Rose Marie Ratcliffe

Rose Marie Ratcliffe, 69 of Floyd, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2020. She is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel & Alice M. Ratcliffe; and siblings, Carol Ann Ratcliffe, Kathy Griffin, and Robert Ratcliffe. 

She is survived by her sister & brother-in-law, Betty & Jimmy Boothe; special sister-in-law, Liz Morgan; and nieces & nephews, Charlie Ratcliffe, Brian Ratcliffe, Robert Ratcliffe, II, Robert Ratcliffe, III, Ashley Harmon, and Christina Hinegarener. 

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020 in the Beaver Creek Cemetery with Rev. Graham Mitchell officiating.

Glenn Harvey Peters

Glenn Harvey Peters, 93 of Copper Hill, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard & Chloe Peters; son, Roger Peters; brother, Wayne Peters; sister, Peggy Harris; and brother-in-law, Don Fortner.

Glenn was a man who never knew a stranger. He loved his family and friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Glenn was a lifelong farmer and loved the land and his cows. He was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He will be remembered as always having a smile on his face.

He is survived by his wife 58 years, Nancy Hall Peters; son & daughter-in-law, Larry & Carol Peters; daughter & son-in-law, Carole & Brent Craighead; grandchildren, Becca Peters, Bradley Peters, and Samantha Craighead; sister, Shelby Fortner; and brother-in-law, Leonard Harris.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2020 in the Restvale Cemetery with Pastor Roy Turpin and Pastor Warren Brown officiating and Military Rites by Floyd VFW Post 7854 and American Legion Post 127.

Sarah Elizabeth Carroll

Sarah Elizabeth Carroll, 38 of Roanoke, surrounded by family, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2020. She is preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn Hairston Fontaine; and brother, Christopher Hairston.

Sarah was a 2000 graduate of Patrick Henry high school. She went on to receive her Associates degree in Nursing and was employed as a registered Nurse at Lewis-Gale Hospital until her health declined.

Sarah was and still is a beacon of light for many in our community. She always had an image of being a supportive and compassionate woman; a caring and empathetic nurse; and most notably a loving, strong and generous mother.

She is survived by her children, Aryanna Carroll, Devonte Wiley, Keshanti Wiley, and Aaron Carroll; father, James Dale Carroll (Linda); siblings, Samantha Carroll-Hill (Stephon), Judy Hairston (Jeremiah), James Carroll, II, and Michael Carroll (Kimberly); nieces & nephews, Nekeah Stokes, Taylor Hairston, Janaiya Hill, Stephon Hill, Logan Hairston, and Chrislyn Hill; special friend & caregiver, Sidney Via; uncles, Dwayne Hairston (Joyce), James Parker, and Darrell Parker (Crystal) along with a host of other aunts and uncles; cousins, Christina Hairston and Kaelani Stephens along with a host of other cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2020 at the Little River Cemetery, 934 Poor Farm Road SE, Floyd, VA 24091 (off of Route 221 North) with Pastor Jeff Wilson officiating.

Ruby E. Harris Dickerson

Ruby E. Harris Dickerson, 93 of Willis, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2020. She is preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Dickerson. She was his helpmate all their married life as Calvin lost his right arm in WWII. They lived in Ballard, WV, where they raised two children, Martha and Tom, both of whom preceded Ruby in death.

Ruby’s parents were Clarence C. & Lura Alderman Harris; sisters, Mary H. Hylton (Lester), Geneva H. Simmons (Percy); and brothers, Vernon Harris (Cornelia), and Freeman Harris (Pauline).

Left to cherish Ruby’s memory are brothers and their wives, Russell Harris (Margurite) of Warrenton, VA and Wendell Harris (LaNita) of Meadows of Dan, VA; daughter-in-law, Diana Dickerson of Richmond, VA and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Ruby was a member of Burks Fork Brethren Church as a child and returned to the church when she moved home to Floyd in 1996.

A private graveside service will be held with Pastor Mike Battle officiating. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Marshall Rifton Light

Marshall Rifton Light, 84 of Christiansburg, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy & Mamie Light; and brothers, Joseph Light and David Light.

He is survived by his wife, Edith V. Light; sons & daughters-in-law, Ronnie D. Light, Clyde & Theda Light, Carl & Peggy Light; daughters & sons-in-law, Donna & Bruce Eicher, Becky & T.J. Ollis; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; sister & brother-in-law, Elizabeth & Bobby Bratton; brother, Edward Light; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at the Piedmont Cemetery with Rev. Kenneth Poston officiating.

