Roger Lee “Buck” Waldron, 64, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at Lynchburg General Hospital of complications due to heart disease. He was born in Bedford, VA in 1960 a son of the late Elton Maurice Waldron and Elizabeth Anne Trent Waldron. He is survived by two sisters, Betty Jean Waldron Burford (Mike), Tammy Waldron Small (Kenny); special aunt, Marie Trent Brownley (Steve); nephews, Jesse Burford, James Rowlett (April), Tim Rowlett (Elizabeth); great-nephews, Lucas, Jaxson; great-niece, Harper and many cousins and friends. Roger enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing. He was always happy to have a fishing pole in hand. He loved spending time with family and friends reminiscing of times gone by. Roger chose to be cremated and a small private gathering of family and friends will take place at a later date, in memory of him. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Linda Marie Darkow, 64, of Spotsylvania, VA was called home on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. She was born in Portsmouth, VA on December 16, 1960 to Herman and Eula Doss Sr. Linda was predeceased by youngest brother John Henley Doss and her father Herman. She is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Scott Sr; her children, Scott (Samantha), Joshua (Bonnie), Travis (Jaclyn), Shannon (Mauricio); six grandchildren; siblings, Patricia (Aaron) McKinney, Donna “Dee Dee” (Steve) Armstrong, Herman Jr “Bill” (Pat), Catherine “Cathy” Doss; sister-in-law, Connie (Brad) Adams; and nine nieces and nephews. Linda was known for her generous heart, motherly love and strength. Linda was a force to be reckoned with and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at http://www.breakthrought1d.org. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Richard Thomas Long, 77, of Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. He was born in Kentucky on October 27, 1947 a son of the late Carol Parks Long and Dorothy Wines Long. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Baxter Long. He was a retired mechanic from Georgia Pacific with 44 years of service. He was a member of Sedalia Baptist Church. Richard coached his own children in sports and many others in the community and was also a referee. He enjoyed farming, especially working with his cattle and his many trips to the stock market. He liked cutting hay on T-room stretch. He loved his morning biscuits at Hardee’s but most of all he enjoyed socializing with his friends. Richard never met a stranger and he was an unbelievable father and wonderful man. Richard is survived by the mother of his children and close friend, Deborah Jean Long; children, Kelly Michele Long; Brian Thomas Long (Melissa), David Michael Long; grandchildren, Nathaniel Cobbs, Gavin Shafer, Sadie Jean Long; brothers, Carol Parks “Parkie” Long II (Rhonda), Sammy Long (Janet), Neal Long (Judy); sisters, Carolyn L. Brown, Ilene King; several nieces and nephews; good friend and neighbor, Richard Wroncy; friend and partner in crime, Jimmy Abbott; and his faithful dog, Button. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Sedalia Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends 2 hour prior to the service beginning at 12:00 Noon. Memorials may be made to the Pearson Cancer Center. “I love you more.” Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Patricia Burnette Denson of Evington, VA passed away on April 11, 2025, at Lynchburg General Hospital. Patricia was a strong, beautiful woman who had more heartaches than any one person should ever endure. Always the fighter, she lived many years longer than Dr. Baker ever expected. She had been suffering from COPD for several years and succumbed to pneumonia. She was born in Lynchburg, on July 9th in some undisclosed year, as she was forever 39. She was the daughter of the late Russell B. and Lorraine F. Burnette. She attended Brookville High School and was employed by Nationwide Insurance until her retirement. She was the wife of the late Andrew N. Denson who passed in 2006. She was also predeceased by her son, Jason Ray Keyes, who also passed in 2006. She was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by her daughter, Renee Barbour (Larry) of Forest; her grandchildren, Austin Carr of Halifax, Jenna Carr (Rohan) of Asheville, NC; and great-grandchildren, Aubrie, Raegan, Paisley, Briar and Cannon all of Halifax. She is also survived by her sister, Deborah Harris (Johnny); and niece, T.J. Edwards (Kyle) of Lynchburg. She is also survived by a very special cousin, Jerry Fitzgerald, Jr. (Tracey). She leaves behind several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. A Memorial service will be held on April 24, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Mountain View Church, 1077 Viewpoint Lane, Forest, VA 24551. If you would like to donate in Patricia’s memory, please consider The Friends of Campbell County Animal Control in Rustburg, VA. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Ronnie Lee Goff, 65, of Big Island, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Born on April 15, 1959, Ronnie was a lifelong Virginian who took pride in his work with Bedford County Waste Management. Known for his strong work ethic and quiet dedication, he was a man who lived simply and found joy in the little things—especially in the peace and challenge of a good day’s fishing. He is survived by his mother, Louise Goff; his daughter and son-in-law, Ginger and Butch Coles; and his beloved granddaughters, Victoria Coles and Elizabeth Coles. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Patti Goff; his nephew, Cory Goff and wife Beth; great-nieces, Ginny and Abby Goff; and great-nephew, Caleb Goff. Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Sydney Goff. In keeping with his wishes, no services will be held. Ronnie will be remembered for his quiet strength, his deep love for his family, and the calm presence he brought to those around him. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Orman Little “Dee” Bailey, 90, of Altavista, died Wednesday, April 10, 2025, in Oakwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Bedford, Virginia. He was born on November 29, 1934 in Campbell County, a son of the late Arthur Christopher Bailey and Helen McCraw Bailey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Sheryl Glenn and four brothers, C.T., Mack, Wesley and Donald Bailey. He was a retired brick mason in the construction industry. Dee is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alva “Patsy” Reynolds Bailey, two sisters, Georgia Davis of California, and Barbara Sides of Chester, Virginia. He also had two daughters, Helen Diggs of Tennessee and Ann King of North Carolina, three stepdaughters, Deborah Lovette, Kathryn Vaughan, and Patrica Jennings. In addition, he had 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Per his request, no services will be held. Friends are welcome to visit the family at Dee and Patsy’s home in Altavista. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, Virginia, 570-586-7360.
