Frederick Neal Lindsay, 78, of Forest, VA passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021. He was born in Bedford County on April 29, 1943, a son of the late Thomas Carl Lindsay and Caroline Witt Lindsay. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Wayne Olin Lindsay, Curtis Lewis Lindsay, Melvin Thomas Lindsay and Josephine Audrey Lindsay. He graduated from New London Academy in 1963 and he proudly served in the United States Army 1966-1972; stationed in Germany and Vietnam. He worked at Flowserve/Limitorque as a machinist and retired in April 2005. His passions were feeding his cows and getting up the hay, repairing clocks and collecting all sorts of odds and ins. Frederick learned the art of carpentry from his grandfather and uncle and enjoyed woodworking. He designed and created clocks for all of his family. He could replicate any missing pieces from wooden antique clocks, including the fancy scrolling in the design. He enjoyed strolling at flea markets; especially the yearly one at Hillsville. After his uncle’s death, he lived alone with his two cats, and enjoyed sitting on the front porch of the family homeplace, watching the cars go by and visiting with the other neighboring farmers. He was quick to run from cameras trying to take his picture and it was fun to be the successful picture chaser at Christmas dinners. He is survived by his siblings, Nancy Caroll Arthur, David Hayden Lindsay, Donald Ray Lindsay (Girdner), Ronald Jay Lindsay (Girdner); and numerous nieces, nephews and other family. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating. Burial will follow at Virginia Memorial Park. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donation to Butterfly Fields Animal Sanctuary. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Month: July 2021
Patricia Anne (Gallagher) Starkey, 87, of Smith Mountain Lake, VA, passed from this life Friday, July 30, 2021, in Wirtz, Virginia. Pat was a St. Valentine’s baby, born February 14, 1934, in Philadelphia, PA, the youngest of four children of Edward Ignatius and Mary Elizabeth (Lammers) Gallagher. After graduating Holy Child Academy in Philadelphia, she attended Chestnut Hill College, also in Philadelphia. She graduated with a degree in Chemistry in 1955. While at Chestnut Hill, she met her beloved husband, Bartholomew John (Bart) Starkey, who was attending nearby Villanova. They began their 65-year marriage on June 18, 1955. Pat had three defining threads in her life. First, she was a devout and pious Catholic woman throughout her life. This was manifested outwardly through her years of dedication to groups such as the Parkersburg Catholic Ladies Auxiliary, St. Margaret Mary Parish choir, the Wednesday Women’s Group at Resurrection Parish, and her long-time participation in Christ Renews His Parish ministry. Her faith was intensely personal as well; she always strove to be more Christ-like, demonstrated through her thoughts, words, and deeds. The second thread was the love and devotion she gave and shared with her husband, Bart. Together, they raised six children, going through the ups and downs of life always together; moving from Portsmouth, VA to Cleveland, OH to Wilmington, DE to Orange, TX to Vienna WV and finally Smith Mountain Lake, VA. Bart always wanted to see over the horizon, Pat always made sure they had what they needed for the next adventure. The final thread was her family. She was selfless in raising her children, extended that love to her sons and daughters-in-law, relished time with her grandchildren, and cherished her many nieces and nephews. In her heart, too, she treasured as family the many friends and confidantes she made throughout her life. She was also a teacher, first in Portsmouth, VA immediately after marriage, and then again later, when her children had grown, at Parkersburg Catholic High School. She is survived by her six loving children, Mary Beth (Joe) Dickey, of Clover, SC; John (Nancy McKitrick) of Snellville, GA; Katherine (Brad) Rings of Wirtz, VA; Neal (Stacy Hodges) of Roswell, GA; Thomas of Richmond, VA; Theresa (John) Moritz of Charlotte, NC; 12 grandchildren; and many dear nephews, nieces, and other close family members. In addition to her parents, two sisters and brother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bart, in December 2020, one infant daughter, Margaret Mary, and one grandson, Joshua Neal Starkey. There will be a wake at 7 pm on Sunday, August 8, followed by a funeral on Monday, August 9, at 11:30 am, at Resurrection Catholic Church, Moneta, VA, with interment immediately following in the church cemetery. A reception will follow thereafter. Family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome. Arrangements are being handled by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, VA; condolences may be left at Burch-Messier.