Gene Ramon Cocke, avid gardener, friend, neighbor, and long-time resident of Bedford, Virginia, passed away on January 9, 2022.  Born in Bedford in 1946, he was the son of the late John Doris Cocke and Louise Garraghty Cocke, and the younger brother of John Randolph Cocke, also deceased. After graduating from Lynchburg College with a major in Biology, he obtained a Master’s in Marine Ecology from ODU in Norfolk.  His work took him around the country, but he eventually settled back in his hometown of Bedford. He is survived by a niece, nephew-in-law and great-niece in Portland, Oregon and a myriad of cousins, on both sides of the family. A feline friend, named Blackie, was his faithful companion at his English Meadow’s home. No visitation or memorial services are planned. Memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity or an animal shelter organization. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

On January 9, 2022, John Wyndol Ewers, Sr. passed away at the age of 85. Wyndol suffered from Vascular Dementia which robbed him of many years of joy with family and friends. He was married to Phyllis Crews Ewers for 64 years. Wyndol served 10 years with the Virginia Army National Guard before working for Flowers Bakery for 40 years. After retirement he transported cars for Royal Chevrolet and Pinkerton. He loved to fish, play golf, plant gardens and flowers (especially rose bushes). He also enjoyed going to the beach and camping. Wyndol was the son of John and Juanita Ewers. He was preceded in death by brothers Arnold, Lynwood, Merwyn; sister, Connie; and sisters-in-law, Mary Ellen and Loretta. Survived by his children, John Ewers, Jr. (Joy), James Ewers (Candy), Theresa Floyd (Tony); daughter-in-law, Lisa Hall (Ronnie); brother-in-law, Wilson Garrett; sister-in-law, Joyce Ewers; dear friend, Frank Allen; grandchildren, Jennifer Salonia (Shawn), Kristie Thilking (Bryan), John Ewers (May), Jake Ewers; great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Oliver, Benjamin Thilking, Phoebe, Zoe, and Evie Ewers; step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A great-grandbaby is expected in April that he will not get to see. Wyndol was a member of Madison Heights Christian Church where he served as Emeritus Deacon. He also visited Jehovah Witness Hall in Amherst, VA. The family would like to thank Centra Hospice for all the love and care given. Especially from Kim, Olinca, Andrew, Dr. Betz, and Dr. Larkin. Thanks to BMS for honoring him with a flag for his service with the Army National Guard. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Madison Heights Christian Church. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. You can remember him by his famous departure saying “I’m glad you got to see me.” Donations can be made to The Amherst Camp – The Gideons International, P.O. Box 34, Monroe, VA 24574. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford VA, 540-586-7360. 

 

