obits

William Allen "Bill" Bingman, 75, of Trent Orchard Rd., Patrick Springs, died Saturday, May 3, 2008, at the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.

He was born in Patrick County on September 24, 1929 and was a son of the late Sandy R. and Sallie Cummings Bingman. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Ruth B. Dickson, and two brothers, Thomas Bingman and David Bingman.

He was a farmer most of his life and was a long-time member of Salem United Methodist Church. He was a 1950 graduate of Hardin Reynolds Memorial School in Critz and was a member of the H.R.M.S. Alumni Association.

Surviving are his wife, Imogene "Jeannie" Mills Bingman of the home; three daughters, Cynthia Ann Bingman, Cheryl B. Wade and Ashleigh B. Sawyers, all of Patrick Springs; one son, William Mills "Billy" Bingman of Patrick Springs; three grandchildren; three sisters, Evelyn Bingman and Dorothy B. "Dot" Nelson, both of Patrick Springs and Frances B. Ashburn of Martinsville; and two brothers, J.C. Bingman of Patrick Springs and Moir Bingman of Critz.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Community Funeral Home chapel in Stuart with the Rev. Sarah Doss officiating. Burial was in Patrick Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers were Connie Plaster, Larry Nelson, Roger Epperson, James Horton, Carotton Duncan, Leon Cooper, Tommie Via and Rich Tobler, and several honorary pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 159 Salem Church Rd., Patrick Springs, Va. 24133.

Elbert Eugene "Gene" Collins, 71, of Sunset Drive, Mount Airy, N.C., died Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at his home.

He was born February 10, 1937, in Surry County, N.C., and was a son of the late Jim and Leenoir Boyles Collins. He was also was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Leftwich and Lindy Riddle; and three brothers, Harvey Collins, Dennis Collins, and Rossie Collins.

He was a stonecutter at North Carolina Granite Corporation for 16 years, and later for local stone companies. He was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Opal Lane McMillian Collins of the home; three daughters, Jeannie Montgomery and Christy Creed, both of Mount Airy, and Patty Montgomery of Ararat; three sons, Randy Collins of Ararat, and Danny Collins and David Collins, both of Mount Airy; seven grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five stepgreat-grandchildren; four sisters, Annie Lee Vernon, Ruth Holt, and Rachel Puckett, all of Mount Airy, and Hazel Surratt of Cana; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Thursday at Northside Baptist Church in Mount Airy with the Rev. Dean Eaton officiating. Burial was in the Collins family cemetery in Ararat.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Collins Family Cemetery Fund, c/o Randy Collins, 59 Horseback Lane, Ararat, VA 24053.

Arrangements were by Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy.

Beamer C. Conner, 89, of Meadows of Dan, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at his home.

He was born in Patrick County on May 10, 1918 and was a son of the late John Robert "Shack" Conner and Rosie Jane Boyd Conner. He was also preceded in death by six brothers, John Conner, Lester Conner, Ross Conner, Jim Conner, Joe Conner and Tom Conner; and a sister, Fannie Conner Garnes.

He was a member of Conner's View Primitive Baptist Church, had served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of VFW Post 8467. He was retired from Lee Telephone Company, and was a farmer.

Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Lenna Belcher Conner of the home; one son, Doyle C. Conner of Meadows of Dan; three grandchildren, Shelia Marshall and husband Linford of Meadows of Dan, John Robert Conner and wife Rita of Ararat, and Sylvia Conner of Meadows of Dan; two great-grandchildren, Summer Conner and Amber Renee Rodgers; one sister, Tella Mae Cockram of Meadows of Dan; and two sisters-in-law, Essie Conner of Meadows of Dan and Arvilly Conner of Mount Airy, N.C.

Funeral services were held Friday at Conner's View Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Edward Bowman officiating. Burial, with military rites by the Patrick County Veterans' Memorial Honor Guard, was in the Conner family cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Patrick County, 835 Woodland Drive, Suite 101, Stuart, Virginia 24171.

Arrangements were by Moody Funeral Home in Stuart. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

Frances Ilene Mills Cooke, 97, of Mount Airy, N.C., died Monday, May 5, 2008, at her home.