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Pat’s behalf to the Renovation Fund at Resurrection Catholic Church (resurrectioncatholic.org), Smith Mountain Lake Good Neighbors (smlgoodneighbors.org), or Parkersburg Catholic Schools (parkersburgcatholic.com). The family would like to express their appreciation to Runk & Pratt Senior Living Community in Westlake, VA, for the compassionate care provided to Pat over the last years of her life. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Darla Jo Minke Wilson, 63, of Forest, passed away on Thursday, July 29, 2021. She was born in Spencerville, Ohio on July 18, 1958 a daughter of Sterling James Minke, Sr. and Patricia Stadler Minke. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Michael Dale Wilson; sons, Dale Wilson, Mark Wilson, Chad Wilson; siblings, Sterling Minke, Jr. and wife Cheryll, Shawn Minke and wife Sandy, Scott Minke and wife Wendy; and numerous other family and friends. A funeral mass will be said at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 6, 2021 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, 1307 Oakwood Street, Bedford with Father Salvador Añonuevo celebrating. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Thursday at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Arrangements Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Weston Thomas Smith, infant, of Lynchburg, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 and is now resting in the arms of Jesus. He was born on July 12, 2021 in Lynchburg, VA a son of Samuel Christian Smith and Madison Fitzgerald Smith. Although his time on earth was short, he was very much loved. He will be forever missed and always be our angel watching over us. In addition to his parents he is survived by his brother, Clyde Dean Smith; sister, Everleigh Faith Smith; paternal grandparents, Tracy and Gerald Smith; maternal grandparents, Virginia and Kenneth Fitzgerald; paternal great-grandparents, Clyde and Gwendolyn Kernen; maternal great-grandmother, Frances Whorley; maternal great-grandparents, Ryland and Lucille Fitzgerald; paternal great-great-grandmother, Gwendolyn Craig; uncles, Jerry Smith and Barbara, Ryan Smith and Corrie, Timmy Wilson and Britni, Alex Fitzgerald and Dana; aunt, Holly Smith; Godparents, Edward and Amanda Howard; many cousins; and great-aunts and great-uncles. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Timber Ridge Baptist Church with Pastor Phil Kelley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Roger Wayne Cheek, age 75, of Bedford died on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Bedford County on April 19, 1946 a son of the late Milton and Lillian Cheek of Huddleston. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Sheron Allen Cheek and his brother-in-law, Arthur Hemmerlein. He owned and operated Cheek’s Body Shop for over 45 years. Committed to giving back throughout his life, he served in the US Army National Guard from 1967-1973 and faithfully served on the Bedford County Board of Supervisors for 18 years from 1995 to 2013. A devoted member of Pecks Baptist Church, he never missed a day of Sunday School for over a decade. He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Michael S. & Debi B. Cheek, Evington; daughter & son-in-law, April Cheek-Messier & John P. Messier, Bedford; two sisters, Bonnie Hemmerlein and Rita Hackworth and her husband, Steve; seven grandchildren, Marah Cheek, Shane Cheek, Benjamin Messier, Emily Messier, Anna Messier, James Messier, Scott Messier. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who he took great pride in and loved dearly. The family will receive friends at Pecks Baptist Church on Thursday, July 29, from 6pm to 8pm where a funeral service will be conducted on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 2pm by The Rev. Bryan Sheehan. Memorials in Roger’s name may be made to Pecks Baptist Church, 1020 Pecks Road, Bedford, VA 24523 or the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, LTD, PO Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523. Arrangements are by Burch-Messier Funeral & Cremation Service, Bedford.
