David Radford

David Radford, 79 of Floyd, transitioned from this world and met his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 25, 2024. He was born on January 28, 1945 into a rather large family. His mother and father, Elsie and Albert Radford have preceded him in death along with his first wife, Lindal Radford; a daughter, Tangie Radford; one infant sister; a brother, Everett “Buddy” Radford; and another sister, Mildred Ferguson.

Surviving members of his family include his wife, Arlene Radford; daughters, Lisa Radford (Wayne Gillespie) and Pamela Snead (Ross). After marrying Arlene, David gained a bonus daughter, Teresa Epperly (Danny) and two sons, Glenn Linkous and Brock Sweeney (Amber). He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Grooms, Nancy Wade, and Betty Jean Martin (Richard); and brothers, William “Bo” Radford (Ernestine) and Jimmy Radford (Martha).

David loved his family and especially the children. He was always so happy when grandchildren and great-grandchildren visited. His grandchildren include Sabrina Schulze, Vicky McAlexander, Jacob McAlexander, Heather Vest, Aaron Vest, Nicole Crawford, Jonathon Snead, Brandy Hall, Alexis Epperly, Kendall Epperly, Kellie Whittaker, Logan Sweeney, Kaylee Sweeney, Tara Cisco, and Brittney Parham. He also had quite a lineup of great-grandchildren, Shauna, Garrett, Kylie, Wyatt, and Arick Schulze, Lilah and Emberly Hollandsworth, Quinton Fitzgerald, Markelle and Rayshawn Vest, Sage, Wilder and Hank Crawford, Coy Snead, Aria Vest, Shaylee, Malachi, and Judah Hall, Mason and Julie Whittaker, Ryleigh, Colter, and Carson Parham, and Haley Cisco. To say David was blessed was an understatement.

David was a hard worker. He worked at Stanleytown Furniture and the Radford Arsenal earlier in his life. However, he spent his later years working for the Blue Ridge Parkway until retirement. He never seemed ready for retirement, though, and used his carpentry and building skills on projects throughout his lifetime. David built and remodeled many houses along the way. He and Arlene lived in many of those houses along with other family members.

David was always available to help his family and others in any way possible whether it be mowing the yard, cutting wood, or other odd jobs that needed to be done. He loved doing his yard sales with Arlene in the bottom portion of their home. That was his passion later on in life. David worked hard in his church, too. He was a deacon and a staple within his church community. His absence will definitely be felt by many.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Warren Bumgarner officiating. Interment will follow in Williams Cemetery. The family will receive friends from Noon until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Harlan Heath Goad

 

Harlan Heath Goad, 84 of Roanoke, entered into eternal rest at his home on Thursday, July 25, 2024 surrounded by his family who had taken care of him so faithfully and lovingly for ten months.

Harlan was born on October 2, 1939 to Nelles Heath and Vivian Virginia Thompson Goad who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death are his brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Virginia Goad; sister, Maybellene Smythers; brothers-in-law, Avis Quesenberry and Curtis Roop; and daughter-in-law, Connie Huff Goad.

Harlan lived his young life in the Indian Valley area of Floyd County. He made the Roanoke Valley his home after being married. He was employed at Roanoke Electric Steel for 15 years. After which, he went into the timber business retiring at the age of 70. He was a hard worker and taught his children the same. He enjoyed fishing with his children and grandchildren. In the fall he could be found in the woods hunting as he worked. Gardening was also a favorite thing for him to do especially growing tomatoes having a goal to get a ripe one by July 4^th which he usually did. Harlan accepted the Lord as his Savior on an Easter Sunday morning, April 11, 1971. For the last 22 years he attended Fellowship Baptist Church as long as his health permitted.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Corrine Lester Goad; children, Mary Katherine “Kathy” Sutphin, Danny Harlan Goad (Rhonda), Robin Renee Goad Eller (Mike), David Heath Goad (Cindy); grandchildren, Ephraim Sutphin, Mandy Wright (Chris), Israel Sutphin, Cameron Goad (Ellen), Cullen Goad, Taylor Goad, Allyson Pratt (Ben), Christianna Goad, Nehemiah Goad, Jesse Rolon, Hope Escobar (Ernest), Eli Rolon, Samson Rolon (Amber), Moriah Rolon, Tobias Rolon, Paul Goad, Amber Hayes (Brye), April Boyd (Andrew), and Luke Goad; great-grandchildren, Austin Wright, Aiden Wright, Arya Escobar, Genesis Rolon, Sawyer Rolon, Ivory Hayes, Harvey Hayes, Lincoln Hayes, Wilder Hayes, Elliana Hayes, and Jace Boyd; brother, Leonard C. Goad; sisters, Joyce Quesenberry and Linda Stanley (Frank); and sister-in-law, Lois Roop.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin and David Goad officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at the funeral home.

