Please Refresh this page for the most current listing.
CHARLOTTE WELLS ESTEP
NORTON, VA – Charlotte Lee Wells
Estep, 83, died Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Mountain View Regional Medical
Center. She was a 1950 graduate of Wise High School and a 1952 graduate of
Hiwassee College having participated in Basketball and Cheerleading at both.
Charlotte was the first recipient of the Good Citizenship Award of the DAR
Boone Trail Chapter in her senior year at Wise High School. After graduating
from Hiwassee College Charlotte came home to work at Wells Produce. She later returned
to Clinch Valley College and was of the first graduating class in 1970. She was
a retired teacher with the Wise County School System having taught at the Wise
Primary School. She loved animals and plants and was a true agriculturalist.
She grew up a horse person and still had a horse. Charlotte was a member of the
East Park Avenue Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her
parents, Charlie Fugate Wells and Leona Moore Wells; her husband, Tommy Estep
and a sister, Marjorie Wells Baldwin.
Surviving are her daughter,
Glenda Fay Estep Ewing and her husband Sim of Wise, VA; a son, Gregory Thomas
Estep and his wife Elizabeth of Norton, VA; grandchildren, Allison Lee Ewing
Sharpe and her husband Adam of Simpsonville, NC, Kelsey Brianne Ewing Grimes
and her husband Jonathan of Wytheville, VA, Thomas Christian Estep of Norton,
VA and two other grandchildren; her siblings, Thomas Lynn Wells of Lexington,
VA, Irene Stewart, Glen Allen Wells, Wilma Hubbard, Janet Wells and Ester
Bolling all of Norton, VA; several nieces and nephews and a special niece,
Mitzi Greene; and a host of friends and former students.
The family will receive friends
from 5:30-7:30 PM Thursday at Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home. Funeral services
will be conducted at 7:30 PM Thursday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Lee
Kidd officiating. Graveside committal services will be conducted at 11:00 AM
Friday at the Wells Cemetery on Guest River Road. Family and friends will meet
at the funeral home by 10:30 AM Friday to travel in procession to the cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be
made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN
38105 or to East Park Avenue Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1123, Norton, VA 24173.
You
may Donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by clicking the link below
WISE, VA – Claude J. “Bill”
Lawson, 81, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2015 at Bristol Regional Medical
Center. Bill was a native and lifelong
resident of Wise County. He was preceded
in death by his mother, Thelma “Tam” Osborne and his step-father, Herbert “Hub”
Osborne. A loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend, Bill was a quiet man,
introspective and kind. His love of
nature and animals was second only to his love of family and friends.
As a young man, Bill played
semi-professional baseball with the Ramsey Rockets and was an avid fan of the
Atlanta Braves and Duke basketball. He
had a lifelong passion for NASCAR and actually drove a ‘63 Ford Galaxy in races
at the Bristol International Speedway.
He drove a 00 Muley car on the dirt track course in Isom, KY.
As a member of the First Church
of God at Wise, Bill took his ministry as a Narthex attendant very seriously. His
fellow church members will long remember the pleasure he took in playing
practical jokes and tossing verbal darts.
He was a Board Member of the
Tacoma School Community Center and a Charter Member of the Norton Rescue Squad.
Bill is survived by his wife of
62 years, Navada “Vada” Lawson, his brother, Jackie Lawson, three
sisters-in-law: Jo Stewart, Pat Bevins, and Frankie Holbrook; several nieces
and nephews, and his best friend, Jimmy C. Stewart.
A graveside funeral service will
be held at 2:30 PM Sunday at Greenwood Acres in Coeburn, with the Reverend
Eddie Kilbourne and the Reverend Ben Murphy officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the
MEOC Fuel Fund, PO Box 888, Big Stone Gap, VA
24219 or the Wise County Food Bank, PO Box 2977, Wise, VA 24293.
RANDALL ALLEN PERRY
WISE, VA – Randall Allen (Randy)
Perry, 53, died Sunday, March 22, 2015 at Mountain View Regional Medical
Center. Randy was a devoted husband and father and dedicated his life even in
his illness to spreading the gospel. He was a Deacon and Adult Sunday School
Teacher at the Esserville Church. He was a Coal Lab Manager with the Former
Ambrose and A&G Coal Companies. He was preceded in death by his father,
Jack Perry, Sr.
