Harold Roger ‘Snuffy’ Adams

ZENITH — Harold Roger “Snuffy” Adams, 66, of Zenith, passed away Wednesday morning, Feb. 3, 2010.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Crimson Springs Church at Zenith with the Rev. Jim Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in the Carmel Cemetery at Gap Mills. Friends may call at the Crimson Springs Church at Zenith from noon until 1 p.m. Saturday.

Groves Funeral Home in Union is in charge of arrangements.





Roger Dale Allen Sr.

LILLYDALE — Roger Dale Allen Sr., 53, of Lillydale, passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2010, following a long illness.

Roger was born December 18, 1956, in Pineville, W.Va. He was a disabled coal miner, having worked at Kopperston # 2 Mine, a member of the UMWA and an avid Harley Davidson fan.

His father Henry Allen preceded him in death.

Survivors include his mother, Virginia Grace Harris Allen of Lillydale; a son, Roger Dale Allen Jr. of North Carolina; two grandsons, Logan Skylar Dale Allen and Dillon Slade Cordell Allen; four sisters, Darlene Francis Allen of Lillydale, Ruth Ann Allen of Ashland, Ky., Arlene Faye Al-Younis of New Jersey, Retha Carol Massie of Oceana; four nieces and nephews, Tiffany Nicole Allen, Natasha Ryan Walls, Zachary Kyle Bailey and Austin Tyler Allen; a great-nephew, Ethan Ray Lusk; and a host of other loving family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at noon today, Friday, February 5, 2010, in the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, with Rev. Timmy Kennedy officiating. Roger will be laid to rest in Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny.

Friends gathered with the family from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2010, at the funeral home.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

E-mail letters of sympathy may be sent at www.staffordfamilyfuneralhome.com.

The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco.





Patricia C. Blansfield

LEWISBURG — Patricia C. Blansfield, 80, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010.

As per her wishes there will be no services.

Please send online condolences by visiting www.wallaceandwallacefh.com.

Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Lewisburg.





Tresa Farley Bowling

Tresa Farley Bowling, 34, of Daniels, died Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at the Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital.

Arrangements are pending completion at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home Shady Spring Chapel, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring.





Henry Lee ‘Walkco’ Cole

NALLEN — Henry Lee (Walkco) Cole, 78, of Nallen, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at Ansted Center, following a long illness.

Henry was born May 14, 1931, in Nallen, W.Va.; he was a son of the late Robert L. Cole and Ada B. Walker Cole.

Henry was a faithful member and Sunday School Teacher of Chestnut Grove United Methodist Church in Nallen, an Army Veteran, Member of Summersville Police Department, a 50-year Masonic member, he received a degree from Institute of Applied Science, Chicago, Ill., he graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel college, Nashville, Tennessee, B.A. degree from W.Va. State University, Charleston, W.Va., majoring in Business Administration, retired from Lehman Chemical Tank Lines, with 25 years of service.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ada Cole; grandparents, James Henry and Percilla Walker, George and Parthenia Cole; a daughter, Nina Lee Cole Robertson; two sisters, Hila Cole Branson and Bertha Cole Skaggs; two brothers, Ralph L. Cole and Rolland D. Cole.

Walkco is survived by his loving wife, Wanda L. Groves Cole; two grandchildren, Katie Cole Robertson and George Cole Robertson; a son-in-law, G. Kenneth Robertson of Charleston; a special nephew, David L. Young of Lookout; a sister, Phyllis (Cole) Young of Lookout; a brother, James F. Cole and wife Joann of Scott Depot; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Chestnut Grove United Methodist Church in Nallen, with Pastor Mike Loudermilk officiating. Burial will follow in Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Nallen.

Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home Chapel in Ansted.

A special thanks to his in home care givers of Charleston, Lisa and Trish.

Thanks for the very special care that Henry received at Hidden Valley and Ansted Center nursing homes.

Wallace & Wallace of Ansted is in charge of the arrangements.





