Raymond Julius “Pops” Meyer, 88, of Smith Mountain Lake, died Friday, May 28, 2021. He was born in OH on September 1, 1932 a son of the late Herman Anthony Meyer and Blanche Walter Meyer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Leslie Behrens Meyer; and brothers, Robert, Gerald and Leon. Ray proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39). He was a communicant of Resurrection Catholic Church and retired from Cincinnati Gas and Electric. He is survived by children, Bruce and Kathy Cottle; grandchildren, Jennifer Sliter, Amy Cottle; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Declan; his sister, Marcelline Grassman; his brother, Joe A. Meyer, both of Wooster, OH; special friend, Charles Chauvin; many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank two families, Chuck and Phyllis Chauvin and Bruce and Kathy Cottle as caregivers, who were so attentive to “Pops” needs over the years. Although Ray “Pops” had no children, he thought of Bruce as his son. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Resurrection Catholic Church with Father Salvador Añonuevo celebrating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Rd., Moneta VA 24121. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
Month: May 2021
Andrew Stephen Chocklett, 37, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. He was born in Roanoke, VA on September 12, 1983. Andrew loved his kids very much. He enjoyed Christmas time and he had a heart of gold and will be missed. He is survived by his father and step-mother, John and Terry Chocklett; mother and step-father, Sharon and Glenn Johnson; children, Isaiah Chocklett, Annabella Chocklett, Lily Chocklett; sisters, Christy Turner, Dana Chocklett, Amanda Chocklett; brother, Jason Crookshanks; maternal grandparents, James and Norma Dooley; and several nieces and nephews including special niece and nephew, Caleb and Kayla Chocklett. No services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
James Paul “Jim” Murray II was born in Greensboro, NC on December 27, 1944 to the late James Paul “Paul” and Margaret Murray. After attending NC State University Jim joined the Navy and received an honorable discharge. He completed his degree at Guilford College. As a gregarious individual Jim never met a stranger. This trait helped him build a successful commercial building products distribution business. Jim loved the water and was the captain of his swim team at Page High School. He was an avid scuba diver and travelled extensively to dive destinations with his two sons and cousin, Lee Hussey. Jim’s family purchased a cabin at Smith Mountain Lake in 1970 and on most warm days he would be water skiing, boating, and socializing with fellow Lakers. In 1985 Jim fulfilled a lifelong dream and built his own home on Smith Mountain Lake with a beach and tiki bar. He continued to live on the lake with a view of the water until his death on May 22, 2021. Jim is survived by his brother, Larry Murray; son, James Paul “Jim” Murray III; son and daughter-in-law William and Cindy Murray; his uncle Don Murray and wife Sarah, and numerous cousins. For over 20 years Jim and his life partner, Judy King, lived an adventure that took them to large numbers of festivals and social gatherings. Through this loving and devoted partnership Jim became part of Judy’s family and is survived by Rob and Shanna King, and their children, Sienna, Elena, and Isla; Eric and Sarah Capps; Steve and Kay Kiracofe and daughter Abby; Ann King and Michael McClendon and their daughter Evamarie. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire/Rescue at www.smlmfr.com. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-736
James “Jerry” Gerard McNulty Jr. passed away on May 23, 2021. Jerry was born on October 12, 1938, in Binghamton, NY, to Elise and James McNulty. He graduated after several attempts from Michigan Tech University and soon left the safe enclave of upstate New York with wife Colleen to the wilds of Virginia. There they raised 4 absolutely amazing children, Kate, Lori, Terry and Michael, who doted upon their father throughout his life. Jerry was a lifelong employee of General Electric, leading the Drives Systems division for at least a million years. Late in his career he transferred to Italy to support the opening of the new Italian GE, Nouvo Pignone in Florence. Outside of work, Jerry had a great love for bad jokes, bad wine and bad beer. He excelled at coaching his children’s sports teams, building anything and cheating at cards. Jerry’s shrewd investment choices include Alpaca farming, his childrens’ educations, antique cars and extensive world travel. He enjoyed reciting poems, including The Charge of the Light Brigade, The Raven, and the Pelican limerick. “What a wondrous bird, the Pelican…”. His best times included going to races at Watkins Glen with