Carol Nancy Whorley, 76, of Goode, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025. She was born in Big Island, VA on March 18, 1949 a daughter of the late Sam Whorley and Ruby Ann Tolley Whorley. She is survived by her brother, James Larry Whorley (Brenda); sister, Brenda Ann Whorley Peters; numerous nieces and nephews; and too many friends to count. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Hunting Creek Baptist Church, Big Island. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Ray Willard Tillman, 75, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025. He was born in South Boston, VA on August 9, 1949 a son of the late Cruduip Dallas Tillman and Estelle Newby Tillman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Hogan Tillman; and sister, Lavoris Tillman. He is survived by his daughters, Shannon Renee Green (Roy), Shelley Tillman Clary (James Bradshaw); son, William “Michael” Tillman; grandchildren, Afton Tillman Hailey (Gavin), Cody Duane Green (Audrey), Ashlee Rae Green (Josh), Kinley Grace Clary, Austin William Bradshaw; great-grandchildren, Ellie Mae Hailey, Granger Lee Green, Douglas Creed Hailey, Kymber Rose Green; and sister-in-law, Karen Yost. Per his request, no services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Robert Earl “Bob” Gay, Jr., 62, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025; his sudden departure a shock to all who knew him. He was born in Staunton, VA on June 18, 1963 a son of the late Robert Earl Gay Sr. and Betty Ann Smiley Gay. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Cheryl Staples. Many knew him working at Boone Tractor, Auto Zone, or Parkway Steel Rule Dies. He enjoyed cracking jokes, and did what he could to help people, usually making some fuss about it. He is survived by his brother, Dwight, his wife Rebecca, and daughter Skylar; his brother-in-law, Greg; his friend, Deen, her daughter, Sandy and her family, her son, Paul; and his son, Robert III; and his dog, Taser. While he leaves family and friends behind, it’s peaceful to know that he is reunited with the loved ones he lost, no longer in pain. Unfortunately, there is no funeral service that will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Larry Richard “Ricky” Wilkerson, 68, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025. He was born in Bedford, VA on October 20, 1956 a son of the late Earl Thomas Wilkerson, Sr. and Catherine Sneed Wilkerson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Thomas R. Bowyer, Jr.; and uncle, Philip “Buster” Sneed. Ricky was the owner of Frederick’s Flowers and was retired from Norfolk & Southern Railway as a foreman. He is survived by his wife, Patti Merriken Wilkerson; brother, Earl Thomas “E.T.” Wilkerson, Jr. (Mary Jane); sisters, Tracy Brown (Donnie), Michelle Bowyer; aunt, Joann Agee Sneed; nephews, Chad Smith, Matt Wilkerson; and great-nephews, Logan Wilkerson, Weston Smith, Makiah Smith, Adelai Smith, Declan Smith; special friend, Kristy Milton; and his best friend, “Doc”. Family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Douglas Byron Mull, 60, passed away at his residence in Pilot, VA on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.  He was born in Lynchburg, VA on June 10, 1964.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard William and Ruth Carol Mull.  He retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad as a mechanic. Douglas is survived by a brother, William Boyd Mull and wife Bobbie of Forest, VA; a sister, Tammy Mull Natour and husband Majed of Richmond, VA; and six nieces and nephews who loved and will miss him very much. A private service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to memorialize Douglas should consider Floyd County Humane Society at:  2136 Franklin Pike SE, Floyd, VA 24091. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Kenneth Wayne ‘Squeaky” Sims, Sr., 72, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born on July 12, 1952 in Bedford, VA, a son of the late William Alex Sims and the late Janie Harrison Sims. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers, Billy Sims, Jimmy Sims, Gary Sims; one sister, Cindy Sims Mahaffey; and grandson, Elijah Sims.  Heaven gained another angel and Gardens in Heaven will be beautiful now that daddy will be tending to them. Kenneth loved and sacrificed for his family daily and was never seen sitting down. He was a hard worker who loved tending to his garden, working in his yard and splitting firewood. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Barbara Jean Cocke Sims; their five children, Kenneth Wayne “Kenny” Sims, Jr., Jason Dwayne Sims (Denise), Angela Sims, Ryan Sims (Ashley), and Eric Sims (Samantha); grandchildren, Logan, Carsen, Ashton, Caleb, Chevy, Carl, Louis, Chelsea, Carmen, Chase, Caroline; and brother, Mike Sims (Laura). A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford with Rev. Michael Cox officiating. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Friday, at Walnut Street Chapel. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Gerald Raymond Atkinson, 82, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025. He was born in Bedford, VA on August 25, 1942 a son of the late James Atkinson and Nannie Johnson Atkinson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Hostetter Atkinson; brothers, Harden Atkinson, Robert Marshall; and sister, Nancy Ruff. He was retired from Bedford County Public Schools. He loved his horses, mules and camping. Gerald is survived by his daughter, Kathy D. Garraghty; son, Raymond Lee Atkinson (Tabatha); grandchildren, Amanda Garraghty (Amanda Goff), James Howard Garraghty III, Leeann A. Faber, Dustin R. Atkinson; great-grandchildren, Ava M. Garraghty, Parker G. Garraghty, Kayson B. Faber; sister, Marietta Smith; special friend, Ann Youngblood; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends. The family would like to thank Bedford County Nursing Home staff and to Centra Hospice for their special care of Gerald over the last couple of years. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford, with Rev. Daniel Smith and Rev. Wayne Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Southern Baptist Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Thursday at Walnut St. Chapel. Everyone is encouraged to dress casual. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bedford Life Saving Crew. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Betty Jean Orange Robertson, 86, of Ruckersville and formerly of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025. She was born in Bedford, VA on January 25, 1939 a daughter of the late Herbert Wellington Orange, Sr. and Tina Carter Orange. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Johnson Robertson; sister, Elizabeth Ruff, and brothers, Russell Orange and Herbert Orange, Jr.  She loved her family, reading the Bible and singing in the church choir. Betty enjoyed her dog, Holly, sweets, traveling, and David Baldacci novels. She was a retired secretary with State Farm Insurance.  She is survived by her daughter, Elaine Barnett (Barry); sons, Dale Robertson (Angie), David Robertson; grandchildren, Brandi Robertson, Chelsea Fox; great-grandchildren, Anja Robertson, Marzia Statome, Sage Statome, Koa Spangler; and sister, Relia Padgett.  A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. Family will receive friends two hours prior to the service beginning at 12:00 Noon. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to your local animal shelter in her honor.   Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.