Gilbert F. Donelow

MINDEN — Gilbert F. Donelow, 79, died Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at CAMC Memorial Division, Charleston.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill. Burial will follow in High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.





Raymond M. ‘Ray’ Halsey Jr.

PRINCETON — Raymond M. “Ray” Halsey Jr., 76, of 120 Ovenbird Circle, Quail Valley in Princeton, died Saturday, January 30, 2010, at Princeton Health Care Center.

Born January 10, 1934, in Mouth of Wilson, Va., he was the son of the late Raymond M. Halsey Sr. and Georgia Tuggle Halsey.

He was a 1951 graduate of Gary High School (3-sport athlete), a 1955 graduate of Concord College (2-sport letterman for 4 years), and was a member of Phi Delta Pi Fraternity at Concord. Ray was retired from Elliot Realty in Myrtle Beach, S.C., returning to the Princeton area in 2004. Prior to moving to Myrtle Beach in 1992, he was employed as the first full-time Director of Princeton Mercer County Chamber of Commerce and was the manager of the Beckley Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce in Beckley from 1974 to 1977. He was later employed by Anderson & Anderson Coal Company in Princeton as Business Manager. He was also an insurance salesman for Citizens Insurance and was owner-operator of Esso Service Station in Princeton. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Princeton, Princeton Elks Lodge #1459, Concord College Alumni Association, and Co-founder and first elected President of WV Bass Masters Association. For many years, Ray officiated football at all levels including WVIAC College and also basketball through the high school level.

He was also a U.S. Army veteran serving form 1956-1959 stationed at Ft. Devens, Mass. Ray was an avid fisherman and enjoyed all sports including golf, football, basketball and baseball. He will be remembered for his outgoing personality — he never met a stranger. Ray enjoyed his grandchildren, spending time at the old home place in Piney Creek, N.C., and traveling. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox (favorite player was Ted Williams), WVU Mountaineers and Concord University football.

In addition to his parents, one sister, Betty Halsey Haynes, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Shirley Jones Halsey of Princeton; two daughters, Deborah Lynn Halsey Matus of Fishers, Ind., and Barbara Jo Halsey Hicks and husband Charlie of Gastonia, N.C.; one son, William Gregory Halsey and wife Sheila Lynn Hill Halsey of Roanoke, Va.; six grandchildren, Justin C. Halsey, Megan D. Halsey, Ryan Puckett, Rachael Puckett, Rusty Hicks and Leslie Hicks; one brother, Jim Halsey of Sparta, N.C.; one sister, Mary Wolferth of Bryn Maur, Pa.; and the wonderful caregivers at Princeton Health Care Center.

In keeping with Ray’s wishes the body has been cremated.

A celebration of Ray Halsey’s life will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 2010, at the George W. Seaver Chapel of Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton with Rev. T.G. Ayers officiating.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the service hour on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, PO Box 304, Princeton, WV 24740, or to the Concord University Mountain Lion Club, PO Box 1000, ATTN: Mountain Lion Club, Athens, WV 24712.

Online condolences may be sent at www.seaverfuneralservice.com.

Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton is serving the Halsey family.





Morgan Dana Harrington

The world has lost its best hugger. The incomparable Morgan Dana Harrington was torn from us on October 17, 2009.

Morgan, age 20, was a shiny, loving, beautiful original. She was very much loved by her family, her friends, and her community, which has now expanded to include much of the world. We cherish the time we had with Morgan and are grateful for the breadth and variety of experiences we were able to share in her tragically abbreviated life.

Morgan was born on July 24, 1989, in Charlottesville, Va., and killed there in October 2009. She was an avid music fan, a champion of children’s rights, and planned a career in education.

To recognize some of Morgan’s passions we ask that, in lieu of flowers, gifts to honor Morgan’s memory be made to the Morgan Dana Harrington Memorial Scholarship at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine or to OMNI — Orphan Medical Network International, an organization that provides medical care in Africa. Scholarship donations may be mailed to: Virginia Tech, Attn: Gift Accounting, University Development (0336), Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, and OMNI donations to 6930 Empire Lane, Roanoke, Virginia 24018.

