Judy Ballowe Viar passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. She was born on April 12, 1951. She was the daughter of Hazel and Vernon Ballowe. She is survived by her husband, Phillip E. Viar; son, Gregory L. Viar; and brother, David Ballowe. Judy was well loved by family and friends. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. There will be a private service. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Month: January 2023
Tony Michael Barkley, 70, of Moneta, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford with Rev. Larry Ross officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Roy Leon Elliott, 91, of Bedford, VA went to be with his Lord on Friday, January 27, 2023, at his home. He was born in Bedford County on June 5, 1931 to the late Early Thomas Elliott and Ruby Gills Elliott; he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Edith DeWitt Elliott; brother, Earl T. Elliott; and sisters, Mary E. Flax, Kathleen E. Wood, and Helen E. Fitzgerald. Roy graduated from Bedford High School, worked for Adams Construction, joined the Army during the Korean Conflict and then retired from Rubatex Corporation after forty years of service. Roy loved the outdoors. He enjoyed exploring the woods and seeing God’s creation. He had a servant’s heart and cared for his mother, aunt, and wife until their passing. He cared deeply for his family, neighbors, and friends helping them in many ways. He was a wealth of knowledge, especially on family history. He always said, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” and he and “will” accomplished a lot even though he was unable to walk in the last years. Always faithful to God and his family; he was an inspiration to all.Left to celebrate his life are his son, Larry Glen Elliott (Cindy); his daughter, Kathryn E. Mayhew (Rodney); grandchildren, Hunter Elliott(Allison), Holly Martin, Lily Mayhew, Sage Mayhew; Greatgrandchildren, Emma Martin, Haddie Martin, Caroline Martin; sisters-in-law, Aline DeWitt, Josie DeWitt; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.Thank you to Heather, Tammy and Pam of Gentle Shepherd Hospice for their care. The family request memorial contributions be made to (Garysinisefoundation.org) a foundation for wounded warriors.A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday January 31, 2023, at Greenwood Cemetery Bedford, Virginia. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
Joyce Marie Brinkley Cawley, 77, of Vinton, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023. She was born in Herndon, WV on October 6, 1945 a daughter of the late Arnold Jackson Brinkley and Reba Brown Brinkley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Norma Amburgey, Patricia Vance, Danier Mullens and brothers, Robert Brinkley, Beryl Brinkley, and Harold Brinkley. She was retired from ITT with 35 years of service. Joyce is survived by her husband of 47 years, Thomas Avon Cawley; son, Shawn Cawley (Tammy); step-children, Anita Coffey, Thom Cawley (John), Tammy Johnson (Phillip); grandson, Zachary Cawley; step-grandchildren, Cameron Scott, Michael Coffey, Christina Creasy (Nick), Derek Johnson (Lauren); step-great-grandchildren, TyLee Laughlin, Tiara Jones, Maci Coffey, Kimber Coffey, Keaton Pollard, Kaeden Coffey, BrayLee Creasy, Braxton Johnson, Kinsley Johnson; sister, Kathleen Cooper; brother, Danny Brinkley; and many other family, friends, nieces, and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Mountain View Cemetery with Rev. Willie Ratcliff officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-736
Roger Edward Fullen, 73, of Thaxton, passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. He was born in Bedford, VA on September 21, 1949 a son of the late Joseph Edward Fullen and Margie Bowles Fullen. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy; serving in Vietnam. He was retired from Sam Moore Furniture. Roger is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shelby Murray Fullen; son, Brian Edward Fullen and wife, Tara and their children, Kaitlyn and Erin; daughter, Virginia Lee “Jenny” Clark and husband, James A.; two grandsons, Ethan and Evan Clark; sister-in-law, Marion Trent; nephew, Rodney Crouch; great-niece, Cayla Crouch; grand dog, Jack; and many special family members and friends. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2023 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford with Rev. Bart Hogge and Todd Childress officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Thursday at Burch-Messier Walnut St. Chapel. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500 Chicago, Illinois 60611. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Virginia Gail Rutdlege Hoilman, 70, of Goode, died Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at her residence. A visitation will be held 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Virginia Memorial Park. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Thad Daniel Gordon 44, a loving father and brother of Bedford passed away on January 7, 2023. He was born on October 6, 1978 in Roanoke, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Martha Gordon of Montvale, VA. He is survived by his children, Elijah, Chloe and Rayme Gordon; sister, Brandy Heck and husband Tommy Heck; nephews, Jacob and Lukas Heck and his newest nephew, Atlas. Thad was divorced however he and Carmen had a strong connection and were still a big part of each other’s lives to help maintain a good relationship between themselves and the kids. Thad established two lifelong friendships while growing up, he didn’t have any brothers but if he could’ve picked two it would have been you, Thad knew he could count on you no matter what he needed, Jason Bates and Micheal Nunn, you were what Thad called his true “brothers”. Anyone who knew Thad knows he lived life to the fullest, he wasn’t scared to take a leap of faith whether he failed or succeeded. He wore his heart on his shoulder and would do anything for anyone. Thad was known for his contagious laugh, playing his loud music and his love that he had for everyone. He loved the outdoors, whether it be fishing, swimming in the creeks, or camping, he just wanted to be outside. Thad was a person who could do anything that he put his mind too, he had a passion for drawing, he was very artistic and was recently pursuing his passion for tattooing. The family will hold a private Memorial Service at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Bobbie Lee Mitchen, 86, of Bedford, VA went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 5, 2023. He was born on March 5, 1936, a son of the late Sidney and Ruth Mitchen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sons, Danny and David Mitchen; and three brothers, James Mitchen, Doc Mitchen, and Richard Mitchen. Bobbie retired as supervisor of Cemetery Management for the City of Bedford, after 29 years of service. He loved the Lord and served Him faithfully as a deacon and cemetery manager at Sedalia Baptist Church. He sang in the choir and he and his wife worked with the youth for many years. He loved bluegrass and gospel music and played in a band, performing at churches and community events. Bobbie is survived by his dear wife of 69 years, Juanita Holdren Mitchen; his children, Rebecca Harrison (Daniel), Ronald Mitchen (Stephanie), Robert Mitchen (Rosa), Lisa Rood (Ron); daughter-in-law, Jill Mitchen; ten grandchildren, Melissa Harrison, Thomas Mitchen, Juanita Kay Mitchen, Frank Mitchen, Erin Andrews, Cassie Jones, Hannah Mitchen, Adam Rood, Christopher Frost, Timmy Mitchen; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and church family. The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Buchanan and staff, Centra Hospice, and Amedisys Home Health for the love and care they gave Bobbie during his long illness. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 8, 2022 at Sedalia Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Saturday at Sedalia Baptist Church. Memorials may be sent to Sedalia Baptist Church or the Big Island Emergency Crew. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Alton Gene Vincent, 84 of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. He was born in Greenville, NC on April 8, 1938, son of the late Alton Rudolph Vincent and Corrine Smith Vincent. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Jan Vincent. Al attended Greenville High School where he played baritone in the marching band. He earned a BS in history from Campbell College, and a master’s in education from the University of Virginia. Al proudly served in the United States Army National Guard from 1963 until he was honorably discharged in 1966, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received the Congressional Recognition Award from the Honorable Robert Hurt for his service during the Vietnam War. In 1968, he moved to Bedford County with his wife Charlotte, embarking on a 30-year career in education as a teacher at Otter River Elementary, Assistant Principal at Jefferson Forest and Principal of Boonesboro and Moneta Elementary Schools. Al was a lifetime member of the Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers, a member of the Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity for public educators, a member of the ASCD for developing leadership and quality education, and Vice President of the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals. Throughout his life, Al was dedicated to serving his community and country. He was a member of the Moneta Ruritan Club, serving as president in 1986. He served on the Bedford County Department of Social Services Board, helping to build a children’s home in Bedford. He was a founding sponsor of The National Museum of the US Army in Fort Belvoir, VA, and was a dedicated volunteer at the National D-Day Memorial, winning an award for outstanding service in 2013. Al was also a devoted member of the American Legion and was named Legionnaire of the year in 2016. Al served as President of the Bedford International Alliance for 9 years. During his service with the BIA, he founded the Memorial Day Service honoring the Bedford Boys. Al and his wife Charlotte loved traveling the world. Some of their treasured trips included going to Europe, including Normandy and Iceland, and Alaska. Al was an avid golfer and rabid fan of UVA athletics. He was a member of the Bedford Country Club, playing weekly rounds with his friends. He was proud of winning the Club Championship, and making a rare double eagle, which was recognized by Golf Digest. Al is survived and missed by his loving wife, Charlotte Reynolds, of over 55 years; daughter Sharon Garrett and husband Tom, son Steven A. Vincent; and nephew David Vincent and niece Ashlyn. He is affectionately known as Bop Bop, and cherished by his grandchildren, Whitney Vincent, Tucker Garrett, and Scott Garrett. Al was a dedicated member of Main Street United Methodist church. A memorial will be held at the church on January 21, 2023 at 11:00am with Rev. Dawn Compton officiating. Please join the family for visitation at 10:00am before the service. Donations can be made in his memory to The National D-Day Memorial, Main Street United Methodist Church, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.