Gracie Marie Zimmerman Heyse, 94, of Bedford, VA went to be with her Lord Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Oakwood Health and Rehab. She was born in Bedford, Va. September 2, 1928. Gracie Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie Darrell Zimmerman, Sr., and Fannie Fogle Zimmerman; her first husband, Red Mayhew; and second husband, Gunther Karl Heyse; and brother, Leslie Darrell “Wimpy” Zimmerman, Jr. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Bedford, Virginia. She is survived by good friends, Nancy “Libby” and Craig Lawrence.  As per Gracie’s request there will be no services.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Jacqueline Blackwell Burch, born to Jack and Ella Blackwell of Eden, North Carolina on February 7, 1927, went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2022. Preceded in death by her husband Reverend Bernis Burch, brother Robert Blackwell, and her daughter Antonia Burch. She is survived by her son, Christopher Burch and spouse Susan Burch; and grandchildren, Audrey Burch, Connor Burch, and Michael Shryock. In high school, Jacqueline proudly served as the President of her high school class and Captain of the Women’s basketball team. As an adult, Jacqueline was a devoted Christian whose interest and caring for others was a hallmark of her personality as expressed through her genuine kindness, warmth, and compassion for family and friends. Jacqueline made many sacrifices for the health and security of her family including diligently working full-time while successfully fulfilling her integral roles as daughter, spouse, and mother as well as providing essential support for her husband’s ministry. Jacqueline loved making paintings and music and served her church for many years by providing piano and organ accompaniment for worship services and other innumerable tasks and contributions. Most importantly, she will be remembered for her persistent loyalty, faithfulness, and strength. Those who wish to recognize her exemplary life may make a contribution to Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 475 Clearview Drive, Christiansburg, VA 24703. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

William Patrick “Pat” Karnes, 77, of Huddleston, passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022. He was born in Bedford, VA on August 3, 1945 a son of the late Walter Clay Karnes and Margaret Kane Karnes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Elizabeth Chaleki. Pat proudly served his country in the United States Army and he then retired from Wheelabrator Abrasives in Bedford, VA after 19 years of service. He had an unfailing love for his Heavenly Father and he loved hunting, deep-sea fishing and working with his honey bees. He is survived by his wife, Karen M. Bottomly Karnes; children, Sherri Given (Hartley), Patrick William Karnes (Julie), Alec Karnes (fiancée Melissa Walton); grandchildren, James Karnes, Naomi Bland, Tyler Champe, Kassidy Given, Timothy Karnes; great-grandchildren, Winston Bland, Godiva Bland, Kenleigh Karnes; and siblings, Walter C. Karnes, Wallace E. Karnes, Margaret Pearl O’Hare, Mattie Cummings, Joseph W. Karnes. A Mass of Resurrection will be said at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, October 3, 2022 at Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road, Moneta, VA with Father Nixon officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

David August Kopp, 79, of Appomattox, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born in Maryland on November 21, 1942, a son of the late James Lester Kopp and Josephine Frances Kopp. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Eddie Kopp; and sister, Juantia Mackley Kopp. He is survived by his son, Dennis Kopp; two daughters, Cynthia Kopp, Rosalique Kopp; brother, James Kopp; sister, Gloria Gladfelter Kopp; grandchildren, Justin Kopp, Nicholas Kopp, Jenny Kopp, Kimberly Riggleman, Amanda Riggleman, Tina Riggleman, Cory Hamm; and several great-grandchildren. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at Appomattox Moose Lodge, U.S. 460, Appomattox, VA with Cheryl Randall officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Ruth Adeline Pierce Poff, 86, of Moneta, VA passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Charles Elton Poff (Reds); a son, Charles Elton Poff, Jr. and his wife, Patricia Ann Poff; daughter, Kathleen Marie Poff; son-in-law, Terry Wayne Bell; and grandson, Joseph Wayne Bell. She was survived by two sons, Ronald Wayne Poff (Pauline), Kenneth James Poff (Chrissie); two daughters, Rita Ann Poff Eanes (Gerald), Lesha Mae Poff Bell; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Many thanks to Kesha, a special granddaughter that helped care for Mom Mom. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on October 9, 2022 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, VA 24523. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Thomas Webster Richardson, 81, of Ashland Circle, Bedford, died Wednesday, September 14, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jeanette Bandy Richardson; two nephews, James and Elizabeth Lakey of Maryland, Jerry and Kelly Lakey of Forest; niece; Jan Lakey of Maryland; and six great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by Webster and Sara Schoene Richardson of Blacksburg and Bedford, Virginia; and two sisters, Lee Richardson Sendelbeck and Nancy Richardson Lakey. Tom graduated from Blacksburg High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps ‘as an embassy guard in London, Paris and The Hague before resuming his education and graduating from Chowan College, NC, and Arkansas State University. His aunt, Mary Lee Richardson Harvey Cake, asked him to help run the family business of The Bedford Bulletin and Print Shop in Bedford, Virginia and he became Vice President of Bedford Bulletin, Inc. and manager of the Print Shop for many years. He was active and an officer in many civic and flying groups including: The Big Otter Mill Association, Public Library Commission, Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, Bedford Rifle Grays, Gobbler Club, and Rotary Club. He was a member of several pilot groups including QB’s and a glider plane group. Tom was a member of the Bedford Fire Department and was made a lifetime member. He was elected Elk of the Year and Fireman of the year. A private service will be held in October when his family gathers at their cabin near the Peaks of Otter. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Horance Hundley “Buck” Floyd was welcomed to heaven on September 13, 2022, and now walks the streets of gold. Born in Amherst County on October 30, 1928, Buck was a lifelong resident of the area growing up on the family farm in Monroe. He was predeceased by his parents, Horance Reeves and Arva Garvin Floyd, and six siblings, Vivian Wagner, Mary Hartless, Helen Tadlock, Jean Lane, Carlton Floyd and Jimmy Floyd. Buck was an active member of First Baptist Church in Monroe and he and his wife Lillian enjoyed faithfully visiting shut ins. Buck graduated from Amherst County High School and Phillips Business College. He served two years in the US Army and worked for Gary Steel, JB & CA Hutter Company, Glamorgan Pipe, and J. R. Ford Co. Inc. Through diligent self-study and course work at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Buck became a Certified Public Accountant in 1968. Buck opened his own CPA practice and received great satisfaction from helping his clients with business and tax planning. In recognition of his expertise and contributions to the community, Buck received an Honorary Doctor of Business from Liberty University in May 2018. In addition to his CPA career, Buck was a long time Sunday School teacher. He had a variety of other interests including genealogy, mathematics, quail hunting, bee keeping, gardening and tending to his farm animals – especially his Scottish highland cattle. He had a special fondness for horses and was riding into his 80s. A member of the Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite, and the Shrine Club, Buck both gave and received much joy as a Shrine clown, “Bucko.” Buck had the opportunity to travel widely and highlights included a flight in a small plane over Mt. McKinley and a trip to Israel. Buck highly valued education and established an educational fund in the name of his late wife, Judy. Buck was very pleased to learn of the students who were helped by this fund during its operation. If you know Buck, you know he loved life. He had fun wherever he went and always had a joke or two ready to tell. His favorite response to an inquiry about his well-being was, “I’m sober. I can’t find the liquor store.” It got a laugh every time. When Buck was asked to account for his long life of 93 years he replied, “My room in heaven is not ready yet, the Lord has something else for me to do.” Buck had a deep faith in God and felt the Lord looking out for him his whole life long. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lillian Hughes Floyd; his brother Robert R. Floyd and wife Jeanne Floyd; two sons and their spouses, Tom and Cheryl Floyd, Michael and Christina Floyd; one daughter and her husband Cynthia Page and Ray Alderfer; three grandsons, Aaron Page and husband Brent,  Noah Page, and Ethan Floyd; step children Cindy Horner, Kris BeCraft and husband Kris, Scott Horner, Steve Harvey and wife Barb, Howard Harvey and wife Bronwyn, Brian Harvey and wife Suzanne, Pam Harvey Howell and husband Tom, many nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and many friends, especially his good friend Raymond Burford. Buck is also predeceased by his wife Judith Guthrie Floyd. A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 2, 2022, at Thomas Road Baptist Church Pate Chapel, 100 Mountain View Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502 with Pastor Jonathan Falwell officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m.  