Juanita Poff Conner

Juanita Poff Conner, 94 of Copper Hill, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2020. She is preceded in death by her husband, Cleophas Conner; and parents, William Vance & Paradine Conner Poff.

She is survived by her son & daughter-in-law, Clyde Marvin & Pamela Conner; granddaughters, Vanessa Carter and Charlcy Conner; and great-grandchildren, Nathan (Nate) Patton, II, Caroline Patton, and Charlotte Conner.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at the Restvale Cemetery with Pastor Ronnie Sutphin officiating.

Lellia Stuart McDaniel

Lellia Mae Stuart McDaniel, born on February 23, 1936 in Floyd County, departed this life on April 11, 2020. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Roy & Maude Stuart; a brother, Roy Stuart, Jr.; her husband, Paul H. McDaniel; and a son, Ronnie O’Dell McDaniel. 

Lellia was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and a member of the Floyd VA Congregation. She enjoyed farm life raising cattle and was an animal lover. Her cat “Trashy” which she jokingly talked to just last week saying “Well Trashy, we have grown old together, just two old girls, I love you still.” She took on Dementia as a trooper and fought hard to hold her ground despite the various phases it threw at her. During her life she was a very devoted daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by a vast number of family and friends. 

She is survived by her daughter, Paula McDaniel of Copper Hill; two sisters, Lorraine Price of Copper Hill and Augustine Saunders of Willis; two grandsons, Brandon (Jessica) McDaniel and Shiloh McDaniel of Copper Hill.

A private family graveside will be held in the Stuart Cemetery.

Hazel Lee Harman Sutphin

Hazel Lee Harman Sutphin, 78, of Willis, passed away, Thursday, April 9, 2020. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur & Treva Harman; son, Donnie Lee Sutphin; grandson, Zachary Andrew Zeigler; and sister, Patsy Jean Harman.

She is survived by her husband, Lonnie Sutphin; children, Lawrence Sutphin, Judy Tate, Lisa McCloud, Brenda and Randy DeHart, and Bradley Sutphin;  grandchildren, Jamie Sutphin, Daniel Sutphin, Kimberly Scruggs, Angie Brame, Jason Tate, Derek Jordan, Vincent McCloud,  Hayley DeHart, R.J. DeHart, Lilly Sutphin, and Tommy Bolt; great-grandchildren, Hunter Glidewell, Blake Hodges, Logan Hodges, and Jagger Brame; great great-grandchildren, Benton Glidewell and Levi Sutphin; brother, Maurice Harman; and sister, Connie Harman.

A private family graveside will be held.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Angie Brame.

Jodine Lenetta Wilson

Jodine Lenetta Wilson, 69 of Floyd, passed away Monday, April 6, 2020.

She was a longtime resident of Oklahoma City, a retired Bookkeeper by trade and a loving mother, grandmother and friend.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doyal Russell Wilson.

She is survived by her parents, Walter Eliot and June Phyllis Jones Bent; son, Marshall Wilson; daughter, Jennifer Wilson; grandchildren, Shelby Wilson, Rachel Wilson, Chyenne Saner and Nicholas Saner.

Burial will take place at a later date in Oklahoma. 

Harry Ronald Weddle

Harry Ronald Weddle, 81 of Willis, went Home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 6, 2020. Ronald was born in Floyd County to the late John W. Weddle and Ruth Harman Weddle. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Catherine Weddle Compton.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Doris S. Weddle of Willis; two daughters, Debra Hale of Floyd and Tina (Curtis) Banks of Hillsville; one son, Dewayne (Melissa) Weddle of Willis; three grandsons, Dustin (Emily) McGuire, Randall Hale, and Elijah Banks; and three granddaughters, Kendra Sharp and fiancé Nathan Frost, Jennifer and Amanda Weddle.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Clinton William Alley

Clinton William Alley, 82 of Pilot, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2020. He is preceded in death by his wife, Erma Gene Alley; sister, Louise Hodges; and brother, Leonard Alley.

He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Eddie & Tina Alley; daughter & son-in-law, Leslie & Shannon Robinson; grandchildren, Nicholas Alley, Brayden Alley, Brody Alley, Keaton Alley, Matthew Grooms, Marissa Robinson, and Jordanna Robinson; sister & brother-in-law, Jean & Willie Miller; brother, Junior Alley; and his beloved cat, Blacky.