Randall Lee Wright, Sr., 67, of Rustburg, Virginia passed away July 12, 2021, at Fairmont Crossing. Randy was born March 22, 1954, in Lynchburg, Virginia a son of the late Otis Henry Wright and Janet Driskill Wright. He was preceded in death by a son, Adam Carthin Wright. Randy, an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hunting, camping, drag racing, and Virginia Tech football. Most of all, he loved spending time with his sons and grandchildren. He is survived by two sons, Randall “Lee” Wright, Jr. (Courtney), Jacob Edward “Jake” Wright; grandchildren, Holston Wright, Barrett Wright, Livingston Wright; brothers, Steve and Brian Wright; special friend, Becky Harvey; best friend, Jack Staton; and numerous other family and friends. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel St. Suite 200, Newton, MA 02458 or The National Wild Turkey Federation P.O. box 530 Edgefield, SC 29824. A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00pm on Saturday, October 2nd at Sedgefield 3088 New London Rd, Forest, VA 24551. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, VA 540-586-73
Cheryl Lee Godsie Wade, 62, of Lynchburg, VA, passed away in her home on Sunday, July 11, 2021. She was born in Lynchburg, VA and was the daughter of the late Cecil Willard Godsie and Mary “Tillie” Frances Griffin Godsie. She enjoyed being out and about and loved to talk. Her favorite season was Winter as she loved Christmas, the cold and snow. She is survived by her two brothers Norvell “Ike” Godsie and Mervin Godsie and her four children Jason Kane Wade, Regina Lee Long, Frank Victor Long, and Felicia Victoria Long. No services will be held at this time. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Douglas J. Campion on July 7, 2021, at home surrounded by family. Doug was born in Washington, DC, on April 26, 1946. Doug was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Campion, his father, Harold Campion, and his brother, Brian Campion. Doug grew up in Springfield, VA, where he enjoyed pitching in the local baseball leagues. His love of guitar playing led to the creation of “The Castelles”, a rock and roll band that performed at military service clubs and local events. Doug graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and went on to earn a degree in Economics at the University of Tennessee. After a 40 year career in the Federal Government, Doug retired as a Senior Advisor at the Department of Commerce in 2010. In 2012, Doug and the love of his life, his wife Wendy, moved to Smith Mountain Lake and enjoyed the dream of lake living, family, great friends, and much laughter. Doug was an awesome and loving husband and best friend to Wendy, his wife of 14 years. He will be long remembered by family and friends for his quick wit, unique sense of humor, storytelling, guitar playing, and cooking. Doug was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. William of York Catholic Church in Stafford, Virginia, from 1981 to 2001, serving as Grand Knight from July 1987 through June 1988. Upon moving to Smith Mountain Lake, Doug and Wendy became members of Resurrection Roman Catholic Church in Moneta, Virginia. Doug was a card carrying member of the BUHBAs, the Boys of Union Hall Breakfast Association. Left to cherish Doug’s memory are loving wife Wendy, daughter Kelsey Campion and grandson Casen Sparacino, daughter Carla Shouse (Paul), and grandson Royce Johnson, step daughter Tracy Jenkins and granddaughter, Meaghan Jenkins, brother Neal Campion (Balisa), sister Gail Whear (Mike), Wendy’s sisters Charlotte Childress (Jerry), Diane Harrelson (Jimmy), and Sherry Oxley and husband Ty, special friend and fellow musician, and several nieces and nephews. Doug also leaves his oldest and dearest friends, Kip and Donna Boisot. An Evening Vigil for friends will be held on Wednesday, July 28, at 5:00 p.m. at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road, in Moneta, Virginia 24121. Mass will be held on Thursday, July 29, at 11:00 a.m., also at Resurrection. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Heartland Hospice, 2800 Electric Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24018. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Jacob Alexandar “Jake” Williams, 24, of Big Island, passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2021 in Ecorse, Michigan. He was born in Bedford, VA on September 19, 1996, a son of Brandy McGinn Knighting and husband, Roy. Jake was a free spirit who enjoyed exploring and traveling the country. He loved hunting with his Poppy Price, hiking, and camping. Jake had many talents and one thing he was very good at was cooking. He made quite a mess doing it but the family always loved his creations. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting by the train tracks and watching the trains go by with his sister. Some of his mother’s fondest memories are the weeks at the beach and all the salty kisses he would give. Jake lived life to the fullest and pursued his passion for traveling. He and his Nanny used to watch Peter Pan all the time. The second star to the right shines in the night for you, Jake, and we will always know where to find you. In addition to his mother and step-father he is survived by his sister, Christina Williams; niece, Sophia Coles; grandparents, Nancy and John Price, Jan and Phil Williams; uncle, Dan Williams and wife Maureen; and several cousins. No services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.