John W. ‘Bunker’ Hill, 98, of Forest, passed away on Saturday, October 30, 2021.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Shirley Williams Hill, and one brother and four sisters. Bunker is survived by his three daughters, Lisa Hill Sachs (Bob) of Culpeper VA, Ann Hill Daniel (Tim) of Wichita KS. and Robin Hill Hicks (Mike) of Forest VA.  Additionally, he is survived by his older brother Harry Hargrove Hill Jr. (Mike) of Lynchburg, six grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Bunker was born in Lynchburg on September 26, 1923 to the late Harry Hargrove Hill and Wilhelmina Whetstone Hill. He was a World War II veteran (Army Air Corps) and served in the South Pacific.  He taught at Brookville High School for 37 years along with being the Athletic Director and Coach for 4 sports.  Following his retirement, he continued his involvement with Brookville for many more years. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Brookville High School Athletic Department, 100 Laxton Road, Lynchburg VA  24502. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Ronald George McCormick, 89, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away at his home after a brief illness. His beloved wife was by his side. He was born on January 2, 1932, in Gloucester, Mass, to the late Owen and Helen McCormick. He went to Essex County Agricultural School before joining the Army during the Korean War. He served honorably in the US Army with B Battery, 143rd FA BN. Ron was married for 62 years to his wife Helen Vangie McCormick. He was the father of six, grandfather of sixteen, great-grandfather of thirty. He is survived by his wife and four sons and their families and two love adopted daughters, Brian and Merissa of Florida, Shawn and Vicki of New Hampshire, Ron and Sandy of Virginia, Kent and Ruth of New Hampshire. He is also survived by his brother, Mike McCormack; and sister, Donna Mackey. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and the SVDGA. He was a tool grinder for many years. He loved raising rabbits, bee keeping, and gardening. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Carolee and Lynanne; two brothers, Owen McCormick and Jim McCormick; and three sisters, Marion Nicholson, Pat Conrad, & Mary Parsons. A memorial service will be held at Thaxton Baptist Church, Thaxton Virginia on November 6 at 2 PM.  Interment will be in Nelson Cemetery, Nelson, NH, at a date to be determined. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Arnold McKinley Pugh, 83, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. He was born in Bedford, VA on September 21, 1938 a son of the late Theodore Marion “Red” Pugh and Margaret Catherine Hill Pugh. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Collier Pugh; and daughter-in-law, Donna Pugh. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and he was retired from Frank Chervan. Arnold is survived by his sons, Ted Pugh, Tim Pugh; grandchildren, Aaron Pugh, Matthew Pugh, Logan Pugh; sisters, Marion Rains, Shirley Witt and husband Atlee, Judy Walker, Faye Witt and husband Wayne; special nieces, Cathy Goff, June Lacy; special friends, Brenda Adkins, Rachel Snead; and many other nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 1, 2021 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford, with Rev. Bob Sowder officiating. Burial will follow in Virginia Memorial Park. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Robert Thomas “Robbie” Hartberger, 40, of Montvale, passed away Tuesday, October 26, 2021. He was born in Roanoke, VA on May 6, 1981 a son of Sherrie Van Worley and the late Jerry Lee Hartberger. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Linwood and Georgia Hartberger, Robert and Mary “Molly” Worley; step-father, Ronnie Dooley, uncles, William Clifton “Clif” Hartberger, Raymond Worley; cousins, Fiona Whitehead and Curtis Welch. Robbie was so full of life and he could never keep himself still. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, kayaking, and riding motorcycles. But, most importantly he loved his daughters, family, and friends. Robbie was the most selfless, humble, and kind person. He will be greatly missed by so many. We love you so much, Robbie. We will be seeing ya! He is survived by his mother, Sherrie V. Worley; daughters, Jeralyn Paris Hartberger, Skylar Nicole Adkins; sisters, Shannon Hartberger, Heather Dooley; brother, Matthew L. Dooley; nieces, Kylee Ellis, Jaycee Arnold; nephews, Keller Zimmerman, Payton Hartberger; close friends, Robert Warden, Otey Gordon, Harley Weeks, JJ Gibson, Matt Welch, Casey Baxter; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, October 29, 2021 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. Burial will follow in Montvale Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, at Burch-Messier Main Street Location, 317 W. Main Street, Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Richie Baldwin Bernard, 76, of Concord, died Tuesday, October 26, 2021. He was born in East Hartford, CT on May 10, 1945, a son of the late Emile Henry Bernard and Virginia Baldwin Bernard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving sister Vada Turner. He is survived by his wife, Marguerite (Peggy) Sirus. They were married in East Glastonbury, CT in 1974. They shared many treasured memories in those 47 years. One memory to mention, during his time as a freelance writer for The Regional Standard in Colchester, CT. He wrote a special Christmas story for Peggy. Richie was a graduate from the University of Connecticut. While attending the university he received a BA degree in Philosophy and a minor in History. He was a Vietnam Veteran for the 11th Calvary Black Horse Division. He worked for Sterling Systems and Blowers in Forest VA, before retiring. He not only loved to write, but he loved helping others. In his free time, he was a soldier at the Salvation Army Church in Lynchburg. He was also a member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Masons. He will be missed dearly by those who knew him. A celebration of life service will be held on November 18, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army Church at 2215 Park Avenue, Lynchburg. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations in his memory to the Salvation Army on Park Ave, in Lynchburg. Any condolences send to Peggy Bernard 2016 Toll Gate Rd. Concord, VA. 24538. Peggy would like to send a special thank you to the staff of the Centra Hospice, especially Rachel. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.  

