Frank J. Smith, 83, of Bedford passed away suddenly on March 30, 2022 at home. Born August 8, 1938, in Bedford, VA, he was son of the late Marion H. (Hennie) Smith and Ruth M. Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Floyd Smith, sisters, Marion Croft Miller and Jane Smith Ragland; son-in-law, Raymond J. Cristman; brother-in-law, Hal Croft; and sister-in-law, Nancy Smith. He is survived by his loving wife, Marietta A. Smith of 62 years; daughters, Yvonne L. Cristman of Ft. Wayne, IN and Donnetta S. Parker (Bill) of Colorado Springs, CO; son, Robbie Smith (Angelina) of Bedford; grandchildren, Alexis Cristman, Anna Parker, Lisa Hallauer (David), Robert Smith (Kristen), Jennifer King (Wyatt), Donna Smith, James Smith, Colton Smith, Elijah Smith, and Benjamin Smith; five great-grandchildren; his twin brother, Francis Smith (Jane); brothers, Fred Smith (Carol), Ronnie Smith, Donnie Smith, Randy Smith (Kathy); his sister, Judy Booth; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He graduated from Montvale High School in 1957 and married the love of his life, Marietta Atkinson in 1959. With a strong work ethic, he worked day and night but God and family meant everything to him and brought him the most joy. He retired from Rubatex after more than 40 years in maintenance. Then he worked for 7 years at Staunton River Middle School as a custodian. As a life-long member of Flint Hill Baptist Church, he served faithfully in multiple roles as Deacon, Trustee, and Superintendent of Sunday School. He felt most at home in the outdoors farming, raising and tending his cattle, and vegetable gardening which he generously shared. He was the neighborhood welder and ultimate go-to repairman. Known for his broad smile and loving hugs, he loved and cared deeply for others. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Dooley and Rev. Kyle Dooley officiating. A graveside service will follow at Virginia Memorial Park, Forest. The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 12, 2022, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Thomas P. Dugan (1940-2022) passed away on March 28, 2022 at the age of 81 in Roanoke, Virginia. Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Jane Dugan, son Patrick S. Dugan (Paige), and grandsons Kevin P. Dugan, Captain, United States Air Force (Becca) and Michael J. Dugan, Captain, United States Marine Corps (Lilly). Tom is also survived by his sister Judith Grace Wohlgemuth (Robert) along with extended family and lifelong friends. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Norbert P. and Dorothy M. Dugan, and by his younger brother, John F. Dugan. Tom was born November 24, 1940, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He attended Glen Ridge High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1960, where he served as an Air Policeman until 1964. At the conclusion of his service in the Air Force, Tom continued his career in law enforcement by following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as an officer with the Glen Ridge Police Department. Tom worked at every level within the GRPD and was eventually appointed Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety in 1986, where he served with distinction until his retirement in 1995. In addition to his many duties as a police officer, Tom was very active in numerous professional law enforcement organizations, to include serving as representative to the local Patrolman’s Benevolent Association, President of the Essex County, NJ Chiefs of Police Association, and member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. After his retirement, Tom and Mary Jane sold the family house in New Jersey and moved to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, where they enjoyed many years of waterfront living with new friends. Tom and Mary Jane quickly adopted Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, VA as their own. He was a key member of many church committees and oversaw the completion of a number of projects which have kept the parish growing. Tom also stayed active in law enforcement, working for a number of years with ITT Night Vision in Roanoke, VA to ensure officers on the street had the finest equipment available to keep themselves and their communities safe. As busy as he stayed in his retirement, Tom especially loved the time he was able to spend with grandsons Kevin and Mike, who were able to visit The Lake often, spending summer vacations and holidays learning all the things grandfathers are supposed to teach their grandsons – teething on an ice-cold beer bottle is ok, apple pie is the perfect breakfast food, nothing hurts as bad after your rub some dirt on it, whiffle ball bats make acceptable problem solvers, and the best treasure chests are built in the garage workshop