his crazy family and friends (even though he hated NASCAR) and pulling the grand kids around on the boat, living the lake life. Jerry epitomized the idea of servant leadership, suffering through countless years of volunteering at Roanoke Valley Aquatic Association, SML Lions Club, Lake Christian Ministries and the SML Homes Tour. His patience was unrivaled, in particular tutoring his daughters in Algebra and Ph, ph, physics. He is survived by his wife, Colleen McNulty, who tolerated him for several of the 60 years of their marriage, his 4 children and their families: Kate McNulty and her spouse Jeff Johnson, Lori McNulty and her husband Ernie Sigala, Terry McNulty, Michael McNulty and his wife Mandy. He also has a boatload of grandchildren: Justin Johnson, Ciaran McNulty, Logan Pope, Sable McNulty, Caitlin McNulty, Sophia McNulty, Indy McNulty. His brothers and sisters are still hanging in there: Mary Gillette, Kay McNulty, John McNulty and wife Larraine, Gene McNulty and spouse Kathy, Terry Blood. Jerry was an amazing, brilliant man. He will be missed. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, May 27 at Resurrection Catholic Church, Moneta, Va. With Deacon Barry Welch officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior starting at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
James Ray “Jimmy” Krantz, 84, of Hurt, VA passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Bedford Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 30, 1936 in Bedford County, a son of the late Jesse Lee Krantz and Ethel Johnson Krantz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirlene M. Krantz; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Mollie Krantz; maternal grandparents, Georgia Dowdy “Grannie” Johnson and Joseph Johnson; brother, Joseph E. Krantz and wife, Madeline; and his sisters and their husbands, Rachel Shelton (Lincoln), Evelyn Anthony (Charles). Jimmy joined the United States Army at an early age and lived most of his adult life in Colorado Springs, CO and Kansas. While in Colorado he ran a furniture and antique businesses and became an auctioneer. He was a master at antique restoration and anything involving wood. Upon moving back to the Altavista area, he was employed with C.L. Lewis Construction Co. with his brother. He was also a member of the American Legion. Jimmy loved music and could play almost any string instrument. Many musical sessions were held in his home and gatherings with friends. He also loved to sing and play the harmonica; that his Grannie taught him how to play. Jimmy was the prankster of the family and just to hear him laugh made ones around him smile. He is survived by his sister, Linda Jones (Don); step-daughter, Roni Magness (Mike); his buddy, Tommy Kirby (Melinda); special niece, Donna Hall; caregiver, Gail Baker; and many other nieces, nephews, and close friends. No services will be held at this time. Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Jimmy and his love for animals, please consider the Campbell County Animal Shelter, 322 Dennis Riddle Drive, Rustburg, VA 24588. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
John James “Jim” Holthaus, Jr. 77, of Big Island passed away on Monday, May 17, 2021. He was born in Baltimore, MD on August 18, 1943, a son of the late John James Holthaus, Sr. and Mildred Steurnagle Holthaus. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Williams Holthaus; brother, Joe Holthaus; and sister, Marcella Halverson. He was a highly decorated retired police officer in Baltimore County Maryland and a member of Hunting Creek Baptist Church. Jim was an avid Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens fan. He was the best daddy and pop around and would do anything for anyone. Jim is survived by a daughter, Libby Lowery and husband Ronnie; a son, John James “Jim” Holthaus, III; grandchildren, Zachary Owens and fiancée Brie Taylor, Matthew Owens and fiancée Samantha Craig, Aaron Lowery, Ronnie Lowery III; great-grandson, Lucian Lowery; sister, Mildred Brummett and husband Butch; brother, Don Holthaus and wife Shelly; brother-in-law, Jim Williams and wife Taffy; sister-in-law, Roberta Wheeler; special friends, Brenda and Gary Oliver; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Hunting Creek Baptist Church, with Rev. Ken Bledsoe officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or American Diabetes Foundation. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Carolyn Haase walked into life’s next adventure on May 16, 2021 – “The Big Unknown”. She was born in Richmond, VA on May 28, 1954, a daughter of the late Charlotte and Frederick C. Haase. A proud graduate of UVA; retired from Lynchburg City Schools as a devoted teacher to Learning Disabled Children and was a Retired Massage Therapist as an independent contractor with Centra / YMCA Wyndhurst. Carolyn lived her life to the fullest – a certified diver, A whitewater paddler, a world traveler, a gardener who loved flowers and working in dirt. She danced her way through Music Festivals, going to the Opera, slowly walking through Art Galleries, flea markets and Antique shops. Her time was spent between Maine travels, visiting favorite cousins in Florida and Northern VA, and wanderings with her sister. Most of all Carolyn lived a life well lived and considered her life Blessed beyond measure. To those closest to her, other than “Carolyn”, she was referred to by many names, “Auntie Carolyn” to Ryan, Eddy and Chase Slayton, Gavin, Lily, Owen and Cayden Slayton, “Cousin Carolyn” to family, and Big Sister to Nicki Mohler. Carolyn departed this life after a short fight with metastatic breast cancer which she faced with Grace and Bravery. In leu of flowers, at Carolyn’s request donations can be made to Lynchburg’s Daily Bread. A Private Celebration of joyous spreading of ashes amongst friends and family will conclude Carolyn’s Earthly life. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Margaret Louise Key Campbell, affectionately known as “Auntie”, passed away on Saturday, May 15, 2021. She was born on January 14, 1929, to the late Jimmie Tooms and Alma Meador Key. She grew up wanting to be a teacher and after graduating from Montvale High School and Lynchburg College, got her first job at Liberty Academy teaching second grade. Her career spanned several school systems, including Lexington, Salem, Charleston, W.Va., Decatur, Ga., Teaneck, N.J., and Fullerton, Calif. While in Georgia, she received her Master’s Degree in Education and after returning home to Bedford, she taught at Thaxton Elementary and retired as Supervisor of Elementary Education for Bedford County Schools. Auntie was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and teacher, and loved her family, her school children, and lived her life serving God and others. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold E. Campbell; her sister, Ruby Craghead; and her brothers, James and Buzzy Key. She leaves her dear daughter, Katherine O. Campbell; her sister-in-law, Peggy Key; her brothers-in-law, Don (Lucy) and Tom (Kaye) Campbell, and all her nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. A memorial celebration of life will be held graveside 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at Peaks Church Cemetery. Burial and visitation will follow her service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to her church or charity of your choice. “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” God bless you all. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
Joel Allen Kinsley, 63, of Goode, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2021. He was born in Bedford, VA on May 28, 1957, a son of the late John Kinsley and Helen Southern Kinsley. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of Timber Ridge Baptist Church and was employed at Walmart. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Markham Kinsley; daughter, April McCrickard; granddaughter, Lillian McCrickard; and brothers, Neal Kinsley, Paul Kinsley, and Terry Kinsley. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Timber Ridge Baptist Church with Pastor Phillip Kelley officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
Pauline Wilson Mitchen, 77, of Bedford, died Friday, May 7, 2021. She was born in Lowry on April 1, 1944, a daughter of the late, Spotswood Fairfax “Pete” Wilson and Alma Lee McFarland Wilson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Thomas Mitchen. Pauline had a great love for hunting deer, gardening and spending time outdoors. She drove the school bus for Bedford County for over forty years. Pauline is survived by her son, Troy Mitchen; two daughters, Annette Helmick and husband, Dwayne; Patricia Creasey and husband, Derek; Renee Meador, whom she considered a daughter; nine grandchildren, Brandon Mitchen and wife, Carissa; Sidney Higginbotham and wife, Katie; Serenna Mitchen; Brittany Boyles and her husband, Dustin; B.J. LaTreill and her husband, Eric; Hunter Creasey and his fiancée, Hailey; Levi Salmonsen; Emily Creasey and Colton Creasey; thirteen great-grandchildren,Kyle, Thomas, Dakota, Leigha, Rayland, Isaiah, Oakley, Vivian, Rolland, Laila, Collin, Kody and Kaylie; her brother, Sherman Wilson; her sister, Sarah Johnston; very special friend, Dee Goff; many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, family and friends and a multitude of lives she touched over the years driving the bus. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Timber Ridge Baptist Church, 3234 Timber Ridge Rd. Bedford, with Pastor Phillip Kelley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, 540-586-7360. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360