 

 

Stacey Varie Denton Arthur, 51, of Lynchburg, VA died on Monday, October 25, 2021. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on November 17, 1969, a daughter of the late Kenneth Nelson Denton and Shelby Wood Denton. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend. She is survived by her husband, Gary Wayne Arthur; sons, Garrett Arthur and wife Stephanie, Lucas Arthur, Blake Arthur; granddaughter, Kelsey; and numerous other family and friends. A visitation will be held 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 28, 2021 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford, VA. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Robin Elizabeth Martin 69, of Lynchburg, passed away on October 22, 2021, at Lynchburg General Hospital with her best friend and honorary sister, Marty Laverty by her side. Robin was the daughter of the late Robert B. Martin, Sr. and is survived by her mother, Elizabeth Massie Martin, brothers Robert B. Martin, Jr. (Ginger), Richard K. Martin (Pam). Robin graduated from Liberty High School and attended Longwood University. Robin was a member of Peakland Baptist Church and prior to that Rivermont Presbyterian Church.   She was a true believer in the Lord and freely expressed her love for him in the way she lived. Robin was an animal lover and always went out of her way to help and feed any animal that she encountered.   She loved to name them all. Robin and her Golden Retriever, Sassy, participated in the pet therapy program at Virginia Baptist Hospital bringing joy to the patients they encountered.  She loved the outdoors and soaking up the sun every chance she had.  The family would like to thank the staff of Centra Health and Lynchburg Health & Rehabilitation Center for Robin’s care over the past few months. A special thank you to Cindy Henry and Kim Rogers for taking care of Robin’s cats. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.  Due to COVID, the family requests no personal visits at this time.  Condolences may be sent to 1244 Ivy Ridge Lane, Lynchburg 24503. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Robin’s memory to the Lynchburg Humane Society. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Janelle Chere Glover, 43, of Forest Va. died October 21, 2021. She was born on April 6, 1978 in Toledo, OH. Janelle had many physical complications. She had several corrective surgeries throughout her early life, last before age 2. After struggling through school, she graduated from Spotsylvania High School in 1996. She then excelled in college and graduated from Liberty University in 2000. Despite vowing never to return to formal education, she went on to earn two Masters degrees, the first post-college graduate on her mother’s side of the family. She supported friends financially and emotionally throughout. She met Joshua at birth, became his guardian at age 3, then legally adopted him August 14, *** at age 9. She touched the lives of hundreds of families through her work with residential facilities for children with disabilities, then transitioning to foster care organizations, the most recent being Patrick Henry Family Services. Her future desire was additional adoption. She was a long-time member of First Mt. Zion Baptist Church, then came to Lynchburg and joined Blue Ridge Community Church, where she participated in dozens of activities and ministries. Janelle is survived by her son, Joshua Glover; grandmothers, Marjorie Bonds, Nancy Glover; grandfather, Edward M. Glover and wife Joyce; mother, Janie Toles; father, Edward L. Glover Sr. and wife Enid; sisters, Tamara Spriggs and husband Curtis, Imani Friend and husband Andrew; brothers, Emanuel Glover, Edward L. Glover, Jr., D’Shawn Glover as well as a dozen aunts and uncles, over a hundred cousins, and hundreds of friends whose hearts she touched throughout her life. A celebration of life service of life will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Blue Ridge Community Church 2361 New London Rd. Forest, Virginia 24551. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Michael Paul “Mick” Benyo, 73, of Hardy, passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. He was born in Gary, Indiana, on January 28, 1948, a son of the late Michael George Benyo and Pauline Uskert Benyo. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Mick is survived by his wife, Adelle Wagner Benyo; sons, Matt Benyo and wife Manuela, Adam Benyo; grandchildren, Kale, Dillon, Holden and Maren Benyo; and numerous other family and friends. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11:30 a.m., on October 27, 2021 at Resurrection Catholic Church with Father Nixon officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:30 a.m. Also, a Celebration of Life will be held in South Bend, Indiana at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Clarence A. “Butch” Bailey, III, 74, of Appomattox, VA passed away October 19th, 2021 as results sustained in an automobile accident. Butch was born on May 16th, 1947 in Washington DC, a son of the late Clarence A. Bailey, Jr. and Minnie Brown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Kay Bailey Pease; brother, Ricci Brown and mother-in-law, Margaret A. Jobe (Memaw). Butch never met a stranger and loved his family beyond measure and loved his dogs, Moose and Skippy. He was blessed to meet his many brothers and sisters that he never knew he had. He was a truck driver for 50 years, loved to hunt and spend time with Sammie and Tater. Butch is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Ann J. Bailey. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughters, Chatty Franklin and husband Russell of Appomattox, Theresa Bailey Fathi-Ahmed and Tammy Tejada of West Springfield and Kathy Bailey Burge of Lynchburg; his only son, Allen D. Bailey and wife Sheri of Rustburg; his greatest legacy and pride and joy are his grandchildren, Summer Ann Franklin (Sammie), Elijah Allen Bailey (Tater), Garrett Allen Woody (Jake), Christina Guiel, Alyssa Blake, Bennett and Harleigh Franklin, Parker and Peyton Smith, Shelby and Tyler Burge; one great- grandson, Damian Jones; and brothers, Dale Brown and Keith Bailey. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Bible Baptist Church in Appomattox, VA with Pastor Jonathan Watson officiating. Family will receive friends all other times at his daughter’s home, 3381 Piney Mountain Road, Appomattox. My dad, my friend, till we meet again, I’ll love you always, Daddy’s girl, Chatty! Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.