She was born April 22, 1911, in Ordway, Colo., and was a daughter of the late Walter L. and Louie Frans Mills. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Wayne Cooke; an infant daughter, Glinda Cooke; a sister, Mary Sue Puckett; and four brothers, James Mills, Clyde Mills, Robert Mills, and Cecil Mills.

She was a retired school teacher from the Patrick County School System and was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church.

Surviving are one daughter, Ann Radford of Claudville; one son, Wayne Cooke of Claudville; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law; and a former daughter-in-law.

Funeral services will be held today (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy with the Rev. Buford Jessup and Dr. James Joseph officiating. Entombment will follow in the Pilot Mountain City Mausoleum. The family will receive friends today from 12:30 until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, N.C. 27030, or the Mount Carmel Baptist Church Playground Fund, 123 Mount Carmel Church Road, Mount Airy, N.C. 27030.

Phyllis Maud Gates, Lt. Col. USAF Ret., 80, of Mount Airy, N.C., died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.

She was born in Patrick County on February 9, 1928 and was a daughter of the late Dr. Arthur Marion Gates and Maybelle Lowry Gates. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Lucille McGahee, and three brothers, Arthur Gates Jr., Stuart Gates and Horace Gates.

She was a graduate of North Carolina Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, and received a B.S. in nursing from the University of Virginia, and a M.S. in nursing education from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught at Medical College of Georgia School of Nursing and Northwestern State College of Louisiana before starting her military career.

She served in Vietnam in 1966 and again in 1970. She was a graduate of Air Command and Staff College and National Defense College. She was a charter member of Trinity Presbyterian at Surfside, S.C., Mobile Meals, Helping Hands, The Food Closet and Hospice of Surfside.

Surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, numerous great-nieces and nephews and by three sisters-in-law, Alene Gates of Mount Airy, Estelle Gates of Wytheville and Betty Conder of Charlotte.

Funeral services were conducted Saturday at Fellowship Church in Ararat by the Rev. Kelly Giese. Burial was in Oakdale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made the Forsyth Palliative Care Unit, 3333 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103.

Arrangements were by Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

Eleanora C. Hendricks, 74, of Martinsville, died Saturday, May 3, 2008, at Memorial Hospital in Martinsville.

She was born in Pagton, W.Va., on August 7, 1933 and was a daughter of the late Lee Roy Hendricks and Beulah Ann Hendricks. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Louis Hendricks and William "Billy" Hendricks. She worked for American Furniture and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are three sisters, Blanch Lindsey and Margaret Hendricks, both of Martinsville, and Katherine Williams of Spencer; one niece; one nephew; two great-nieces and two great-nephews.

A graveside service will be held today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at Roselawn Burial Park with director Kelly Ratcliff officiating.

James "Jim" J. Hessler, 80, of Fort Myers, Fla., and Meadows of Dan, died Thursday, May 1, 2008.

He was born January 23, 1928 and was a son of the late August and Martha Dowd Hessler. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Jane Petering and Jennifer Benson. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, including a tour in Guam. He had shared residency between Fort Myers and Meadows of Dan since 1966. His family worked in floor installation in Fort Myers. He was a member of the VFW in Virginia and was a member of Tory Creek Missionary Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Geraldine; five children, Caroline Schermerhorn of Mills River, N.C., William Hessler of Mill Spring, N.C., Diana Reed of New Lexington, Oh., James Hessler of Fort Myers and Mary Hines of Galax; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jerry Hessler of Palm Coast, Fla.; and one sister, Marianne Roy of Cincinnati, Oh.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, Fla. 33908.

Leonard Marvin Hylton, 84, of Woolwine, died Thursday, May 1, 2008, at the V.A. Medical Center in Salem.

He was born in Patrick County on December 16, 1923 and was a son of the late James Emmett Hylton and Pearlie Mae Ingram Hylton. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Edith Mae Hylton; a daughter, Dora Lynn Hylton; and five brothers and sisters, Blanco Hylton, Eva Prillaman, James V. Hylton, Fannie Turner and Elsie Gravely. He had served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a retired farmer.