Our reconfigured family, Dan, Gil, and Alex plan on honoring Morgan with a Mass at 3:30 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2010, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 631 Jefferson Street, Roanoke, Va. A reception to celebrate Morgan’s life will follow at the Hotel Roanoke.

We are grief-stricken by her death but also lifted by the knowledge that Morgan Dana Harrington was precious to so many and will not be forgotten. She mattered to us all.

Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory, Roanoke, Va., 540-366-0707.





James Nathan Holcomb Sr.

BELLWOOD — James Nathan Holcomb Sr., 78, of Bellwood, passed away Friday, January 29, 2010, in the VA Medical Center, Beckley, following a long battle with cancer.

Born October 3, 1931, at Blue Sulphur Springs, he was the son of the late Arnold and Flossie Nicely Holcomb.

Mr. Holcomb was an equipment operator in construction and a proud member of the Union of Operating Engineers for 45 years, a member of the Rainelle Moose Lodge, and a member of the Rainelle V.F.W. Post 4484, where he proudly served as a former commander.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Arnold Holcomb, and one sister, Velma Chisnelle.

Survivors include three sons, James Holcomb Jr. of Bellwood, Marvin Holcomb of Pikeville, N.C., and Eugene Holcomb of Aberdeen, Md.; two daughters, Zelda Maden of Seattle, Washington, and Melanie Larkin of Key West, Fla.; two sisters, Margaret (Maggie) Smith of Barberton, Ohio, and Mary Lou Harris of Elton; grandchildren, Joanne Holcomb of Pikeville, N.C., Katie Bedford and husband Tommy of Goldsboro, N.C., Daniel Lancaster and wife Jennifer of Pikeville, N.C., Sarah Larkin of Key West, Fla., Matthew and Christopher Maden, both of Seattle, Wash., Kevin and Chris Holcomb, both of Baltimore, Md.

Due to inclement weather, there will be no services at this time; a memorial service will be planned for a later date.

Arrangements by Smathers Funeral Chapel, Rainelle.





Charles ‘Andrew’ Meadows

Charles “Andrew” Meadows passed away Feb. 2, 2010.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service Sunday.

Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley.





Vernon B. Morgan

Vernon B. Morgan of Hoo Hoo Hollow, Lester, 81, died Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, at Princeton Community Hospital following a three-week illness.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meltonmortuary.com.

Arrangements by Melton Mortuary Inc., Beckley.





Nina B. Nicely

Nina B. Nicely, 100, formerly of Slab Fork, died at 3 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2010, at the home of her daughter, Mona Farley and husband Don. The West Virginia native was born May 3, 1909.

She was the daughter of John and Rhoda McGrady and was the last surviving member of a family of eight brothers and four sisters.

Nina was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, needlework and art work. She was a loving, caring, selfless and giving person who was devoted to her family, children, grandchildren and friends throughout her life. Nina was a longtime member of the Slab Fork Community Church and later attended the First Church of God in Lester.

Nina was preceded in death by her husband, George Aubrey Nicely, and a son, Philip Daniel Nicely.

The funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2010, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, with Rev. Dale Birchfield presiding. Burial will follow in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the First Church of God Building Fund, P.O. Box 721, Lester, WV 25865.

Survivors include two daughters: Hazel Large and husband Kenneth of Daniels, Mona Farley and husband Don of Salisbury, Md.; one son, Kenneth Nicely and wife Alice of Bowling Green, Ky.; one daughter-in-law, Thalia Nicely of Salem, Va.; and seven grandchildren: Ann Large, Mary Ellen McQuitty and husband Jimmy, Lisa Cerasoli and husband Keith, Karen Bennie, Kevin Farley and wife Tammy, Leslie Newman and husband Steve, Heather Kirtley and husband Sam. Nina is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren.