Due to the COVID-19 virus restrictions, a private family graveside service will be held at Indian Creek Cemetery.

Galen Frank Reed

Galen Frank (Butch) Reed, 75 of Alum Ridge, went to be with the Lord March 23, 2020. Galen served in the Army, including a tour of duty in South Korea. After the army he spent most of his adult life as a truck driver, driving in 49 states, as well as Canada, and Mexico, and had visited Hawaii and Japan, as well. Galen then retired to where he had spent most of his childhood in Alum Ridge, VA, where he enjoyed gardening for as long as he was able.

Galen was preceded in death by his parents, Frank James and Vada Akers Reed; and a brother, Kenneth Wayne Reed.

He is survived by his children, John Reed (Andrea), Littlestown, Pa., Frank Reed (Donna), Taneytown, MD , Deborah Cerifko (Tom), Hanover, PA, James Reed (Robert), New Chester, PA, and Sharon Reed, Biglerville, PA; two sisters, Florene Lester Roanoke, VA, Arlene Dowdy (Robert) Blacksburg, VA; one brother, Troy Reed Alum Ridge VA. Galen was also blessed with 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. 

Due to the coronavirus there will be a private burial at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Alum Ridge, with a memorial service following at a later date.

James Allen Altizer

James Allen (Jim) Altizer, 77 of Floyd, passed from this world on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, as a result of injuries from a fall.

Jim graduated from Floyd High school in 1960, joined the Army in 1961, returned to Floyd in 1964 and married sweetheart Pat Hale. Jim joined the workforce as a heavy equipment operator and was regarded as one of the best. He retired from Branch Highways in 2006 and as long as he was able, he pursued his passion for hunting and fishing.

Jim’s parents were the late J. Allen Altizer and Virginia Altizer.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia Hale Altizer; and two sons, Jay Allen and Amy Altizer of Dallas TX and grandchildren Mary Grace, James and Marguerite and Carson Hale and Emily Altizer of Floyd and grandchildren Ansley and Leah.

A private graveside service for immediate family will be held at Jacksonville Cemetery.

When safety concerns over public gatherings have subsided, a celebration of life for friends, neighbors and Floyd United Methodist church family will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Floyd United Methodist Church.

Donald Gilbert Turner

Donald Gilbert Turner, 85 of Floyd, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2020. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Billings Turner; parents, George & Martha Long Turner; son, David M. Turner; grandchild, Rahmel Johnson; brothers, Lloyd Turner, George “Willie” Turner, and Earl Turner; and sister, Ann Marie Turner.

Donald was retired from Texaco Oil Company and the Newark Board of Education in New Jersey after many years. He was born and raised in Orange, New Jersey and received his education in the Newark School System.

He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Donald L. Turner, Jr. & Shawn Ellison-Turner; daughters, Lana J. Turner Harrison, Sheila D. Turner Wilson, and Jeanette Donna Turner; grandchildren, Walter Earl Wilson, Lorraine D. Wilson, Lisa J. Wilson, Abriana Johnson, Ahmirah Turner, Chase Turner, and Nasir Simmons; great-grandchildren, Rayhon Johnson, Kaeleb Turner, and Keion Flint; brother, Leon Turner; sisters, Pauline Pierce, Ruby White, and Martha (Marian) Turner; brother-in-law, Jerry Billings; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Due to the widespread COVID-19 virus, services scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2020 have been canceled. Those who wish to sign the register book for the family may do so from 10 a.m. until Noon on Monday at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel.

Peggy J. Keith

Mrs. Peggy J. Keith, 79, went Home to meet her Savior on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Skyline Nursing Home in Floyd, VA.  Born on June 1, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Beatrice Duncan Harman and Garney Sutphin.

Peggy was a loving wife, mother and “Granny Peggy” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored.  They always brought a smile to her face.  She loved playing bingo and camping until she was no longer able to.  She cherished her many friendships with her camping buddies.  Peggy spent many years working in the sewing factories in Floyd.  She retired from Legacy at the age of 72.