He is survived by his wife,
Kimberly Stidham Perry of Wise, VA; his children, Amanda Nicole Roberts and her
husband Matthew of Coeburn, VA, Lleyton Reed Perry and Logan Cale Perry of the
Home; a grandson, Evan Tyler Mullins of Coeburn, VA; his mother, JoNell Perry
of Coeburn, VA; brothers and sisters, Jack Perry, Jr. and his wife Donna of
Greenville, SC. Wayne Perry and his wife Penny of Coeburn, VA, Janice Favors
and her husband Harrell of Phoenix City, AL, Robin Reasor and Greg Crutchfield
of Jasper GA, Edison Perry and his wife Vanessa of Kingsport, TN, Beth
Snodgrass and her husband Scott of Wise, VA; several nieces and nephews;
special friends Donny and Dina Bailey
The family will receive friends
from 4-7:00 PM Wednesday at Esserville Church. Funeral services will be
conducted at 7:00 PM Wednesday in the church sanctuary with Pastor Danny Smith,
Senior Pastor Jim Smith and Pastor Jeff Wallen officiating. Family and friends
will meet at the church by 10:30 AM Thursday to travel in procession to Gray
Cemetery for committal services.
The family wishes to send a
special thank you to the Southwest Virginia Cancer Center and to all who
through their acts of kindness helped the family during Randy’s illness.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Virginia Cancer Center, 671
HWY 58 E, Norton, VA 24273-3007.
ROY LEE COFFEY
WISE, VA - Roy Lee Coffey, 72,
died Sunday, March 22, 2015 at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Wise. Roy Lee was
a son of the late Sil and Mable (Hall) Coffey, and was widowed from his wife,
Mildred Louise (Phillips) Coffey. He was
also preceded in death by his brothers and sister: Bobby Coffey, Billy Coffey, Jimmy Coffey, and
Nella Rose.
He is survived by his children
(and their spouse): Eric (Brandy) Coffey, Lexington, NC, and Miracle (Travis)
Roach, Norton, VA; his grandchildren, Alexandra and Sidney Coffey; his sisters
and brothers: Margaret Denham, Patsy Lewis, Johnny Coffey, Emerson Coffey, and
Eddie Wayne Coffey.
The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2
PM Wednesday at the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home in Norton. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 PM in
the funeral home chapel. Burial will
follow in the Laurel Grove Cemetery.
DENNIS ADAMS, SR.
NORTON, VA - Dennis H. Adams, Sr. "Binky," of
Powhatan, departed his life Friday, March 20, 2015. He was preceded in death by
his father, Charles Adams; and a brother, Danny Adams.
He is survived by his four children, Dennis Adams Jr.,
Stacey Adams, Jessica Adams and Charles Adams; his mother, Ruby Pike Adams;
brother Darrell Adams; sisters, Peggy Harris and Connie Yancey; six
grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many
friends.
The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at
Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home where funeral services will be held 11 a.m.
Thursday. Interment will be in Round Top Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to
Make a Wish Foundation. www.wish.org/
KEITH A. THOMPSON
NORTON, VA – Keith A. Thompson,
56, died Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at his residence. Keith enjoyed hunting,
fishing and shooting guns. He was a lifelong resident of the Norton area.
He is survived by his parents,
Carl and Grace Thompson of Norton, VA; his brother, Mark Thompson of Norton, VA; his sisters, Suzy Cooke and
Ashley Thompson both of Norton, VA; two nephews, Curtis Cooke and Landon Reed both of Norton, VA; a niece, Muffin
Cooke of Duffield, VA; his dog, Sissy and special friends, Mike and Berlin.
The family will receive friends
from 5-7:00 PM Friday at Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home. Funeral services will
be conducted at 7:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Glenn Ritchie
officiating. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home 11:00 AM Saturday
to travel in procession to Powell Valley Memorial Gardens for graveside
committal services.
WILLIE JAMES HARRIS
NORTON, VA - WILLIE JAMES HARRIS,
82, died Monday, March 16, 2015 at Johnson City Medical Center. Born in Jenkins, KY, he was a son of the late
Milton and Florence (Erskine) Harris, and was preceded in death by his wife,
Bertha M. Noaks - Harris. Willie was
retired from the former Witt Motor Company in Norton. The Mountain Empire Older Citizens program
was his “second home”, and was formerly a member of the Norton C.U.E.S. Willie was the last sibling of his generation.
