John Edward Gibson 66, of Bedford VA, passed peacefully in his home on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. John was born in Bedford VA on Dec. 7, 1954 to the late Charles Gibson, Sr. and Myrtle Dooley Gibson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Gibson, Jr. and Tommy Gibson; two sisters, Dorothy Gibson Hogan and RaeLynn Gibson. Surviving is his significant other, Teressa Hoback, two step-children, Angela Penn and Jackson Parker; two step-grandchildren, Tylijah Penn and Taylor Parker; two brothers, Bobby Gibson and Joe Gibson (fiancée Deborah); three sisters, Debbie Gibson Dooley, Donna Gibson Widener, and Ann Gibson Thomason; and several Nieces, Nephews and many other loved ones. A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 9, 2021 at the Montvale Park in Montvale VA from 2pm to 5pm. All are welcome to bring a covered dish if you’d like. Thank you and God Bless. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Angela Kay Dooley Clark, age 49, of Montvale VA passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021 surrounded by family.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Hylton and Odell Dooley. Angela loved the Washington Redskins, visiting Tennessee and most of all spending time with her family.  She fought hard and endured a lot the past three years.  She is survived by her loving parents, Russell and Kay Dooley; son, Austin Clark and fiancée Kylie Alonzo; daughter, Mikayla Clark; brother, Allen Dooley and wife Kelly.  She was a proud ginky (grandmother) of Aiden Clark and proud ya-ya (aunt) of Marissa and Makenna Dooley.  Angela also leaves behind special family members, Karen Campbell, Kevin and Teressa Dooley; Granny, Diane; as well as many other relatives and friends.  A special thank you to the Blue Ridge Cancer Center, especially Dr. Morales and nurse, Susan Ames. A visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts will be accepted at the visitation.  Donations will go toward funeral expenses. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-736

Harry Woodrow Ryan, Jr., 84, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2021. He was born in Washington, DC on August 10, 1937, a son of the late Harry Woodrow Ryan, Sr. and Ilene Arrick Hickerson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his very special companion, Miss Sally Moen. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was retired from B & W (BWXT). He also worked part-time for a client transport company in Bedford. He enjoyed duck hunting and fishing. Harry is survived by his son, Tony Ryan and wife, Lisa; mother of his son, Dorothy Looney; special friends, Ronnie Fowler, Zeph Cunningham, Billy Gross, Bonnie and Vincent Hite, and the rest of the “Good Time Gang” at the YMCA; and numerous other family, friends, and neighbors; including Rev. Henry A. Henderson. Per Harry’s wishes no services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

David Scott Pilcz, 51, of Bedford, went home to join his heavenly family on Saturday, September 11, 2021. He was born on August 31, 1970, in Jersey City, NJ. The son of the late Michael Pilcz. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, August and Doris J. Langhage and Joseph and Rose Pilcz. David graduated from Pequannock Township High School, NJ and Morris County Vocational Technical School, Denville, NJ in 1990. He worked at Food Lion in both the Bedford and West Lake locations. He is survived by his mother, Doris G. Pilcz; brother, Michael R. Pilcz; sister, Nancy A. Pilcz; and aunts and uncles, Frances and John Roth, of Hungary; Robert and Joyce Langhage of Maryland; and many cousins. The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to, Sissy Parker and all the very wonderful people of Centra Bedford Hospice for 3 ½ years of the most wonderful, kind of care anyone could have “God bless them all”. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Resurrection Catholic Church with Father Nixon officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends an hour and ½ prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. A reception will follow in Morrow Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you consider a donation to Centra Bedford Hospice, 1621 Whitfield Dr, Bedford, VA 24523, or Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Avenue Suite 902 New York, NY 10018 (HDSA.org.). Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Leonard Jeff “Len” Dooley, 66, of Thaxton, went home to join his heavenly family on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. He was born on July 6, 1955, a son of John Robert Dooley and Callie Carter Dooley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his partner, Peggy Steptoe. Len was always an adventurous and active person. He played softball for big Orange Market for many years and was an active member of the Moose Lodge. He is survived by his two daughters, Tiffany Steptoe and fiancé Ryan Isom, Shannon Board and husband Jason; three granddaughters, Daphne Isom, Taylor Parker, Brianna Gallier; three brothers, John “TopCat” Dooley and wife, Mel, Rucker Dooley and wife, Karen, Marvin “Dudie” Dooley; one sister, Anita Robertson; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Cool Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Eric Pennington officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Dorothy Mae Polk entered eternal rest on September 4, 2021. She was born on December 16, 1939, in Bedford County. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Pannell; and her father, Duvall Kyle. Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Michael Brown, James Polk, Jr. (Towana), and Harold (Yulita); one daughter, Carolyn, and devoted granddaughter, Keisha Polk, all of Lynchburg. She also leaves one brother, Rodney Payne of Richmond, VA; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two devoted friends, Darnell Paige and Annie Casey. Dorothy Polk was a devoted member of Fifth Street Baptist Church and attended faithfully until her health failed. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Fifth Street Baptist Church. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Barrie Wendell Whitt, 81, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 3, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Ellen Rhoten Whitt; parents, Thomas Jefferson Whitt and Vaughne Rea Johnson Whitt; sisters, Edna Pendleton, Shirley Tucker, Evangeline Bishop, Ruth Andrako; and brother, Thomas Whitt. Words from his grandson, James Edgar Wade, “My grandpa was an amazing man. He was very well known and respected in the community. Everyone loved the care he put into his garden, especially his tomatoes. He shared a connection to nature like no other. He taught me how to shoot and took me to kill my first deer. He loved going to baseball games, fishing and taking walks in the woods. He never met a stranger. He loved everyone. My grandpa was like a father to me and I will miss him more than words can say.” Barrie is survived by his close friend, Evelyn Spurlock; son, Jeffery Wendell Whitt; daughter, Kimberly Karen Hinkson; granddaughter, Kristina Ashlyn Richards; grandson, James Edgar Wade; great-grandchildren, Lacey Ray Richards, Hunter Jace Richards; sisters, Martha Edwards, Vaughne Rea Orange, Myrtle Seibel, Pauline Ferris; and brothers, Jimmy Whitt and Theodore Whitt. A graveside service honoring Barrie will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Glade Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Larry Ross officiating. A large tent and extra chairs will be provided. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.