She is survived by her devoted soulmate of 55 years, Frank Keith, of Floyd, VA; her five children, Diane Cannaday and husband, Calvin; Dean Sutphin and wife, Penny; Sandra Nolen and husband, Mike; Darrell Keith and wife, Missy;  Rhonda Morris and husband, Doug ; and her grandchildren,  Holly Kiser, Mitchell Nolen, Robin Nolen, Justin Cannaday, Derek Cannaday, Heather Spangler, Lizena Thompson, Shawna Morris, Jessica Morris, Austin Keith and Dillon Keith; great-grandchildren,  Alexis Kiser, Levi Kiser, Adelee Kiser, Owen Cannaday, Asa Cannaday, Mallory Nolen, Miles Nolen, Nigel Duncan, Collin Lusk and Chloe Keith; 2 step-grandchildren and 7 step-great-grandchildren; special cousin, Mrs. Wanda Sue Phillips and husband, Stirgess, of King George, VA.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin, Pastor Cecil Brown, and Pastor Marvin Wade officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020 at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the nurses at Skyline Nursing Home for the tender, loving care they gave Peggy over the last couple of months.  Thanks is also extended to Amedisys Hospice in Roanoke, VA.

Rev. Gerald Richard Phillips

Rev. Gerald Richard Phillips, 92 of Indian Valley, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lora Mae Flinchum Phillips; five brothers; and two sisters.

Gerald loved the Lord first and foremost. He went on numerous mission trips. He cherished his family and spending time with them. He loved to spend time in the mountains and golf in his spare time. He made the most of every moment and enjoyed the simple things in life. He touched so many lives and was loved by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Ivan and Mary Phillips; Duane and Charlotte Phillips; Kevin and Melinda Phillips; grandchildren, Suzette & Nelson Tart, Stacy and Scott Ham, Rachael and Tim Quesenberry, Crystal and David Musick, Ronnie and Debbie Akers, Amanda  & Shawn Duncan, Isaac Phillips, Samuel Phillips, Katina and Jake Rice, Andrea and Gary Martin, Steven Phillips; great-grandchildren, Dylan and Morgan Sumner, Adam and Cody Quesenberry, Luke and Lilly Duncan, Keri Sheppard, Brandon Musick, Brook and Brittney Akers, Jacob and Lucas Rice, Tyler and Kyle Ham, Kimberly Tooley, Lane Thompson, Allen, Brett, and Brooke Martin, Talyn and Braylyn Phillips, and Kyle McAllister; great great-grandchildren, Brayden Sumner, Emma McAllister, Wesley McAllister, Mason Akers, Bryleigh Brown, and Baby Rice on the way; sister-in-law, Wilma Phillips; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020 at the Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Ricky Atkins and Rev. Allen Cherry officiating. Interment will follow in the Captain George Quesenberry Cemetery with Military Rites by the Army National Guard. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heritage Hall at Laurel Meadows for their excellent, compassionate, and loving care.

Thelma Jean Gardner Maloney

Thelma Jean Gardner Maloney, age 81 passed away on February 16, 2020 in Lakeland Florida.  She was born on May 23, 1938 in Indian Valley in Floyd County, Virginia to Lawrence and Blanche Gardner.  

Jean is survived by her son, Phillip Keith of Lakeland; granddaughters, Crystal Keith of Bastrop Texas and Brittany Jean Keith of Lakeland; grandson, Thomas Keith of Christiansburg Virginia; five great-grandchildren, Makayla Collins, Makenzie Collins, Cole Chapman, Evelyn Jean Chapman, and Reese Jean Keith; and brother, Charles Gardner (Beth) of Lakeland. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Maloney.  Jean attended public schools in Floyd through her Junior year in high school.  She graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1956.  An accomplished seamstress, she worked in the garment industry in Christiansburg, Jonesville, and other locations in Virginia.  After moving to Lakeland, she worked in the upholstery division of Piper Aircraft.  She retired from Publix Supermarkets after over 20 years of service.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel in light of the recent developments with the COVID-19/Coronavirus.
  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to your favorite charity.

Vinton Harley Quesenberry

Vinton Harley Quesenberry left this earth to be with his Lord on Sunday, March 8, 2020, in Grayson County, Virginia, at 9:30 in the morning. He was circled by his family and loved by many friends as he made his final journey to his eternal home.

He was born on August 12, 1933 in Carroll County, Virginia, to Mark Fuston and Woodsby (Marshall) Quesenberry and joined a family that eventually totaled five boys and five girls. Though his given name at birth was Harley, most of his life, he was known by Vinton and, when he entered the United States Army, his documents were changed accordingly. 