with “No-Dad.” Tom’s career and his life were distinguished by his friendship, leadership, loyalty, professionalism, honesty, and integrity, but most importantly by his humanity. As a husband, father, grandfather and friend, none were finer. He truly cared about his family, his faith and his community, and he left his little bit of the world a better place than how he found it. Tom was a Good Guy. At a time when the world could use a few more Good Guys, he will be missed. A Celebration of the Life of Thomas P. Dugan will be held at 10:00 AM on April 7, 2022 at Resurrection Catholic Church, Route 122, 15353 Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121 with funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at a date to be determined. Flowers and cards are welcome. It is also the Dugan Family’s wish that any contributions be sent in Tom’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or your favorite charity. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

 

Amanda Renee Gibson of Glade Hill, VA, was born on March 27, 1992, in Roanoke, VA. She gained her angel wings on March 27, 2022, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, with her dad and stepmom at her bedside. Amanda is survived by her father, Jerry Gibson and stepmom Geneva of Glade Hill, VA. She is also survived by her mother, Margie B. Gibson of Roanoke, VA. In addition to her parents, she is survived by several siblings, LeeAnn Gibson-Cornett (Kevin) of Roanoke, VA; her half-sisters, Lisa (Bob) Wiley of Lucasville, OH; Dusty Jo Gibson of Harriette, MN. In addition to the siblings listed she had three step siblings that she loved very much; Stephen (Tonya) Meyers of Bedford, VA; Mary Amanda Meyers of Columbus, OH, and Robert (Adrienne) Meyers of Lynchburg, VA. She is also survived by her soulmate of love of her life Shea Spence of Roanoke, VA. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by several uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. She is preceded in death by her half-brother, Timmy Grage, and many other family members. Amanda graduated from Franklin County High School, the class of 2010. She received her peer recovery certification in 2019. She enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, kayaking, golfing, also enjoyed the sun and water. Her sister LeeAnn states, “She loved to ride crazy rollercoasters and several times she got her to ride them.” LeeAnn was not fond of them. Amanda played softball and done some cheerleading in her primary years. In lieu of flowers the family wants any donations made to Carilion Clinics Peer Recovery Center at https://carilionfoundation.org/give or checks can be made to the Carilion Clinic Foundation P. O. Box 12187, Roanoke, VA 24023. A celebration of her life will be set for a later date. Our “Lil Bit” fly high, and we all love and miss you. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Mary Agnes (Kroll) Comins, 75, of Lynchburg, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022. She was born in Syracuse, New York on December 5, 1946, a daughter of the late Joseph Kroll and Margaret Connell Kroll. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Harlan Comins; sons, Daniel Comins (Cindi), Jeffery Comins; daughters, Carolyn Bacola, Jeannie Roberts (James); brother, Frank Kroll (Margaret); six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Ken would like to thank all of their family and friends for their kindness and support. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Syracuse, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Edgar Leon Tucker Murphy, 86, of Madison Heights, died on Friday, March 25, 2022. He was born on May 11, 1935 a son of the late Frank and Sarah Murphy in Madison Heights. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank and Emmett; and a sister, Sandra. He was a member of Madison Heights Christian Church and Elder Emeritus, a United States Navy veteran, and retired from Babcock &Wilcox. Edgar is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Marie Reynolds Murphy; son, Robert; daughter, Sylvia both of Madison Heights; son, Mike (Allena) of Monroe; granddaughter, Sarah Long (Roy), great-granddaughters, Georgia and Cora Sullivan of Chesapeake, VA; cousin, Kirk Murphy (Cindy) of Goode; and special friends, Frank and Joanne Tomlin of Madison Heights. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at Madison Heights Christian Church with Rev. George Harris officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Madison Heights Christian Church, 149 Main St., Madison Heights, VA 24572 or Monelison Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 56, Madison Heights, VA 24572. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Joyce Gillispie Rumburg, 80, of Amherst, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Washington, D.C., on December 24, 1941, a daughter of Donald Lee Gillispie and Claudia Horton Gillispie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Gillispie. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Joyce brought a lifetime of experience in her career with public service in Prince George County, MD before becoming the director of Amherst County Habitat for Humanity. She was a Master Gardener and loved animals. She also loved to travel and enjoyed history; her favorite place to explore was Historic Williamsburg, VA. Joyce is survived by three daughters, Jaye Clark (Philip), Frances “Nealy” Johnson (James), Elizabeth Ann Shelley; a son, Jeffrey Winfred Rumburg (Kimberli); seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a brother, Michael Gillispie (Margaret). A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Helen “Sue” Lawson, 77, of Moneta, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022. She was born on June 2, 1944. Her heart was big enough to love everyone and she had a door that was always open. Sue is survived by her fiancé, Ken Meador; daughters, Sandy Cox, Kim Manning, Anne Baldwin, Brenda Flack, Lisa Zavala, grandchildren, Benjamin Choate, Mandy Seeberger, Megan Clark, Ashley Manning, Erin Leslie, Connor Leslie; nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on April 9, 2022 at Goodview Baptist Church, 1057 Grace Ct, Goodview, VA 24095 or online at YouTube.com/goodviewbaptistchurch with Pastor Joey Phillips presiding. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Timothy Henry Finn, 84, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on  Monday, March 28, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 710 Clay St., Lynchburg, with Father Salvador Añonuevo presiding. Family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Sunday at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Kathy Elizabeth Williamson, 69, of Montvale, was called home on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. She was born in Blue Ridge, VA on July 31, 1952, a daughter of the late, George Oliver Meador and Rena St. Clair Meador. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son; and a sister, Dorothy Helm. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 48 years, Roy G. Williamson; son, Dennis (Melissa) Williamson; granddaughter, Emily Williamson; grandson, Caleb Williamson; brothers, Keith “Candy-man” (Jessie) Meador, Wayne “Shorty” (Marion) Meador, Clayton “Pug” (Faye) Meador, Kenneth “Skinner” (Bonnie) Meador, George “Cotton” (Greta) Meador, Ralph “Sam” (Robin) Meador, Barry “Skeets” Meador; sisters, Shirley Thomas, Sue (Bruce) Gordon, Janet (Gary) May; brother-in-law, John (Marilee) Williamson; sisters-in-law, Sue Foster, Evelyn (Eddie) Craig, Sallie Williamson, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Friendship Health & Rehab Center, 327 Hershberger Rd, N.W., Roanoke for their care and kindness. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Walnut Grove Church with Rev. William Mitchell officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Wanda Miller, 87, of Rustburg, Virginia passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022.  Wanda, a loving wife, mother and grandmother was born in Avery County, North Carolina on February 2, 1935 to Loddie and Dora McCoury.  She was one of eight siblings that grew up by Roaring Creek in the beautiful mountains of western Carolina. Wanda married Herbert Miller in Plumb Tree, NC on December 27, 1951. The couple were married for 65 years, until Herb’s death in 2015. Wanda and Herb had four children and moved to Rustburg where they remained for the rest of their lives. Wanda is survived by her four children, Maurice Miller (Sandy), Steve Miller, Linda LaMar (Randy), Liz Miler-Philbrook (Scott); grandchildren, Jason Miller, Cara Miller, Scott Lang, Ryan LaMar, Lyndsey Stefancic, Katherine Noonan, Rachel Brooks, Katelyn Ward, Morgan Philbrook, Jesse Philbrook and twelve great-grandchildren. Wanda was a long-time member of the Eastern Star, enjoyed reading, history and gardening.  She especially loved the native wildflowers of North Carolina and Virginia and spent many hours working in her flower gardens. Wanda was a kind and gentle soul, gracious and welcoming to all that came to her home.  Her kindness extended to stray animals, particularly cats that would sometimes roam the area.  Wanda would look after and often adopt these cats, giving them a warm and loving home. A memorial service for Wanda will be planned for later this summer. To honor Wanda’s memory, please consider donating to Friends of Campbell County Animal Control to support the health and medical needs of stray cats. https://www.friendsofcampbellcounty.org/ Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.