Alex T. Sowell, Jr., 65, of Rustburg, VA died on Thursday, April 10, 2025. He was born in Lynchburg, VA on September 9, 1959 a son of the late A.T. Sr. and Ruth Sowell of Rustburg VA. He is survived by his children, daughter, Shannon V. Sowell Hite and husband Wayne Hite of Rustburg VA; son, Allen T. Sowell and wife Jenny Sowell of Richmond VA; grandchildren, Katelyn B. Grigsby and husband Jason Grigsby, Chelsea Galloway, Aiden Sowell, Ada Sowell; step-grandchildren, Kara Hite, Caleb Hite; and ex-wife Stephanie Sowell Younger and husband Mark. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Shiloh United Methodist Church, 18121 Forest Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502. The family will receive friends at the home of Mark and Stephanie Younger of Rustburg VA from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
It is with sadden hearts that we announce the passing of Robert E. Fulton on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. He was born in Bedford, VA on June 6, 1946 a son of the late Jesse Booker Fulton and Bertha Creasy Fulton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Ronald Lewis Fulton and Roger Gene Fulton; and mother and father-in-law, John and Ruth Agee. Robert was a loving husband, father and grandfather to three beautiful granddaughters who he adored. He was a hard-working man. Robert and Susie were high school sweethearts. Their first date was on his birthday June 6, 1964. The following year on June 8, 1965, Robert gave her a diamond and a year later on June 17, 1966 they were married. Robert and his father opened Fulton’s Discount Gas located at the Forks in 1969. Robert went on to start up another business in 1991, that being Peaksview Landscaping. He so enjoyed working with all his regular customers and also enjoyed meeting new ones. His passion was working on his old cars and going to cruise-ins with his friends. He re-worked a 1969 Camaro and a 1945 Chevrolet pickup. He had started working on his 1966 Nova when his illness hit. His cars were his pride and joy. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Susie Agee Fulton; daughter, Kimberly F. Beazley; son, Christopher E. Fulton and wife Whitney; grandchildren, Skylar A. Beazley, Gwendolyn P. Fulton, Petronella A. Fulton; sister, Roslyn L. Fulton; brothers-in-law, Rickie Agee and wife Kim, Marty Agee and wife Kelly; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025. at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford with Rev. Rick Dellinger officiating. Family will receive friends two hours prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. The family would like to thank his wonderful caretakers, Bonnie Francis and Danielle Overstreet and devoted friend Don Musgrove who visited him most every week since his illness in 2017. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Juanita Ann Rowsey Denton, 81, of Lynchburg, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on September 1, 1943 a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Rowsey. She is survived by her son, Derek Denton; daughter, Donna Keesee (Richard); grandchildren, Breigh Campbell (Kevin), George Cash, Jason Keesee (Rose); and great-grandchildren, Rilynn Campbell, Kaycen Campbell, and Ambria Keesee. A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. After the visitation the family will continue to visit at the home of Breigh Campbell. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Billy Dean Owens, 84, of Rustburg, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025. He was born in Grundy, VA on September 3, 1940 a son of the late Clyde and Maggie Owens. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Hogan Owens. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and he retired from B & W as a night shift plant manager. Billy is survived by his daughter, Karen Peters (David); and granddaughters, Kelsi Whitlow (Jason) and Anna Peters (Kyle). Per his request, no services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.