It was a hard-scrabble life in the mountains of southwestern Virginia, and Vinton left it early, trying to join the military first at the age of sixteen, and finally being accepted the following year when his mother signed for him. He served proudly in the service of his country, doing overseas duty in Japan during the Korean conflict; he attained the rank of corporal in the United States Army. He was a devoted American citizen all of his life. 

Vinton married Mary Helen Quesenberry on November 21, 1956, after convincing her to drive across the state line following a double date with her sister. They shared life for almost fifty-seven years until her death from cancer in 2013. He married Vicki Hall on January 1, 2015. 

Vinton Quesenberry was not only a soldier, but also a heavy equipment mechanic, a builder, a community crime-prevention coordinator and a gardener. But he was best known as “preacher.” He shared with others the freedom he’d found in 1964 when he yielded his stubborn will and received grace and peace in Christ. He always had time to pray with anyone who needed it. Even as a fulltime pastor, his world of ministry was to everyone he knew who was in crisis and pain, which included those sick and shut-in in the nursing homes. Then when he left the pastorate, he entered into a fulltime circuit nursing home ministry. And if there was ever a need for a preacher, everyone knew you could call Vinton Quesenberry. He preached more funerals in his last years of ministry than most preachers do in a lifetime. He was also a prayer warrior, and he kept a long list of people he prayed for every day. In fact, it has been said that the only way to be removed from his daily prayer list was to die. Some of the family’s best memories of Vinton Quesenberry center on his prayers, when he’d call the family around, get on his knees and lead out with his customary words “Loving Father.” 

Vinton Quesenberry was always a man of action. When he made up his mind to do something, it would be done, and usually sooner than one expected. He was renown in the family for changing plans, leaving earlier for a trip than he’d announced, and always arriving early for everything. If a meal was later than previously announced, he might be found wandering into the kitchen, uncovering pots and sneaking bites and saying, “It’s time to eat!” He disdained paper plates and thought homestyle pinto beans were the solution to most of the world’s ills. He had a sweet tooth, which he sometimes fought, especially when he and Helen were on one of their famous “no sweets” diets, but to which he would often mischievously give in. He never lost his penchant for building things or his love for the outdoors. The property in Indian Valley looked like its own miniature development, with “out-buildings” and sheds here and there and frequent additions to the porch and fence; in fact, one cousin remarked that he needed his own zip code. He loved a good story, and the family remembers his quiet smile as he listened to his boys spin yarns in the front room. He could be coaxed into talking about his military service; he was a patriot through and through. He liked warm fires and woodsmoke, early mornings outside and nice cars. He loved to tease and affectionately aggravate his daughters-in-law. He was proud of his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and liked to have pictures of them. His favorite pastime, outside of reading the Bible, was listening to sermons and reading Christian magazines. He was tirelessly pursuing the God who never gave up on him. 

Vinton Quesenberry is survived by his wife, Vicki (Hall) Quesenberry of Galax, Virginia; by his sons, Douglas (Carm) Quesenberry of Maryville, Tennessee; Darryl (Lisa) Quesenberry  of Lisbon, Ohio; Daniel (Rhonda) Quesenberry of Stoneboro, Pennsylvania; Duane (Valorie) Quesenberry of Westfield, Indiana; by his grandchildren, Philip (Rebecca) Quesenberry of Beavertown, Pennsylvania; Martha (Rodney) Manners of Salem, Ohio; Sarah (Dan) Hardy of Alberton, Montana; Emily (Ryan) Oldaker of Clarksburg, West Virginia; Joshua Quesenberry of Knoxville, Tennessee; Jessica (Mark) Hollabaugh of Knoxville, Tennessee; Joanna Quesenberry of Stoneboro, Pennsylvania; Ashley Quesenberry of Cincinnati, Ohio; Autumn Quesenberry of Westfield, Indiana; Stewart Quesenberry of Westfield, Indiana; Kaley Quesenberry of Westfield, Indiana and great-grandchildren, Natalie, Emma, McKalaey and Isabella Quesenberry; Danny, Jaonna and Amriella Hardy; Braydon, Kayla and Brylan Hollabaugh, Khloe and Kai Oldaker and one due in September 2020 and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mark Fuston and Woodsby (Marshall) Quesenberry;  his first wife, Mary Helen Quesenberry; and his nine siblings, Winters (Quesenberry) Akers; Effie (Quesenberry) Crowder; Victor Quesenberry Merle (Quesenberry) Kirkner; Vera (Quesenberry) O’Dell; Bitley Quesenberry; Daniel Quesenberry, Margaret Ann (infant) and Johnny Quesenberry.  