Ruth Altizer Moran

Ruth Altizer Moran, 78 of Fairlawn, went to be with her Lord on Monday, July 15, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband, James Everett Moran; son, Michael Ray Light; parents, Vada & Annie Altizer; brothers, Edward Altizer and Lawrence Altizer; and sisters, Betty Duncan and Bernice Akers.

She is survived by her son, Mark Light (Angie Jewell); brothers, Teddy Altizer, Tazwell Altizer, Phillip Altizer (Norma), and Tommy Altizer; sister, Rosie Altizer (Gene); special friend and caregiver, Tami Holk; and loving pet, Daisy.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor David Vance officiating. Interment will follow in White Rock Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

H. James "Jim" Akers, Jr.

 

H. James “Jim” Akers, Jr., of Roanoke, died peacefully on Monday, July 15, 2024.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Dulaney Akers; sons, James Mark Akers (Debbie) and Terence Alan Akers (Pat); daughter, Molly Ann Akers Thomas (Kenny); grandson, James Kenneth Thomas.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024 at Jacksonville Cemetery, Floyd, Virginia with Pastor Roy Turpin officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice. 

Howard Wesley Perdue

 

Howard Wesley Perdue, 64, passed peacefully to his Heavenly home on Friday, July 12, 2024 while in the arms of his loving wife with family by his side.

Wesley was born on March 4, 1960 to Harry & Edna Perdue and was from Check, VA. As a teenager, he fell in love with his soul mate, Dinah. Shortly after Wesley graduated from Floyd County High School he was married and then courageously served in the United States Army. After leaving the military, he worked as a machinist for many years. Wesley and Dinah went on to have three children, three grandchildren, and were married for 42 years. Wesley was not only hard-working, loyal, independent, and often described as “tough as nails,” but he also had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a well-known prankster and found great joy in making others laugh. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. Above all, he cherished his family and was a loyal husband, proud father, affectionate grandfather, and a surrogate father to many. Although we are heartbroken by his loss, we take great solace in celebrating a wonderfully meaningful life well-lived. He was truly loved, will be dearly missed, and remains forever in our hearts.

Wesley was preceded in death by his father, Harry Perdue; brother, Bobby Perdue; and father-in-law & mother-in-law, Ray & Kate Phillips.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dinah P. Perdue; children, Brian Perdue, Kari McCoy (Austin), and Kimberly Perdue; grandchildren, Natalie Tessar, Brea Tessar, and Colt McCoy; mother, Edna Perdue; sisters, Sandra Perdue and Nancy McCormick (Larry); and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Nathan Phillips officiating and Military Rites by the Army National Guard. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Oral Lee Conner

 

Oral Lee Conner, 67 of Floyd, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jeff and Eva Belcher Conner; brother, Henry Conner; sisters, Mary Wood, Esther Conner and Rachel Conner. 

He is survived by his son, David Conner; daughter, Sara Conner (Lisa Harmon); grandchildren, Haley & Hayden Conner, and Adonis Rose; siblings, Irene Goad, Jabe Conner (Kathy), Becky Conner, Susie Hickman (David), Glenn Conner (Susan) and James Conner; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024 in the Conner Cemetery on Winery Road in Floyd, VA.  