He is survived by his sons: Spurgeon Rudolph Harris, Norton, VA, Willie
Harris, Jr. Palm Springs, CA, and Mr. (and Mrs.) Milton George Harris,
Norton. There are three
grandchildren: Katara T. Harris-Baber,
Waynesville, MO, Milton George “Trey” Harris III, Raleigh, NC, and Jesse D’Shawn
Harris, Duffield, VA; and two great grandchildren, Tavian and Roxy Baber,
Waynesville, MO; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family will receive friends
from 11 AM until1 PM Friday at the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home in
Norton. Funeral services will be at 1 PM
Friday in the funeral home chapel.
Burial will follow in the Clinch River Association Cemetery, Coeburn,
VA.
MARIE LAWSON PLEASANT
NORTON, VA – Marie Lawson
Pleasant, 95, died Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Norton Community Hospital. A daughter of the late Emmitt and Lina
(Osbourn) Bates, she was the last surviving of her generation that included 5
sons and 3 daughters. The widow of
Jessie Lawson, she was also preceded in death by a grandson, Audie Johnson, and
a daughter-in-law, Connie Lawson. Marie
was a devoted member of the Ramsey Church of God, and was a beloved wife and
mother.
She is survived by her children
(and their spouses): Lucille (Carl)
Johnson, Kingsport, TN, Delores (James) Johnson, Coeburn, VA, Jessie Lawson,
Appalachia, VA, and Jimmy Lee Lawson, Kingsport, TN; 8 grandchildren, 16 great
grandchildren, and 13 great great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 11 AM until 1PM
Friday at the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home in Norton. Funeral services will be at 1 PM in the
funeral home chapel, with the Reverend Freddie Powers officiating. Burial will follow in the Laurel Grove
Cemetery.
JAMES ANTHONY (J.T.) CARUSO
NORTON, VA - James Anthony (J.T.)
Caruso Sr. passed away on 7 March 2015 at home surrounded by his family. He was
born in Norton, Virginia on March 13, 1931 to the late Frank and Virginia
Caruso. J.T. was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Ann Caruso Short
and Delores Caruso, and his brothers Mickey, Joey, and Frank Caruso Jr. He is
survived by his wife Barbara Robinette Caruso, his children LTC James Anthony
Caruso II and wife Lisa of Manassas, VA, LTC Ret. Mark Caruso and wife Carol of
Norton, and Mary Caruso of Kingsport, TN. He is also survived by his five
grand-daughters: Lee Ann and her husband Justin Whitt of Kingsport, TN,
Gabriele Caruso and her fiancé Jordan Barnette of Wise, Sarah Caruso of
Charlottesville, Mackenna Caruso and Delaney Caruso of Manassas, VA.
J.T. was a graduate from Nor-Hi
and a US Navy veteran. While attending high school, he participated in
basketball and four years of football as a fullback and linebacker under Coach
Sam Lawson. He, along with Bill Fitchco and A.P. Lavicki refereed high school
football in the state of Kentucky. J.T. served as a Navy Corpsman during his
tour of duty. After his tour with the Navy, he attended National Business
College in Roanoke, VA and Toledo Meat Cutting School in Toledo, OH. Upon returning
to Norton, he joined his father’s local business, Frank’s Little Store, which
he ran until his retirement. He was best known for his grocery delivery
service, generous cuts of meat and 50 cent sandwiches. He was the only grocery
store that sold food on credit and was often heard to say that “no one who was
hungry would be turned away, regardless of their ability to pay”.
J.T. was past president of Norton
Little League Baseball when it was located in downtown Norton and when it was
moved to its present location. Under his leadership, the new little league
field was built and now bears his name, the ‘J.T. Caruso Field’. He was also a
past president of the Norton Little League Football program and of the J.I.
Burton Raiders Booster Club in Norton. He was instrumental in creating the
first dedicated weight room for the J.I. Burton High School athletic
program. As Booster Club President, he
raised thousands of dollars to support the school’s athletic programs and concessions.
He was a life-long member of St.
Anthony’s Catholic Church in Norton where he participated on many committees,
to include the building committee and Parish Council. He was a charter member
of the Glen Mary chapter of the Knights of Columbus, and was a long-time member
of the City of Norton Safety Committee.