Those wishing to make memorial gifts might consider the Shriners Hospital for Children online or by mail at Attn: Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394, or the American Lung Association online or by mail at Direct Response Headquarters, PO Box 756, Osceola WI 54020-0756. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Dorothy Bevan Eggleton, 98 of Chamblissburg, Virginia, and formerly Prince George, Virginia, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, September 11, 2022. She was born on December 31, 1923, in Lake Placid, New York. She spent much of her life in her beloved Daytona Beach, Florida, and Central Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Ann Bevan; brother, Donald Bevan; husband of 55 years, Warren (Rip) Eggleton; and great-great grandson, Austin Masson. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Donna Lee Sapp (Larry); son, Craig Louis Eggleton (Lynn); grandchildren, Tamara Kartchner (Gene), Marshall Masson (Lisa), Diana Taylor, Emma Eggleton; great- grandchildren, Dawn Nell, Sara Kirk, Adam Kirk, Nick Masson, Katie Masson; great-great grandchildren, Gabriella, Paityn, Scarlett, Jax, Kohan, Olivia, Dallas, Eli, and Blakely; and great-great-great granddaughters, Rosalie and Maze. Lynn and I would like to extend our gratitude to our great niece, Sara Kirk, for staying at our home and taking care of Mom for the last two months of her life. This was an amazing sacrifice, far from her home, and away from her children. The love and care she showed to her great-grandmother will never be forgotten. Mom’s life was a life to celebrate and not to be mourned. She was a longtime member of Brandon Episcopal and Faith Lutheran Parish in Prince George, Virginia. Her faith in God, and her Savior Jesus Christ, was unwavering. She was a child of the Great Depression, a WWII wartime bride, and a part of the Greatest Generation that helped build this country into a great nation. She will be remembered by all the people whose lives she touched in her almost 99 years. Her wishes included no formal service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite animal shelter or food pantry in honor of her love for all God’s creatures great and small. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Debra “Judy” Lynn Overstreet, from Moneta, was born on June 14, 1958, in Botetourt, she lived, she loved, she fulfilled all of her roles as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother-to-be, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin, friend, and an “angel in disguise” during her time on this earth, with sadness, Judy was called home and left this world on September 6, 2022, at age 64. She was preceded in death by her mother, Annie Dudley; brother, Harold Dudley; aunt, Doris Dudley; and husband, Larry Forest Overstreet. Judy is survived by her four children (spouses), Amanda Aldridge (Richard Aldridge), Travis Overstreet (Rebecca Herbert), Brittney Hayes (Will Hayes), Dustin Overstreet; grandchildren, Morgan Cook, Miranda Aldridge, Richard Aldridge Jr., Alexander Ryan Overstreet, Daniel Forest Overstreet; step-children, Kevin Overstreet, Melanie Overstreet; brother, John Dudley; aunt (Uncle), Janie Deacon (Kenton Deacon); nephews, Randy Dudley, Jason Orange; niece, Kimberly Dudley; special cousins, Charlie Dudley, Brenda Hearn; special in-law, Mary; and so many more not listed. Judy loved spending time outside with her flowers, dogs and more joyfully time with her family. She filled her home with life, love and laughter, her beautiful soul was radiating and magnetic at all times. She touched our hearts and minds, and left a permanent hold in our lives. She was a “first love” to so many and “one in a million” like none other. A formal funeral service is not scheduled at this time. The family will be planning a private memorial gathering at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Franklin Montgomery Gordon, 85, of Montvale, VA went to be with his Lord Monday, September 5, 2022. He was born in Salem, Va. March 9, 1937. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Marvin Gordon, and Lula May Moran Gordon; daughter, Anita Lynn Dulaney; and son, Keith Doyle Gordon. Frank was a member of Union United Methodist Church. He was the youngest of twelve children. Frank was loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Christine Gordon; grandchildren, Marlina Dunbar; Gerry Spencer (Melissa); great-grandchildren, James Davis, Joseph Davis, Shawn Spencer, Johnathon Spencer, Zackary Spencer; great-great granddaughter, Skylar Davis; and Numerous Nieces, Nephews, and other family members. A Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday September 9, 2022, at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel 1235 Walnut Street Bedford, Virginia with Rev. Brian Gordon officiating. The family will receive friend’s 0ne hour prior to the service.  Burial will follow at Holy Land Cemetery. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.