Claudine Howard Vance

Claudine Howard Vance, 72 of Floyd, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. She is preceded in death by her parents, Junior & Dorothy Howard; brothers, Arnold, Roy, and Ricky Howard; sisters, Doris Howard, Marie Richards, Loretta Harman, and Brenda Howard; granddaughter, Sheena Wade; and son-in-law, Darrell “Peanut” Wade.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, William W. Vance; daughter & sons-in-law, Connie Wade, Teresa & Dennis Gibson, and Crystal & Samson Nourse; grandchildren, Brandon (Karie), Chris (Mindy), Britney (Dusten), Jeremiah, Ashley (Tyler), Randy, Hannah, Jaxon, Jordan, and Daniel; great-grandchildren, Karleigh, Jase, Brooklyn, Layla, Nadalee, Mia, Trinity, Nevaeh, and Braxton; sisters & brother-in-law, Ruth Garcia and Mary Frances & Gary Scott; brother-in-law, Junior Vance; and several nieces & nephews.  

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Warren Bumgarner and Rev. Murray Agee officiating. Interment will follow in Topeco Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Melinda "Mindy" S. DeCesar

Melinda (Mindy) S. DeCesar passed away on July 8, 2024.

Mindy retired from a successful career as a ranger with the National Park Service, but the careers she will be most remembered for are of a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Mindy grew up in the city, but she raised her young family on a homestead in the hills of southern West Virginia. While working as a nurse in the community, at home she raised a huge garden, kept horses, made cheese from her goats’ milk, and helped run a small business. She founded a Girl Scout troop in the community and later became a regional director for the scouts. She provided scouting opportunities for hundreds of young girls.

Mindy taught her children to appreciate the outdoors with long hikes and canoe trips on the local rivers. She was able to see these experiences passed on to her grandchildren.

Her career took her to the United States Virgin Islands where she developed programs to educate visitors about the indigenous West Indian culture as well as the natural environment, both on land and in the water. It was here that she learned to sail, a skill she practiced until her passing.

After a spell in California’s Redwood National Park, she moved to Meadows of Dan in 2001, where she has resided ever since. Working on the Blue Ridge Parkway as a Supervisory Park Ranger, she was able to expand many programs in the Rocky Knob district. She developed an extensive school visitation program, expanded the demonstrations at Mabry Mill and Mill Mountain campground, and built the interpretive program at the new Blue Ridge Music Center.

After retiring in 2012, Mindy settled into her new non-professional life in Floyd County. She grew grand gardens of flowers and vegetables. She picked up her fiddle, which she had laid down many years ago, and resumed playing traditional music. Typical of Mindy, she became a founding member of the Floyd JAMs program. She performed many times with her band at the Country Store and other venues. Mindy also joined the Floyd Quilt Guild where she learned the art of quilting. She helped in putting on the Regional Quilt show which attracted hundreds of quitters from around the region. She made quilts for all the new babies that appeared in her extended family.

Mindy touched many lives but her love for her family is what we will remember most. She raised her two children to be contributing members of their communities. Her daughter became a teacher and a Girl Scout leader. Her son coordinated several food pantries to help feed those in need. They gave her the five wonderful grandchildren whom she cherished, as they did her.

Mindy is survived by her husband of 44 years, Thomas; her daughter, Nellie Cottle and her husband Jonathon; her son, Matthew DeCesar and his wife Tara; her grandchildren, Janiah, Jon, Clare, Jeremiah, and Margaret. She is also survived by her sister, Abby and her husband Jon; her brother, Robert; and her niece, (almost like a daughter) Rosalie.

There will be a gathering of family, friends, and musicians on August18, 2024, in Meadows of Dan.

Garland Alton Conner

 

Garland Alton Conner, 89 of Fieldale, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024. He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Katherine Phillips Conner; daughter, Deborah Jean Guilliams; and step-son, Tony Stutler.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen Conner and Lynne Nicole Fox (Sam); son, David Morris (Chasity); grandchildren, Ashley Rowland, Heather Perdue (Josh), and Cy Guilliams; and great-grandchildren, Brennen Fox, Autumn Preeman, Wesley Perdue, and Aalyah Perdue.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in Duncan Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from Noon until 1 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Arlie Edward Dalton

 

Arlie Edward Dalton, 88 of Willis, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024. He was born on November 9, 1935 to the late Foster and Belva Dalton.