There is no adequate earthly measure for a life dedicated to God. A mountain son, born to generational alcoholism, rebellion and self-will, was transformed by the mighty power of God and used to spread the message of salvation to hundreds, probably thousands, many of whom now rejoice with him in the presence of Jesus.  

For Vinton Quesenberry, the battle is over; a faithful soldier has made it home where his redeemed soul will ever be with the Lord. “Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

The family is grateful for the many kindnesses of their friends during their time of sorrow. They would especially like to thank Mountain Valley Hospice for their excellence and loving care during the illness of their father.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at the Indian Valley Church of God with Rev. David Spivy officiating. Interment will follow in the Phillips Cemetery with Military Rites by the Army National Guard. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at the church.

Harless Wade Conner

Harless Wade Conner, 65 of Floyd, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2020. He is preceded in death by his father, Ruben Lee Conner; uncle, Lemmie Conner; aunt & uncle, Minnie King (Linburg); and brother-in-law, David Noble. 

He is survived by his mother, Emmie Conner; sisters, Linda Fransisco (Melvin), Mary Noble, and Kathy McKay (Steven); uncle, Arthur Conner (Ilene); and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Monday, March 9, 2020 at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Steven Wade officiating. Interment will follow in the Old Salem Cemetery, Copper Hill. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to Noon prior to the service at the funeral home.

Marvin Valentine Nolen

Marvin Valentine Nolen, 95 of Floyd, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2020 in his home in Floyd County. He was a lifelong farmer. He also worked for the Blue Ridge Parkway until his retirement in 1980. Marvin was known for his integrity and his strong work ethic.  He was also known for his beautiful blue eyes. He was a member of the “Greatest Generation”, who won World War II. Marvin served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific on a landing craft gunboat, the LCS (L) Mark III #47. He was fond of saying that he steered a ship before he learned to drive a car, but also lived long enough to ride with his grandson, Alex, in his electric semi-autonomous car. Marvin occasionally and modestly shared stories of his wartime experience with his family and friends. 

He enjoyed farming, gardening, auctions, working outdoors, and maintaining the Charles & Violet Turner Cemetery in the Runnett Bag community, and keeping up with world events.

Marvin was the youngest of nine siblings, born to Samuel Kemper Nolen and Loula Sedina Nolen on February 15, 1925, on a farm along Floyd County’s southern border, near the head of Runnett Bag Creek in the County Line Community. He grew up in a time when life was much more simple, using horses and mules for farm work, without electricity or any of the conveniences we in the modern era take for granted. His early life resembled very closely the life of the early settlers. Marvin developed his enormous capacity for hard work as a farmer in his early years. His brothers were Roy Nolen, Earl Nolen (Flora), Jewell Nolen (Dovie), Cecil Nolen (Esther), and an infant brother. His sisters were Avis Thomas (Alvah), Myrtle Greer (Bernice), and Ava Marshall (Gus), all of whom are now deceased. In 1953 he married Mildred Altizer, also of Floyd County, and raised a family with her on a farm beside the Blue Ridge Parkway, until her death in 2007. It would be impossible to exaggerate the importance of Mildred to Marvin’s life, giving him and their children the full measure of her devoted attention and gentle care. She was fully his equal in hard work and dedication to the family.

Left to cherish Marvin’s memory are his children, Darrell Nolen (Mary) of Virginia Beach, Julian Nolen of Floyd, Layton Nolen of Fancy Gap, Myra Adams of Christiansburg, and Ron Nolen (Kathy O’Neill) of Blacksburg. Marvin will also be fondly remembered by his nieces, Gloria Dean Prillaman and Pat Greer; great-niece, Loretta Chisom; nephew, Randall Nolen (Nancy); as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Jane Altizer Bowen; and his wife’s extended family, the Ingrams. 

The family appreciates the tender care given to Marvin in his recent years by caregiver, Crystal Black and the nurses and doctors of the Veterans Administration, Home Based Primary Care, and the support of friends and neighbors. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in the County Line Baptist Church Cemetery, where he will rest in peace with his beloved wife, Mildred, as well as his mother, father, and other family members with Military Rites by Floyd V.F.W. Post #7854 and American Legion Post #127. The family will receive friends from 1 – 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2020 prior to the service at the funeral home.

Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to the Floyd County Fire Department, P.O. Box 33, Floyd, VA 24091 in Marvin’s memory.