Alvie Mae Carter Brown, 92, of Blue Ridge, VA departed this life on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Bedford County Nursing Home. She was born on March 19, 1929 a daughter of the late Charles P. Carter and Edith Welch Carter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Everett A. Brown; brother, Calvin Carter and his wife Chris; and sister, Pauline Carter. She is survived by her niece, Sharon Carter and family; nephew, David Carter and family; and numerous cousins. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012 with Rev. Mel Bautista officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
Month: August 2021
Terry Davis Ruff, 59, of Glen Allen, VA, born February 27, 1962, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2021. He is survived by his mother, Joyce Ruff; and daughter, Tera A. Ruff. His mother loved him very much & sends prayers that he will rest in peace. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Floyd Winford “Junior” Orange, Jr., 73, of Thaxton, passed away Friday, August 20, 2021. He was born in Bedford, VA on July 6, 1948 a son of the late Floyd Winford Orange, Sr. and Frances Orange. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dianne Marie Orange. He was retired from Rubatex. Junior was survived by his son, Christopher Orange and fiancée Brittany; girlfriend, Bettye Metzler; sister, Tina Abbott and husband James Jr.; brothers, Jerry Orange and girlfriend Charlotte; Darrel Orange; nieces, Kayla M. Abbott, Kimberly Nester; and numerous other family and friends. Per his wishes no services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Mildred Kennedy Taylor, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at Noah’s Landing in Goode, VA. She was born in Bedford County on January 30, 1931 to James Austin and Katie Minnick Kennedy. She was married for 61 years to Rogers L. Taylor and was a proud Navy wife. Mildred worked at the Bedford County Lake, Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, and the Elks National Home. Thereafter, she graduated from Central Virginia Community College. She worked for 25 years in medical records as Director of Health Information Management for Blue Ridge Community Services. During her work, she participated in the Virginia Medical Records Association and held elected positions with that organization. She traveled to state and national medical records meetings with her professional friends. She was an active member of Lynchburg Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 321 and a lifetime member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Rogers; her beloved son, James R. Taylor; six sisters, Kathleen J. Kennedy, Frances K. Chappelle, Eleanor K. Manning, Jane K. Waid, Ann K. Dickens, Betty K. Nash; brother, James H. Kennedy; and three nephews. She is survived by her daughter, Dreama T. Gehman and son-in-law, Dean; daughter-in-law, Susan R. Taylor; three grandsons, David Gehman (Jessica), Joshua Pinto Taylor (Emily), Robert Taylor (Baylee); one granddaughter, Katelyn Dolieslager (Chase); two great-grandsons, Dylan Gehman, Ezekiel Pinto Taylor; one great-granddaughter, Trinity Pinto Taylor; two brother-in-laws; five sister-in-laws; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude for her many caregivers over the last several years concluding with Donna Hearn, Noah’s Landing and Gentle Shepherd Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ebenezer United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 1118 Ebenezer Road, Bedford, VA 24523. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Ebenezer United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Wilkerson officiating. Family will receive friends from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Richard George Hach, 85, of Moneta passed away in his home, on August 10, 2021. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Dolores M. Hach, his parents, Richard G. and Helen V. Hach, and his brother, Michael A. Hach. He is survived by his children, Richard G. Hach, Kathleen M. Wadelton, and Veronica A. Shields, six grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many cherished friends. His early life was spent in Yonkers, NY, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Dolores. In the early 60’s, they moved to Falls Church, VA, where Dick enjoyed a long career with AT&T. In June 1994, they retired to beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. During their time at the Lake, they made many wonderful friends, were involved in Resurrection Catholic Church, and thoroughly enjoyed when the kids and grandchildren came to visit for summer vacations and holidays. They were able to travel some but that was curtailed as they cared for their aging mothers. Dick loved to do things around the yard which included planting flowers and shrubs, occasional fishing and boating, woodworking, taking care of the house and driving trips. After Dolores’s passing, life became more challenging without his wife by his side and his increasing health issues. However, he persevered and took to the road many times over the years to visit loved ones in Michigan, Chicago, Long Island, Connecticut, and Florida. He even ventured out on his own two times crossing the country to visit well known sites, national parks, friends and relatives in Montana and Oregon. Sadly, his adventuring came to an end a few years ago, and he was mostly confined to his home. However, some friends and relatives continued to visit him, and his phone became his lifeline to those cherished relationships. His last wish was granted, which was to pass in his own home with his daughter, son-in-law, and devoted caregiver and friend by his side. A Celebration of Life will take place on August 26, 2021 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta at 11:00 am. Family will receive friends one hour prior at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Carilion Hospice Franklin County, 180 Floyd Avenue, Ste 314, Rocky Mount, VA 24184 in loving memory of Dick Hach. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
Winston Lee Robertson of Chamblissburg, passed away August 2nd, 2021. He is preceded in death by Evelyn Howell Robertson, wife of 66 years; his daughter, Janet Robertson Witt and son-in-law, Cedric Witt Jr.; his parents, Francis Winston and Ruth Nance Robertson; and his brother Boyce Hill Robertson. Winston retired from Rubatex Corporation and continued to farm until 2018. He was a long-time member of Beaverdam Baptist Church. He was a loving husband and father and will be missed by many family members and friends. He is survived by his brother, Moorman Robertson (Judy); sister-in-law, Flora Robertson; brother-in-law, Terry Howell Sr.; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Beaverdam Baptist Church, Saturday. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Willie P. Cashion, 79 of Bedford went to his heavenly home, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, on August 1, 2021 at Bedford County Nursing Home. Willie was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Cashion, mother, Ruby Miller Cashion, his daughter, Kimberly D. Cashion, his sister, Emily C. Hughes and brother-in-law Ray Crowder. Willie is survived by his wife, Jean Johnson Cashion and his children, Donna Cashion Hilley, William Craig Cashion and Alvin Conly Cashion and step-sons, Andy and Lee Yowell. Six grandchildren called him Papaw. They are Randall Smith, Katie, Megan, Julie, Lilly and Ella Yowell. Two sisters Judith C. Godfrey (Blan) his youngest sister MaryLaine C. Crowder, his brother in law Ed Hughes, the mother of his children, Joyce Getling, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He leaves behind many precious friends who loved him dearly. Willie was a long-time resident of Chesterfield County before moving to Bedford 23 years ago. He grew up on a small farm where he loved cutting the fields on his Farmall Tractor and riding beloved horses. He graduated from Manchester High School as president of his class and attended the University of Richmond. Willie sold real estate for 40 years in Chesterfield and Bedford Counties. Willie had a sweet spirit for the Lord. His passion was helping people whenever there was a need. He loved to give out Bibles with his friends the Bedford Gideons and hiking to the Summit of Sharp Top Mountain. Jean wants to thank the amazing staff at Bedford Adult Day Center, the Bedford County Nursing Home, Bedford Hospice, and Trinity Baptist Church for their love, support, and compassion for us all through this journey. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October, 02, 2021 at Trinity Baptist Church with Pastor Bill Owsley officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Gideons International. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.