Lawrence Andrew “Andy” Spears, Jr. passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Guggenheimer Health & Rehab, surrounded by his daughter Taylor and sister Lee. He was born in Arlington County on August 3, 1964 to the late Lawrence Andrew Spears, Sr and Evelyn R. Davis. Andy is survived by his father who raised him, Gene Davis; daughter, Taylor (his “Taydabugg”) S. Hatcher (Neal); sister, Lee Davis; grandsons, Trace Yarborough and Easton Hatcher; niece, Krysta Davis; and nephew, Ben Davis. Andy will be missed by numerous friends and extended family. Andy’s courageous battle with Cirrhosis is over and he is now seeing the golden streets in Heaven, met by his mom “Grams” and Eddie Van Halen, who was his all-time rock star and hopefully given a permanent Philadelphia Eagles jersey and hat to walk the streets of glory. A special thanks to all friends who checked on Andy, Amber Crawford, and Guggenheimer Health & Rehab. A private memorial will be scheduled at a later date. In memory of Andy, listen to a Van Halen song, root for your favorite team, love your family and pay something forward. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Month: February 2023
Scott Edmund Reguin was born to his parents Edmund & Janet Reguin on May 3, 1965 in Manchester Connecticut. He grew up in the country town of Hebron Connecticut, with his four older brothers, Donald, David, Dennis, Douglas and his sister Sandra. Scott graduated from Windham Technical High School with the hopes of becoming an electrician, however his life’s ambition was to become a Pilot. With the encouragement of his dad, he took up lessons to fly and became a Corporate Captain and flew numerous corporate jets and eventually went to work for Exclusive Jet which was his last flight destination located in the nearby town of Kingston N.C. Scott was predeceased by his father Ed Reguin who passed away in 2021. Scott lived with his loving beautiful wife Cynthia June in Moneta until his life was cut short by a serious illness on February 17, 2023. He is survived by his beautiful children Shane, Keri Ann, and Eddie. He had five beautiful grandchildren who he loved dearly, Brynn, Annie, Caylin, Taylor, and Karlee. He had many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. Scott was a loyal servant of his creator Jehovah, and was baptized in 2015 as one of Jehovahs Witnesses. His belief for the future is described nicely in the Bible book of Revelation 21:4 ”And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain anymore the former things have passed away.” We invite all to join the celebration of his life on March 4, 2023 at 1:30 p.m at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses, 1534 Link Road, Bedford, VA. This memorial service will be held in person as well as online on Zoom, the zoom link will be the following: ID: 84495427926 Password : 712191 If you wish to send flowers to the family, please send them between 12:30 -1:00 p.m. to the address above Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, is assisting the family. (540-586-7360)
Thomas Garland (Tom Cat) Wilson, 68, of Big Island, VA passed away Wednesday February 15, 2023 at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Bedford County on December 13, 1954 a son of the late Augusta and Houston Wilson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, David Wilson, Junior Wilson; and sisters, Elizabeth Branham, and Connie Wilson. Tommy was a dedicated welder for Commercial Steel Erection in Madison Heights, VA for 27 years. Tommy loved hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors, but what he enjoyed most was teaching and playing baseball with his sidekick and his heart Kayden Overstreet. He will be missed by many, and we will all cherish the memories made with him. Tommy is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 49 years, Kathy Hawkins Wilson; daughters, Kathy Sue and Kelly Wilson; son-in-Law, Richard Goff; special grandsons, Kayden (Littleman) Overstreet, and Colton Manning; brother, Darrel Wilson; sister, Carrie Dean Wilson; very special friend that has been by his side the whole time Brett Wilson; special great nephew Jennings West; and Numerous other family and friends. The family would like to thank the Centra Hospice Care Team for their kindness and care given during this time. Tommy was a fighter and battled cancer since 2010 and he is finally at peace. Tommy’s wish was to be cremated with no services, so the family will be honoring his wish. Any donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Burch-Messier Funeral Home 317 West main Street Bedford, VA is assisting the family. (540-586-7360)
Christopher Despain Walters, 34, of Big Island, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 11, 2023. He made his big entrance into this world on August 5, 1988 in Roanoke, VA. Christopher is the only loving child of Blaine Hoyt Walters and Helen Koons Walters. He was greeted in heaven by his grandparents, James Robert Koons and Florence Daugherty Koons (Becky); Despain William Walters and Katie Ruth Cartee Walters; as well as cousin, Ayana Raelle Koons. Those who loved him knew him as Chris Chris or Duke. Duke was a name given to him by his Grandfather Despain. Christopher had an unforgettable smile with a laugh that sent warmth to your soul. There was never a dream too big or an adventure too small for his heart to follow. Chris had a bear hug that felt like home and a larger-than-life personality. Laughter followed wherever Chris would go. He had an uncanny ability to find the humor in every situation. Chris never met a stranger and always went out of his way to help others. Chris lives on in his son’s Colt Despain Michael Walters, Aonor Blaine Christopher Walters and their mother Andriana “Ana” Walters Goff. His love will follow them always. In addition to his sons, he leaves behind many aunts, uncles, and loving cousins. He leaves behind his faithful dog, Pig, who will be lost without him. Chris’s life story does not stop with his passing. His legacy and testimony of overcoming his demons will live past his time. His family and friends will share the triumph he held in his last moments. Forever in our hearts and memories Christopher Despain. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford with Chaplain Mike Smith officiating. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Friday, at Burch-Messier Walnut Sr. Chapel. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 586-7360.