Mr. Hylton is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Kregg Roberson of Stuart; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Wayne L. Hylton of Collinsville and Timmie M. and Denise Hylton of Stuart; six grandchildren, Christopher Roberson, Sarah Roberson, Brandon Hylton, Joe Hylton, Amanda Hylton and Brittany Hylton; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Oscar and Evada Hylton of Bassett and Donald and Alice Hylton of Stuart.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Pastor Rick Randall and Jack White officiating. Burial, with military rites by the Patrick County Veterans' Memorial Honor Guard, was in the Hylton family cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

Valiton King, 82, of Carver Road, Martinsville, died April 28, 2008, at Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden, N.C.

He was born in Stokes County, N.C., on December 18, 1925 and was a son of the late Richard King and Ida Simmons King. He was also preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters. He retired from American of Martinsville after 40 years of service. He was a member of High Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, where he was in the senior choir, the male chorus and mass choir, and served as Sunday school superintendent and senior deacon.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Preston King of the home; one daughter, Irma K. Preston of Martinsville; one son, Vennis King of Martinsville; two grandchildren; and three sisters, Rosie L. Reynolds of Patrick Springs, Juanita Smith of Martinsville and Caletus Linster of Stuart.

Funeral services were held Friday at High Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Ray T. Arrington officiated. Burial was in Carver Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Joe Taylor, Obediah Preston, Jerrod Claytor, Robert Hatcher, Tyrone Hatcher and Wallace Dodson.

Vester Cerbin King, 87, of Pedigo Ridge Road, Claudville, died Sunday, May 4, 2008, at Northern Hospital of Surry County in Mount Airy, N.C.

He was born April 19, 1921 in Patrick County and was a son of the late John Henry and Ada Chilton King. He was also preceded in death by two daughters, Rebecca Lynn King and Dorothy Marie King; a grandson, Andrew King; three brothers, Hobert King, Meredith King and Addison King; and four sisters, Mamie K. Taylor, Ellen K. Clark, Nellie K. Poore and Savannah K. Dowell. He attended church at Blue Ridge Tabernacle and was a retired sawmill worker and farmer.

Surviving are his wife, Dorothy Puckett King of the home; one daughter, Dianne Mabe of Ararat; three sons, Barnell King of Meadows of Dan, John King of Mount Airy and Richard King of Dobson, N.C.; nine grandchildren; one stepgrandson; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Hallie Loften of Oak Ridge, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at Howell Funeral Chapel in Mount Airy. The Revs. Stacy Vipperman, Edward Coins, Tommy Nichols and Randy Rippey will officiate. Burial will be in the King family cemetery in Ararat.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Tabernacle Building Fund, c/o Virginia Jones, P.O. Box 222, Cana, VA 24317. The family would like to thank the nursing staff, second floor at Northern Hospital of Surry County, and also to Golden Living Nursing Center staff for their care during his illness. Online condolences may be made to www.howellfuneralservices.com.

Dorothy Frances Miles McConnell, 89, of Stuart and formerly of Martinsville and Radford, died Friday, May 2, 2008, at the Blue Ridge Nursing Center in Stuart.

Born on March 17, 1919 in Henry County, she was a daughter of the late James Alvah Miles and Velda Nelson Miles. She was also predeceased by her husband, Howard "Bud" McConnell in 2002, and a brother, John Shelburne Miles. She was an assistant librarian for the city of Radford and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Martinsville for over 30 years, where she taught Sunday school. She was a member of the Memorial Hospital of Martinsville/Henry County Auxiliary and the Garden Club of Radford.

Surviving are two daughters, Bonnie Mae Payne of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Susan M. Sullivan of Lake Jackson, Tex.; two sons, H. Nelson McConnell of Stuart and David P. McConnell of Pawley's Island, S.C.; one sister, Joelene Miles White of Martinsville; one brother, Elmo Nelson 'Turk" Miles of Collinsville; three grandchildren, Brian S. Sullivan of Houston, Tex., Beth McConnell Mirza of Alexandria, and Kristin Sullivan Perez of Friendswood, Tex.; and two great-grandchildren, Priscilla Perez and Amory Perez both of Friendswood.