The family will receive friends
on Monday, 9 March from 6pm to 8pm at Hagy and Fawbush Funeral Home, 956 Park Ave NW, Norton. On
Tuesday, 10 March, Mass of the Resurrection and Funeral Services will be held
at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 1009 Virginia Ave NW, Norton at 11am, with
Father Tim Drake officiating. Graveside services will follow at Laurel Grove
Cemetery in Norton. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of
flowers, charitable contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church
Building Fund 1009 Virginia Avenue NW in Norton, Virginia 24273 or to the
Norton Little League Program, Attention: Tim McNew, 5166 Spotswood Road, Norton, Virginia 24273.
Hagy and Fawbush Funeral Home is serving the Caruso family.
MICHAEL DANNY ABSHIRE
NORTON, VA - Michael Danny
Abshire, 65, passed away March 5, 2015 at Holston Valley Medical Center in
Kingsport, TN. He was born in Fort Knox,
KY and was a native of Vine Grove, KY.
Michael was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Nancy Hickman
Abshire.
Surviving are his wife, Dottie
Hamilton Abshire of Norton, a daughter, Shelli Roberts (Jason Miles), Norton, a
son, Todd Abshire, Long Beach, CA, a grandson, Spencer Roberts, Norton, two
brothers: Patrick Abshire (Sherri),
Shelbyville, KY, and Jimmy Abshire (Lois), Mt. Sterling, KY, an aunt, Ruble
Hamlin, Norton, three sisters-in-law:
Helen Orender and Linda Hamilton, Norton, and Pat Maggard (Jerry),
Warner Robins, GA; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends
from 12 noon until 2 PM Sunday at the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home in
Norton. A Celebration of Life service
will follow at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel.
Burial will follow in the Laurel Grove Cemetery.
RUBY TAYLOR COFFEY
NORTON, VA - Ruby Taylor Coffey, 78, died March 3, 2015 at her home. A daughter of the late Dewey and Allie Marie (Graham) Taylor, she was widowed from her husband of 59 years, Jessee Gene Coffey. Ruby attended the Ramsey Freewill Baptist Church and was a lifetime member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Norton Rescue Squad, which she and her husband work diligently with from its inception. She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Virginia Coffey, Hester Ann Toney, Dixie Hill, and Joe Taylor.
Her family includes her children (and spouses): Jeff (Rebecca) Coffey, Norton, VA, Chris (Misty)Taylor, Elizabethton, TN, Jeannie (Wayne) Cowden, Norton, SFC Jennifer Taylor Owen (Todd), US Army, Wiesbaden, Germany, her grandchildren, Aaron Cowden, Dustin (Michelle) Cowden, Jessee Coffey, Polly Taylor, Justin and Zachary Regnold, Aiden Taylor, William Taylor and Cooper Taylor; her great grandchildren: Cameron Cowden, Isaac Cowden, Abbigail Cowden; her sisters and brothers: Mary Lou Ramey, Big Stone Gap, VA, Dorothy Beck, Southgate, MI, Sam Taylor, Midlothian, VA, Bufford Taylor, Elizabethtown, KY, and John Taylor, Dallas, TX.
The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2 PM Saturday at the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home in Norton. Funeral services will be at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel, with the Reverend Ralph McFarland officiating. Burial will follow in the Laurel Grove Cemetery in Norton.
GARY WILLIAMS
NORTON, VA – Gary Jerald
Williams, died March 1, 2015 at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife
of 52 years, Johnny Gail Williams. He was a son of the late Ray and Katherine
Marshall Williams. He was a retired truck driver. He was a veteran of the U.S.
Navy.
He is survived by his son, Gary
and Lisa Williams of Norton, VA, Robert Jeffrey and Daphane Williams of
Bristol, VA; daughters, Leslie Mullins and Jeff Perry of Wise, VA, Angela and
John Wright of Cumberland, VA, Kathy and Randy Mitchell of Cumberland, VA,
Michelle and Allan Brooksher of Nashville, TN; 18 grandchildren; 7 great
grandchildren; brother, James and Glenda Williams of Mechanicsville, VA;
sisters, Barbara and David George of Cumberland, VA, Carolyn and Thomas Kaufman
of Richmond, VA; and his beloved dog, Zero.
The family will receive friends
from 5-7:00 PM Tuesday at Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home. Funeral services
will be conducted at 7:00 PM Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. David
Gilbert officiating. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home by 9:30
AM Wednesday to travel in procession to Powell Valley Memorial Gardens for
committal.