Beverly Ann Anderson 79 of Lynchburg, VA died February 10, 2023 at her home. Born in Oakland, CA on June 2, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Francis Kale Long and Regina Leola Smith Long. She retired from Lynchburg Health Department with 31 years of service. Beverly was a wonderful and caring person, she loved everyone especially her two sons and her Fur Babies. She is survived by two sons, Rocky Rosser Lynchburg, VA, Tim Rosser (Denise) Nashville, TN; a granddaughter, Lexi Rosser Nashville, TN; and brother Frank Long. She was preceded in death by a brother James Long and a nephew Ronnie Rosser. She is survived by many nieces and nephews and special and loving caregivers, Emma Ruff, Lisa Rosser, and Tammy Ruff. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford is serving the family. Donations can be made to Lynchburg Humane Society.
Daisy Irene Goff Byers, 91, of Forest, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. She was born in Bedford, VA on June 17, 1931 a daughter of the late Maxie A. Goff and Addie Wilson Goff. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Byers; daughter, Beverly B. Buchanan, and brothers, Floyd A. Goff, Larry A. Goff, James Goff. She was a retired bus driver with Bedford County Public Schools. Daisy is survived by her sons, James C. Byers (Darnell), Gary D. Byers (Sherry), Benny Byers; daughter, Valerie B. Tomlinson (Glenn); and sisters, Bernice Kay (Rich), Dora Painter (Roger), Cheryl Foster; grandchildren, Julie Baty (Herb), Selena Phillips (Kevin), Mendy Clark (Ronnie) Dennis Byers, Carrie England (Chris), Chris Tomlinson, Briana Buchanan Ostrowski (Rob), Jenny Hale (Dustin), Jamie Buchanan (Abbie); and ten great-grandchildren and one on the way. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Ken Bledsoe officiating. A reception will follow in Camden Hall. The family would like to thank Runk & Pratt of Forest for their care and compassion for their mother. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Joseph “Joe” Shugart Gardner, 68, of Jacksonville, AL, formerly of Bedford, VA passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center in Anniston. Mr. Gardner is preceded in death by his parents, L.Y. and Nana Lou Shugart Gardner. Mr. Gardner was a longtime employee of Rubatex. He was a huge Virginia Tech fan, was very active in theater, and loved racing go-carts. His greatest love was spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include a daughter, Trinda Gardner-Scicli; son, Christopher Gardner (Amber); grandchildren, Cody Windle (Amanda), Christian Windle, Sam Windle, Ryan Calloway (Kwmane), Lauryn Gardner, and Brysyn Gardner; great-grandchildren, Huntley, Paisley, Macie, Alice, Taylen, and Oaklee; sisters, Margaret Hallau (Harold), and Julia Ventimiglia (Philip); brothers, Jack Gardner (Janet), and Edward Gardner (Patricia); and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty High School Wrestling Team, 100 Liberty Minuteman Drive, Bedford, VA 24523; or the Bedford Centra Hospice House, 1025 Turning Point Road, Bedford, VA 24523. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Bedrock Community Church with Philip Biles officiating. Family will receive friends from 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. The church will be doing a livestream from their Facebook page. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford is assisting the family.
Roy Walter Stubbs, Jr., 63,, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023. He was born in Roanoke, VA on December 9, 1959 a son of Roy Walter Stubbs, Sr. and Jayne Evers Stubbs. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Brenda Mahone Stubbs; daughters, Amanda Stubbs, Samantha Fitzgerald and husband A.J., Valerie Catlett and friend Kevin; sister, Maria Aultice and husband Brad; nine grandchildren, Curt, Frankie, Andrew, Rebekah, Hunter, Lily, Addie, Ethan, Gavin; three great-grandchildren, Bella, Dawson, Waylon; three nephews; and one niece. No services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Helen Mae Overstreet, 80, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023. She was born in New Jersey on September 30, 1942 a daughter of the late James Robert Overstreet and Louise Virginia Carter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her life partner, Slim Meador; brother, Steve Allen Overstreet; and great-grandson, Gunner Lawrence Bird. She is survived by her two sons, James Eddie Overstreet, David Michael Overstreet; granddaughter, Heather O. Bird (John); grandson, James Wesley Overstreet (Jordan); great-grandchildren, Karson Overstreet, Logan Hodges, Willow Bird, Piper Bird, Charlie Bird; sisters, Lois O. Holland, Frances Stanley (W.R.), Edith Hall, Carolyn Overstreet, Janet Brown (Allen); and brothers, James C. “Sonny” Overstreet (Vicky), Raymond Overstreet (Joyce). A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford, with Rev. Tim Feaser officiating. Burial will follow in the Overstreet Family Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Friday at Burch-Messier Walnut St. Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Burch-Messier Funeral Home to help the family with funeral costs. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Rebecca Darlene Hill Cumby, 47, of Lynchburg, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023. She was born in Jeannette, PA on October 6, 1975 a daughter of Dale Earl Hill and Monita Upton Dempsey and husband Freddie. She was a very loving person and full of life. She was employed by Innovaire. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her sons, Darren Cumby, Devin Cumby; siblings, Jared Hill and wife, Melissa, Jonathan Hill, Robert Posey, Jr., and Amber Averill. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February, 10, 2023 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford with Pastor Matthew Winebarger officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Hermon Baptist Church Cemetery. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.