Funeral services were held Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Martinsville with Dr. Dennis Knight and the Rev. John Fulcher officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Martinsville.

Pallbearers were Gene Medley, Bobby Moore, John Pedigo, Jim Fetter, Jerry Perdue and Frank Fuller Jr. Memorial contributions may be made to the Patrick County Alzheimer's Association, c/o Sally Smith, 2448 South Mayo Drive, Stuart, VA 24171. Arrangements were by Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Martinsville. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.

Elzie Hugh Moran, 94, of Woolwine, died Sunday, May 4, 2008, at R.J. Reynolds Patrick County Memorial Hospital in Stuart.

He was born in Patrick County on June 12, 1913 and was a son of the late E.P. "Preston" and Cora Hall Moran. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice Griffith Moran; five sisters, Cloepa Goode, Clarissia Bowling, Allene Haynes, Imelda Whitlock and Lorene Pendleton, and six brothers, Oliver Moran, Aubrey Moran, Ray Moran, Oscar Moran, Melvin Moran and Troy Moran. He was a long-time member of Woolwine United Methodist Church, and had been a farmer and sawmiller.

Surviving are one sister, Neola Thomas of Roanoke; two half-brothers, Alvis Moran and Alton Moran, both of Floyd; a sister-in-law, Verona Moran of Collinsville; several nieces and nephews; a special caregiver, Connie Belcher of Woolwine, and special friend, Larry Cockram of Woolwine.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at Woolwine United Methodist Church with Pastors Jack Hyde and Tim Hunt officiating. Burial was in the Woolwine Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woolwine Cemetery Fund, c/o Garland Cockram, 9515 Woolwine Hwy., Woolwine, Va. 24185. Arrangements were by Moody Funeral Home in Stuart. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.