Mrs. Barbara Smith Garrett, 82, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022, in Matamoras, PA with her family by her side.  She was born in Bedford, VA on February 15, 1939.  She was the daughter of the late Harry Wade Smith and Beatrice (Polly) Daniel Smith.  She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Harry Allen Smith and James Patrick Smith. Barbara’s most significant accomplishment was her 4 children.  She was so proud of them and her grandchildren. She was so happy to take rides to see her grandson’s new house.  She could not stop talking about how proud she was of him.  Looking at pictures of her great grandchildren brought a smile to her face.  She brought so much joy to her children and will be deeply missed. Barbara was proud to be a homemaker and took pride in keeping her home beautiful.  She loved to iron, something none of her children ever developed a fondness for, with the exception of her older daughter’s ability to skip afternoon naps by volunteering to iron her father’s jeans! Our father’s dress shirts were pressed to perfection!  She was a great cook and could make the most delicious eye round roast in the crock pot. She also loved to shop.  “It was on sale” she would tell her husband.  She was a sharp dresser and never looked her age. She lived in the states of Florida, New Jersey, New York and her beloved Bedford, Virginia.  She loved the mountains and when away from Bedford, she couldn’t wait to get back home.  While raising her four children and maintaining her home, Barbara also found time to own and operate a school bus in Jacksonville, Florida.  She was so proud of that accomplishment and enjoyed all aspects of owning her school bus. She is survived by her daughters, Cathy G. Durham, Lisa G. Newlin and husband Joe; sons, Michael B. Garrett and wife Patricia, Stephen A. Garrett; grandchildren, John Durham, Daniel Durham, Elizabeth Petroski, Victoria Garrett, Joseph Newlin, Patrick Garrett, Jeffrey Newlin, Brian Newlin, Jack Garrett; great grandchildren, Troy Durham, Juliana Petroski, Ethan Durham, Nathan Durham, Alaina Petroski and several cousins. Barbara’s children would like to thank Delaware Valley Senior Care for the love and support that was given to their mother and to them.  We are thankful that she was in such a caring environment during her last months of life. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara’s memory to Delaware Valley Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 111 Rivers Edge Drive, Matamoras, PA 18336. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Gregory Mark Whalen, 66, of Kershaw, S.C. and formerly of Bedford, VA passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022. He was born in Canandaigua, N.Y. on August 30, 1955 a son of the late Robert Maximillian Whalen and Carolyn “Yvonne” Gendron Whalen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Timothy Whalen. He is survived by the love of his life, Joyce Davis Whalen. They enjoyed many adventures together for 22 years. They loved to camp and fish whenever possible. Originally from Naples, N.Y. he moved to Virginia in 1991. He and Joyce moved to South Carolina in December 2020 to be closer to family and grandchildren. He loved his little South Carolina house and enjoyed being outside making the landscape come alive. Greg loved his family beyond measure; he was a loving husband and an awesome dad and grandpa. He was loved and respected by many. He graduated from Naples High School and his favorite pastime was returning to N.Y. every year to icefish with his brothers and nephews. He took great pride in showing those that wanted to learn the art and safety of the sport. He was a retired Machinist from Brown Machine Works in Rustburg. He also worked for G & G Machine Shop in Bedford for many years. He loved most any sport especially UVA basketball and football. He could bring a smile to your face and laugh along at you and with you. Having had a great sense of humor, he had many stories to tell of his adventurous life that will live on forever. In addition to his loving wife, Joyce he is survived by his daughters, Sarah Wood, Lisa Deans (Michael); brothers, Ernest Whalen (Carolyn), Theodore Whalen (Sarah), Peter Whalen (Irene), Jason Whalen; sisters, Shona Witt (Dennis), Yvette Weese (Allen); sister-in-law, Kim Whalen; brother-in-law, Bart Hogge (Lauren); his grandchildren whom he treasured, Cameron Toller, A.J. Mucerino, Lily Deans, Thomas Deans; and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Mount Hermon Baptist Church Cemetery with Bart Hogge officiating. Theodore and Sarah Whalen will receive friends and family immediately following the service in their home, 1023 Tesara Ln, Goode, VA 24556.Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Timothy Edmond Clay, 42, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022. He was born in Roanoke, Virginia on December 25, 1979 a son of the late Edith Lorraine Clay. He is survived by his sons, Nicholas Greer, Johnathaon Lambert; daughter, Carlee Lambert; brothers, Albert Gibson, Jr., Christopher Clay; sister, Hazel Gibson. He loved his family, friends, and his mother’s pets deeply. Tim was employed by Overstreets Cities Services. He was a passionate, dedicated mechanic who would go above and beyond for people. Although he was taken from this world much too soon, he left us with wonderful memories that we will cherish and hold on to. May he find peace and live on forever in our hearts. No services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Buford Jackson Parker, 84, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022. He was born in Thaxton, VA on August 21, 1937 a son of the late Preston Parker and Judson Overstreet Parker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Orange Parker. Buford loved gardening and was a faithful regular at the Bedford Farmer’s Market with being told he had the best tomatoes on the mountain. He also enjoyed coon hunting and trapping. He retired from Public Works with the City of Bedford. He is survived by his children, Beatrice Murray, Marshall Parker, Tony Parker; grandchildren, Katie Peters (John), Ryan Parker (Samantha), Courtney Shepard (Josh); and great-grandchildren, Noah Peters, Peyton Peters, Kailyn Peters, Kolton Peters, Allaynna Parker, Breelann Parker, Cameron Shepard, Bailey Shepard. A special thank you to Noah and Katie Peters for being Papa’s sidekicks. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford with Rev. Geoff Hubbard officiating. A burial will follow in the Parker Family Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.