Online condolences may be sent the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley.





Theresa Biggs Resler

Theresa Biggs Resler of Charleston, formerly of Beckley, died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 6 p.m. today, Feb. 5, at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church at 305 E St., South Charleston, and at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at St. Anthony Catholic Church at 1000 South St., Charleston.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meltonmortuary.com.

Information submitted by Melton Mortuary Inc., Beckley.





John O. ‘Buster’ Smith

John O. “Buster” Smith died peacefully on January 12, 2010, at the Villages of Greystone in Beaver, W.Va. The youngest and last of seven children, Buster was born on March 22, 1920, to Mr. and Mrs. John W. Smith. His father was a prominent coal mine owner in Beckley, W.Va.

Growing up in Beckley, Buster graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School where he was an all-star athlete lettering in three sports. He was All-State in football in 1939, and was inducted into WWHS Hall of Fame. Buster attended Virginia Tech on a football scholarship.

While in college and with World War II in full swing, Buster married his childhood sweetheart, Ann Burwell Ware, on February 20, 1942. After graduating with a B.S. degree and becoming a 2nd Lieutenant, he entered the Army and was sent overseas. He was stationed in Naples, Italy, where he readied troops for combat.

In 1945 Captain Smith returned to Beckley and happily reverted to civilian life. While in Beckley, he started a sporting goods store, the Sports Center, established Little League Baseball in Beckley, and started his family.

The Smiths left Beckley in 1953 for Richmond, Va. Buster went to work for the Voit Rubber Company. After a promotion in 1962, they relocated to Atlanta, Ga. Buster continued to live in Atlanta after he lost his beloved wife Ann in 1968. His daughter, son-in-law and grandsons lived there also.

Buster was introduced to Mariel Woodell West in 1971 by his niece, JoLee Daniels of Beckley. Buster and Mariel were happily married in June of 1972 in Beckley but remained in Atlanta until 1977. Littleton, Colorado, became their new home when Buster changed jobs. They enjoyed the beauty of Colorado for many years until they retired to Roanoke, Va. Friends, golf, Elderhostels and church kept them busy. When it was time to give up driving, the Smiths moved to the Villages at Greystone in Beaver, W.Va.

John O. “Buster” Smith is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Mariel Smith, his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Lee R. Cullom of Atlanta, Ga., his stepson and wife, Mr. and Mrs. John F. West of West Palm Beach, Florida, his two grandsons and their wives, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Cullom of Washington, D.C., and Mr. and Mr. and Mrs. Lee H. Cullom of Atlanta, Ga., and great-grandchildren Marguerite and Lee Cullom of Washington, D.C., and Jacob, Ryan, Luke, Laine, Mary Clare and Sara Cullom of Atlanta, plus many beloved nieces, nephews, and favorite sister-in-law Mrs. Latane Ware of Chapel Hill, N.C.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, February 6th, 2010, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church on Heber Street in Beckley, with Dr. Bob Stoddard and the Rev. Brent Williams officiating. Visitation will be at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make any contributions to Colonial Presbyterian Church, 3550 Poplar Drive, Roanoke, VA 24018.

Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com.

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.





Aaron C. Wallace Jr.

OAK HILL — Aaron C. Wallace Jr., 76, of Oak Hill, died on January 31, 2010.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Jackson Wallace; one stepdaughter, Patrice of Atlanta, Ga.; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one aunt, Willie Mae Saunders of Derry Hale, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A family gathering will take place at the Walton & Breckenridge Chapel of Faith Funeral Home, 706 Rebecca Street in Charleston, W.Va., from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2010.

For directions to the funeral home or other information, please call 304-720-5956.

Arrangements by Walton & Breckenridge Chapel of Faith Funeral Home, Charleston.





Jason Ray Zandlo

Jason Ray Zandlo, 30, of Beckley, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010.

Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley.