad Hospice House, Bristol, Tenn. 

Roy was retired from Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute after 28 years of dedicated service as a CNA. He loved his Lord, and being outdoors – especially when it included fishing and hunting. Roy loved his...

Mildred Wright

Mildred Wright

Jan 31, 2025

Groseclose, Virginia / Joshua Tree, California 

Mildred Wright aged 91, passed away 31 January 2025 at her daughter’s home in Joshua Tree, CA. 

Mildred was born in Groseclose, VA to the late James T. Henderlite & Nannie Wingate Henderlite. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her late husband of 60 years, George W. Wright.  

Mildred is survived by...

Joyce Kirk

Joyce Kirk

Jan 25, 2025

Sugar Grove, Virginia 

Joyce Love Kirk age 82, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, Va.

Joyce was a brightly lit candle in a dark world – a huge presence in a tiny package, her middle name said it all “Love.” She spread love everywhere she went, not just her love, but God’s love, leading by example by...

Paul Pedigo

Paul Pedigo

Jan 24, 2025

Paul Rucker Pedigo

July 31, 1938 – January 24, 2025

 Paul Rucker Pedigo, age 86 of Konnarock, Virginia, passed away January 24, 2025. He was born in Bassett, Virginia, on July 31, 1938.

Paul graduated from Columbia Union College in 1974 with a teaching degree. He served as a teacher for the Konnarock SDA Church and the Galax SDA Church, instructing multi-grade classes...

Shirley Mercer

Shirley Mercer

Jan 24, 2025

Marion, Virginia 

Shirley Grinstead Mercer age 88, passed away Friday, January 24, 2025 at her home. 

Shirley was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was a devout Christian and a faithful lifetime member of Falling Water Baptist Church who held the honor of being the oldest member. Shirley worked in the dietary department of Francis Marion Manor retiring as Dietary Manager. When...

Cindy Sturgill

Cindy Sturgill

Jan 23, 2025

Marion, Virginia

Cindy Sturgill age 68 passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Smyth County Community Hospital, Marion, Va.

She was preceded in death by her children, Charles Edward Sturgill III and Christy Lynn Sturgill; parents, Lewis & Virginia McDaniel; brother, Stan McDaniel.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Charles Sturgill; son, Curtiss Sturgill; sisters, Mary Ketcher & Loretta McDaniel; brothers, David McDaniel...

Joseph "Mike" Smith

Joseph "Mike" Smith

Jan 21, 2025

Troutdale, Virginia

Joseph “Mike” Smith age 73 passed away in the comfort of his home Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

Mike had a long career at Marion Correctional Treatment Facility. He enjoyed many years playing softball, riding his Harley with his buddies, attending Daytona races, and visiting various other beaches. Mike was a talented football player for Marion Senior High School & was...

Tina M. Blevins

Tina M. Blevins

Jan 21, 2025

Atkins, Virginia

Tina M. Blevins age 93, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, Va. 

Tina was born in Saltville, Va. to the late, Manley Clinton & Annie P. McBride. She was a hard worker and was employed at SouthWest Virginia Mental Health Institute for 20 years and was a great cook at Atkins Elementary School for 20...

Algie Gray Crouse

Algie Gray Crouse

Jan 20, 2025

Marion, Virginia

 Algie Gray Crouse age 98, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025 at Commonwealth Senior Living, Abingdon, Va.

 He was the son of the late Minnie Fox and William A. Crouse, and a resident of the Wassum Valley area for 67 years and 29 years in the Fox Valley area. Algie graduated from Marion High School in 1944 and was immediately...

Sally Meek Testerman

Sally Meek Testerman

Jan 20, 2025

Marion, Virginia

Sally Meek Testerman age 97, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025 . 

Sally was born in Sugar Grove, Virginia, the daughter of the late James R. & Ollie Calhoun Meek.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, B. Kent Testerman; one son, Ronald K. Testerman; five brothers & four sisters. 

Sally is survived by many nieces...

Marlin E. Goff

Marlin E. Goff

Jan 17, 2025

Chilhowie, Va.

Marlin E. Goff, passed away peacefully, Friday, January 17, 2025 at Valley Healthcare Center in Chilhowie, Virginia.

Marlin enjoyed his life. He graduated from Harrisville High School in Harrisville, West Virginia - Class of 1959, where he was a state high school wrestling champion. He entered into the United States Marine Corp and then went to work as a Telephone...

Richard C. Millard

Richard C. Millard

Jan 17, 2025

Kernersville, NC 

 Richard “Dicky” Claude Millard age 71, of Kernersville, NC, unexpectedly passed away at his home on January 17, 2025, his 71st birthday. 

Born on January 17, 1954, in Marion, VA, Dicky was a proud graduate of Virginia Tech, class of 1976. He worked for Hanesbrands for over 25 years, retiring in 2021. A lifelong Hokie fan, Dicky’s love for Virginia...

Jennifer McMillan

Jennifer McMillan

Jan 17, 2025

Lebanon, Va.

Jennifer McMillan age 67, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025 at her home in Lebanon, Va.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Sue Haydock.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Elk Garden United Methodist Church, 189 Hayters Gap Road, Rosedale, VA 24280. Burial will follow at 11 a.m....

Thomas "Tom" Earl Burdette

Thomas "Tom" Earl Burdette

Jan 17, 2025

Kingston, TN.

Thomas “Tom” Earl Burdette, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Kingston, Tennessee on January 17, 2025, reunited with his beloved wife whom he had deeply missed

 Tom was a wonderful husband, father, uncle, and adored all his grandchildren and great grandchildren beyond measure. He was born on June 27, 1946, in Norton, Virginia. He received a bachelor’s...

Ida Cullop

Ida Cullop

Jan 16, 2025

Mocksville, NC.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

Ida T. Cullop age 91, was gathered by the angels and called home to her eternal rest on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Mocksville, North Carolina. Surrounded by love, she peacefully left this world, free from pain and with a holy, restored body in the presence of the Lord. 

Ida was born on March 26,...

Herman Doyle

Herman Doyle

Jan 15, 2025

Rural Retreat, Va. 

Herman Doyle, age 79, left this world to be with his Lord, Wednesday, January 15, 2025 surrounded by his family at Wythe County Community Hospital in Wytheville, Va.

Herman was an extremely gifted and talented baseball pitcher and during his junior year in high school, he was drafted to play for Cleveland Indians in 1964. Herman also played for...

Danny L. Kilby

Danny L. Kilby

Jan 11, 2025

Glade Spring, Va.

Danny L. Kilby, age 77, passed away January 11, 2025 at his home. 

Danny was dedicated to 38 plus years in operation management of various factories to include Virginia House Furniture, American of Martinsville and lastly, Sure-Wood Forest Products and was proud of his work. Danny was also quality control manager at Coffman Stairs. In his spare time, he...

Carolyn Surber Choate

Carolyn Surber Choate

Jan 8, 2025

Sugar Grove, Va.

Carolyn Surber Choate age 77, passed away Wednesday, January 08, 2025 at Smyth County Community Hospital, Marion, Va.

Carolyn was a true servant with a love for God, family and her community. Married to the love of her life and a true partner, Carol and Jesse made the lives of everyone around them better. From their time with the...

Betty Anderson

Betty Anderson

Jan 3, 2025

Marion, Va. 

Betty Ann Kennedy Anderson age 84, closed her eyes here on earth and opened them in Heaven on Friday, January 03, 2025. 

Betty was short, feisty, independent, stubborn and we loved that about her! She basically raised herself in her younger years, so she just knew how to do things and make them work. She also was a tell it...

Linda Parks Russell

Linda Parks Russell

Jan 2, 2025

Sugar Grove, Va. 

Linda Parks Russell age 73, passed away Thursday, January 02, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones. 

Linda was a strong willed, independent woman who didn’t let her illness control her life. Prior to her illness, she worked at Brunswick, was a Lady Auxiliary Member at the Smyth County Moose Lodge #1004 where she made numerous friendships, and loved to...