His childhood and teen years were spent in the Mabry Mill area of the Blue Ridge Parkway. He cherished time spent with his beloved Grandmother the late Josie Goad, and the time spent working for the National Park Service at Rocky Knob. He graduated from Willis High School in 1955. He enjoyed class reunions and staying in touch with those classmates. In his younger years, he volunteered with the Willis Fire Department and the Civil Air Patrol. He really enjoyed helping with the annual fireman’s supper. He worked for VDOT, took computer classes at night, and worked for Norfolk & Southern until he retired. He was well known for his woodworking skills. Many children remember the visits from ‘Santa Claus’. He never met a stranger and was well respected in his community. There was never a hungry cat or dog around his home.

Arlie was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie Dalton; his sisters, Linda Dalton and Lorene Hopkins; and son-in-law, Richard Perdue.

Surviving are his children, Cara Perdue, Jeff and Michelle Dalton; grandchildren, Brittany and Matt Wells, Tiffanie Lester and Ben Cluxton, Brandon and Ashley Lester; great-grandchildren, Heidi and Walker Wells and Kinziee and Gatlin Lester; sisters, Lois Smith and Essie Dalton; niece, Becky Price; nephews, Steve Reece, Scott Reece and Chris Hopkins; stepchildren, Richard Stewart, Jeffrey Stewart, Tonya Cuthrell, Chantay Arney and Jacqueline Hinton; numerous nieces and nephews, family and friends; our special blessing, Mitzie Wagner who loved and cared for Dad; his beloved dog, Coco; cats, Pooter, Fluff and Torque.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Joe Cox and Pastor Jeff Dalton officiating. Interment will follow in the Goad Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice and Missi Coble.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Floyd County Humane Society, 2136 Franklin Pike SE, Floyd, VA 24091 or Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke, 5985 Coleman Rd, Roanoke, VA 24018.

Virginia Young Goad

Virginia Young Goad, 82 of Myrtle Beach, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Goad; parents, Loss & Lessie Young; brother, Lewis Gordon Young; and half-brother, Kelly Epperly.

She is survived by daughters & sons-in-law, Regina & Allen Reed of Radford, VA, Angela & John Snider of Radford, VA, and Audrey & Timmy Caldwell of Myrtle Beach, SC; sister, Geraldine Young Jordan Hanley of Jefferson, TX; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren plus three on the way.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Delores Caldwell officiating. Interment will follow in the Captain George Quesenberry Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until Noon prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Amedisys Home Health Care & Agape Hospice of Myrtle Beach, SC.

Kathleen Hylton Mabery

Kathleen Hylton Mabery, 92 of Willis, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Ray Mabery; son, Larry Ray Mabery; and grandson, Donald Timothy Spence.

She is survived by her children, Linda Gay Moore (the late Doug Moore), Terry Leon Mabery (Debora Keith), and Michael Lee Mabery (Teresa); grandchildren, Ricky Spence (Mendy), Casey Mabery (Adam Conner), Megan Mabery (Luke), Jake Mabery (Maria), Michah Mabery, Josh Mabery, Kayden Moore, and Riley Moore; great-grandchildren, Abby Vest (Dylan) and Jared Spence (Mary Ann); great-great-grandchildren, Brinley, Aria, and Harper Spence; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Brent Carrick and Pastor Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in the Willis Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Dillard Wayne Akers

 

Dillard Wayne Akers, 78 of Christiansburg, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Orville “Doc” & Mabel “Nan” Cox Akers; siblings, Charles Akers, Orville (Dockie) Akers, Jr., Carolyn Akers Owens; infant daughter, Barbara Jean; and infant grandson, Matthew Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon Long Akers; daughters & sons-in-law, Angela & David Holcomb, Pamela & Ronald Smith, and Patricia “Trish” Colley; grandchildren, Leslie Holcomb, Katie Smith, James Holcomb, Joseph Holcomb (Sara Mitchell), Megan Smith (Jess), Elizabeth “Izzy” Holcomb (Nick Harrell), and Jenny Colley; great-grandchild, Estella Holcomb; special nephew, Samuel “Eddie” & Stephanie Akers; and special friend, Clifford Orange.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ronnie Duncan and Pastor Ronald Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Ambrose Cox Cemetery with Military Rites by the Seymour Johnson Air Force Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Vittles for Vets, 7757 Walker Farms Drive, Radford, VA 24141 or by visiting https://vittlesforvetsradfordva.com/