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	WILLIAM A. BINGMAN William Allen "Bill" Bingman, 75, of Trent Orchard Rd., Patrick Springs, died Saturday, May 3, 2008, at the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. He was born in Patrick County on September 24, 1929 and was a son of the late Sandy R. and Sallie Cummings Bingman. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Ruth B. Dickson, and two brothers, Thomas Bingman and David Bingman. He was a farmer most of his life and was a long-time member of Salem United Methodist Church. He was a 1950 graduate of Hardin Reynolds Memorial School in Critz and was a member of the H.R.M.S. Alumni Association. Surviving are his wife, Imogene "Jeannie" Mills Bingman of the home; three daughters, Cynthia Ann Bingman, Cheryl B. Wade and Ashleigh B. Sawyers, all of Patrick Springs; one son, William Mills "Billy" Bingman of Patrick Springs; three grandchildren; three sisters, Evelyn Bingman and Dorothy B. "Dot" Nelson, both of Patrick Springs and Frances B. Ashburn of Martinsville; and two brothers, J.C. Bingman of Patrick Springs and Moir Bingman of Critz. Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Community Funeral Home chapel in Stuart with the Rev. Sarah Doss officiating. Burial was in Patrick Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Connie Plaster, Larry Nelson, Roger Epperson, James Horton, Carotton Duncan, Leon Cooper, Tommie Via and Rich Tobler, and several honorary pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 159 Salem Church Rd., Patrick Springs, Va. 24133. ELBERT E. COLLINS Elbert Eugene "Gene" Collins, 71, of Sunset Drive, Mount Airy, N.C., died Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at his home. He was born February 10, 1937, in Surry County, N.C., and was a son of the late Jim and Leenoir Boyles Collins. He was also was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Leftwich and Lindy Riddle; and three brothers, Harvey Collins, Dennis Collins, and Rossie Collins. He was a stonecutter at North Carolina Granite Corporation for 16 years, and later for local stone companies. He was of the Baptist faith. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Opal Lane McMillian Collins of the home; three daughters, Jeannie Montgomery and Christy Creed, both of Mount Airy, and Patty Montgomery of Ararat; three sons, Randy Collins of Ararat, and Danny Collins and David Collins, both of Mount Airy; seven grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five stepgreat-grandchildren; four sisters, Annie Lee Vernon, Ruth Holt, and Rachel Puckett, all of Mount Airy, and Hazel Surratt of Cana; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Thursday at Northside Baptist Church in Mount Airy with the Rev. Dean Eaton officiating. Burial was in the Collins family cemetery in Ararat. Memorial contributions can be made to the Collins Family Cemetery Fund, c/o Randy Collins, 59 Horseback Lane, Ararat, VA 24053. Arrangements were by Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. BEAMER C. CONNER Beamer C. Conner, 89, of Meadows of Dan, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at his home. He was born in Patrick County on May 10, 1918 and was a son of the late John Robert "Shack" Conner and Rosie Jane Boyd Conner. He was also preceded in death by six brothers, John Conner, Lester Conner, Ross Conner, Jim Conner, Joe Conner and Tom Conner; and a sister, Fannie Conner Garnes. He was a member of Conner's View Primitive Baptist Church, had served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of VFW Post 8467. He was retired from Lee Telephone Company, and was a farmer. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Lenna Belcher Conner of the home; one son, Doyle C. Conner of Meadows of Dan; three grandchildren, Shelia Marshall and husband Linford of Meadows of Dan, John Robert Conner and wife Rita of Ararat, and Sylvia Conner of Meadows of Dan; two great-grandchildren, Summer Conner and Amber Renee Rodgers; one sister, Tella Mae Cockram of Meadows of Dan; and two sisters-in-law, Essie Conner of Meadows of Dan and Arvilly Conner of Mount Airy, N.C. Funeral services were held Friday at Conner's View Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Edward Bowman officiating. Burial, with military rites by the Patrick County Veterans' Memorial Honor Guard, was in the Conner family cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Patrick County, 835 Woodland Drive, Suite 101, Stuart, Virginia 24171. Arrangements were by Moody Funeral Home in Stuart. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com. FRANCES M. COOKE Frances Ilene Mills Cooke, 97, of Mount Airy, N.C., died Monday, May 5, 2008, at her home. She was born April 22, 1911, in Ordway, Colo., and was a daughter of the late Walter L. and Louie Frans Mills. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Wayne Cooke; an infant daughter, Glinda Cooke; a sister, Mary Sue Puckett; and four brothers, James Mills, Clyde Mills, Robert Mills, and Cecil Mills. She was a retired school teacher from the Patrick County School System and was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Surviving are one daughter, Ann Radford of Claudville; one son, Wayne Cooke of Claudville; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law; and a former daughter-in-law. Funeral services will be held today (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy with the Rev. Buford Jessup and Dr. James Joseph officiating. Entombment will follow in the Pilot Mountain City Mausoleum. The family will receive friends today from 12:30 until 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, N.C. 27030, or the Mount Carmel Baptist Church Playground Fund, 123 Mount Carmel Church Road, Mount Airy, N.C. 27030. PHYLLIS M. GATES Phyllis Maud Gates, Lt. Col. USAF Ret., 80, of Mount Airy, N.C., died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. She was born in Patrick County on February 9, 1928 and was a daughter of the late Dr. Arthur Marion Gates and Maybelle Lowry Gates. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Lucille McGahee, and three brothers, Arthur Gates Jr., Stuart Gates and Horace Gates. She was a graduate of North Carolina Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, and received a B.S. in nursing from the University of Virginia, and a M.S. in nursing education from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught at Medical College of Georgia School of Nursing and Northwestern State College of Louisiana before starting her military career. She served in Vietnam in 1966 and again in 1970. She was a graduate of Air Command and Staff College and National Defense College. She was a charter member of Trinity Presbyterian at Surfside, S.C., Mobile Meals, Helping Hands, The Food Closet and Hospice of Surfside. Surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, numerous great-nieces and nephews and by three sisters-in-law, Alene Gates of Mount Airy, Estelle Gates of Wytheville and Betty Conder of Charlotte. Funeral services were conducted Saturday at Fellowship Church in Ararat by the Rev. Kelly Giese. Burial was in Oakdale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made the Forsyth Palliative Care Unit, 3333 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103. Arrangements were by Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com. ELEANORA C. HENDRICKS Eleanora C. Hendricks, 74, of Martinsville, died Saturday, May 3, 2008, at Memorial Hospital in Martinsville. She was born in Pagton, W.Va., on August 7, 1933 and was a daughter of the late Lee Roy Hendricks and Beulah Ann Hendricks. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Louis Hendricks and William "Billy" Hendricks. She worked for American Furniture and was of the Baptist faith. Surviving are three sisters, Blanch Lindsey and Margaret Hendricks, both of Martinsville, and Katherine Williams of Spencer; one niece; one nephew; two great-nieces and two great-nephews. A graveside service will be held today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at Roselawn Burial Park with director Kelly Ratcliff officiating. JAMES J. HESSLER James "Jim" J. Hessler, 80, of Fort Myers, Fla., and Meadows of Dan, died Thursday, May 1, 2008. He was born January 23, 1928 and was a son of the late August and Martha Dowd Hessler. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Jane Petering and Jennifer Benson. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, including a tour in Guam. He had shared residency between Fort Myers and Meadows of Dan since 1966. His family worked in floor installation in Fort Myers. He was a member of the VFW in Virginia and was a member of Tory Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Geraldine; five children, Caroline Schermerhorn of Mills River, N.C., William Hessler of Mill Spring, N.C., Diana Reed of New Lexington, Oh., James Hessler of Fort Myers and Mary Hines of Galax; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jerry Hessler of Palm Coast, Fla.; and one sister, Marianne Roy of Cincinnati, Oh. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, Fla. 33908. LEONARD M. HYLTON Leonard Marvin Hylton, 84, of Woolwine, died Thursday, May 1, 2008, at the V.A. Medical Center in Salem. He was born in Patrick County on December 16, 1923 and was a son of the late James Emmett Hylton and Pearlie Mae Ingram Hylton. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Edith Mae Hylton; a daughter, Dora Lynn Hylton; and five brothers and sisters, Blanco Hylton, Eva Prillaman, James V. Hylton, Fannie Turner and Elsie Gravely. He had served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a retired farmer. Mr. Hylton is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Kregg Roberson of Stuart; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Wayne L. Hylton of Collinsville and Timmie M. and Denise Hylton of Stuart; six grandchildren, Christopher Roberson, Sarah Roberson, Brandon Hylton, Joe Hylton, Amanda Hylton and Brittany Hylton; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Oscar and Evada Hylton of Bassett and Donald and Alice Hylton of Stuart. Funeral services were held Tuesday at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Pastor Rick Randall and Jack White officiating. Burial, with military rites by the Patrick County Veterans' Memorial Honor Guard, was in the Hylton family cemetery. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com. VALITON KING Valiton King, 82, of Carver Road, Martinsville, died April 28, 2008, at Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden, N.C. He was born in Stokes County, N.C., on December 18, 1925 and was a son of the late Richard King and Ida Simmons King. He was also preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters. He retired from American of Martinsville after 40 years of service. He was a member of High Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, where he was in the senior choir, the male chorus and mass choir, and served as Sunday school superintendent and senior deacon. Surviving are his wife, Mary Preston King of the home; one daughter, Irma K. Preston of Martinsville; one son, Vennis King of Martinsville; two grandchildren; and three sisters, Rosie L. Reynolds of Patrick Springs, Juanita Smith of Martinsville and Caletus Linster of Stuart. Funeral services were held Friday at High Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Ray T. Arrington officiated. Burial was in Carver Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Joe Taylor, Obediah Preston, Jerrod Claytor, Robert Hatcher, Tyrone Hatcher and Wallace Dodson. VESTER C. KING Vester Cerbin King, 87, of Pedigo Ridge Road, Claudville, died Sunday, May 4, 2008, at Northern Hospital of Surry County in Mount Airy, N.C. He was born April 19, 1921 in Patrick County and was a son of the late John Henry and Ada Chilton King. He was also preceded in death by two daughters, Rebecca Lynn King and Dorothy Marie King; a grandson, Andrew King; three brothers, Hobert King, Meredith King and Addison King; and four sisters, Mamie K. Taylor, Ellen K. Clark, Nellie K. Poore and Savannah K. Dowell. He attended church at Blue Ridge Tabernacle and was a retired sawmill worker and farmer. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy Puckett King of the home; one daughter, Dianne Mabe of Ararat; three sons, Barnell King of Meadows of Dan, John King of Mount Airy and Richard King of Dobson, N.C.; nine grandchildren; one stepgrandson; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Hallie Loften of Oak Ridge, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at Howell Funeral Chapel in Mount Airy. The Revs. Stacy Vipperman, Edward Coins, Tommy Nichols and Randy Rippey will officiate. Burial will be in the King family cemetery in Ararat. Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Tabernacle Building Fund, c/o Virginia Jones, P.O. Box 222, Cana, VA 24317. The family would like to thank the nursing staff, second floor at Northern Hospital of Surry County, and also to Golden Living Nursing Center staff for their care during his illness. Online condolences may be made to www.howellfuneralservices.com. DOROTHY M. McCONNELL Dorothy Frances Miles McConnell, 89, of Stuart and formerly of Martinsville and Radford, died Friday, May 2, 2008, at the Blue Ridge Nursing Center in Stuart. Born on March 17, 1919 in Henry County, she was a daughter of the late James Alvah Miles and Velda Nelson Miles. She was also predeceased by her husband, Howard "Bud" McConnell in 2002, and a brother, John Shelburne Miles. She was an assistant librarian for the city of Radford and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Martinsville for over 30 years, where she taught Sunday school. She was a member of the Memorial Hospital of Martinsville/Henry County Auxiliary and the Garden Club of Radford. Surviving are two daughters, Bonnie Mae Payne of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Susan M. Sullivan of Lake Jackson, Tex.; two sons, H. Nelson McConnell of Stuart and David P. McConnell of Pawley's Island, S.C.; one sister, Joelene Miles White of Martinsville; one brother, Elmo Nelson 'Turk" Miles of Collinsville; three grandchildren, Brian S. Sullivan of Houston, Tex., Beth McConnell Mirza of Alexandria, and Kristin Sullivan Perez of Friendswood, Tex.; and two great-grandchildren, Priscilla Perez and Amory Perez both of Friendswood. Funeral services were held Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Martinsville with Dr. Dennis Knight and the Rev. John Fulcher officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Martinsville. Pallbearers were Gene Medley, Bobby Moore, John Pedigo, Jim Fetter, Jerry Perdue and Frank Fuller Jr. Memorial contributions may be made to the Patrick County Alzheimer's Association, c/o Sally Smith, 2448 South Mayo Drive, Stuart, VA 24171. Arrangements were by Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Martinsville. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com. ELZIE H. MORAN Elzie Hugh Moran, 94, of Woolwine, died Sunday, May 4, 2008, at R.J. Reynolds Patrick County Memorial Hospital in Stuart. He was born in Patrick County on June 12, 1913 and was a son of the late E.P. "Preston" and Cora Hall Moran. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice Griffith Moran; five sisters, Cloepa Goode, Clarissia Bowling, Allene Haynes, Imelda Whitlock and Lorene Pendleton, and six brothers, Oliver Moran, Aubrey Moran, Ray Moran, Oscar Moran, Melvin Moran and Troy Moran. He was a long-time member of Woolwine United Methodist Church, and had been a farmer and sawmiller. Surviving are one sister, Neola Thomas of Roanoke; two half-brothers, Alvis Moran and Alton Moran, both of Floyd; a sister-in-law, Verona Moran of Collinsville; several nieces and nephews; a special caregiver, Connie Belcher of Woolwine, and special friend, Larry Cockram of Woolwine. Funeral services were held Tuesday at Woolwine United Methodist Church with Pastors Jack Hyde and Tim Hunt officiating. Burial was in the Woolwine Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woolwine Cemetery Fund, c/o Garland Cockram, 9515 Woolwine Hwy., Woolwine, Va. 24185. Arrangements were by Moody Funeral Home in Stuart. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

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