William Edward “Dack” McKinney, Sr. 74, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022. He was born in Bedford, VA on April 3, 1948 a son of the late Willie Madison McKinney and Alice Overstreet McKinney. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronnie McKinney, Donnie McKinney, Sr., brothers-in-law, Gene Carr, Charles Bowyer; and sister-in-law, Barbara McKinney. He proudly served his country in the United States Army; serving during Vietnam. He is survived by his wife, Judy Andrews McKinney, children, Tina Carter and husband Ronnie, Christy McKinney, Melinda Bowyer and husband Carl, William Edward “Eddie” McKinney, Jr.; sisters, Doris Wood and husband Willard, Linda Carr, Cheryl Bush and husband Bob, Wanda Goin and husband George, Faye Bowyer; brothers, Willie McKinney and wife Debbie, Jimmy McKinney, Roy McKinney and wife Maria, David McKinney and wife Mary; sister-in-law, Lisa McKinney; ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, May 2, 2022 at Thaxton Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Ed Nichols officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Wesley Owen Bobbitt, 36, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022. He was born in Bedford, VA on October 5, 1985 a son of Owen Dale Bobbitt and Brenda Fielder Bobbitt. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a son, Ethan Gauge Poindexter; three brothers, Stacey Fielder and wife Gena, Brian Fielder, Joshua Bobbitt; special cousin, Brittany Fielder Coleman; love of his life, Mindy Dent; special friends, Blaine Smith, Shane Mattox, Frankie Harrison; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, May 2, 2022 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, with Pastor Roy Burton officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Janet Turner Fitch, 78, of Bedford, VA went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Born in New York on June 23, 1943, daughter of the late William Turner and Elizabeth Lewis Turner. Also preceded in death by brother, Fred Turner. Janet’s life was characterized by love, patience, kindness, humility, and serving others. One of the many ways she showed her love was cooking and baking for family and friends. She was legendary for her cinnamon rolls, cookies, and apple pies. The only thing more important to Janet than her family was her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She started every day with Jesus through scripture reading, prayer, and songs. She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Pastor Charles Fitch; her children, Beth Wilson and husband Jeff, Mark Fitch and wife Nanette, Cherie Nash, Charlene Fitch; grandchildren, Bob (Ashley), Rick, Dan (Mu), Jeremy, Lauryn, Mikayla, Emma (Caleb), Maria (Matt), Annie; and seven great-grandchildren; and other great friends and family. Pastor’s Wife and beloved member of Unadilla Forks Baptist Church, NY for 40 years. Since moving to Bedford 10 years ago, she has been an active and loved member of Trinity Baptist Church. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00pm on May 1, 2022 at Trinity Baptist Church with Pastor Bill Owlsey officiating. Flowers are welcome or please consider a donation to Bedford Pregnancy Center, 813 E. Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

A loving and ever faithful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to so many, Barbara Markham Campbell, 79, of Big Island, peacefully passed Sunday, April 24, 2022. Her battle with a serious blood disorder showed her strength, courage and determination to face life’s challenges with a smile and a willingness to never give up.   She always had something positive to say.  Her favorite was to remind us to “Always stop and smell the roses”. She was born in Bedford County on February 10, 1943, daughter of the late James Leonard Markham and Ola Wilson Markham Smith.  Barbara, a lifelong member of Hunting Creek Baptist Church, never questioned her faith. She is survived by her loving husband (and best friend) of 59 years, Brent Winston Campbell; her son, Timothy B. Campbell, Sr. and his wife, Rhonda; her daughter, Susan C. Creasy and her husband, Hank; three grandchildren, Timothy B. Campbell II and his wife Lindsey,  S. Henry (Hal) Creasy V and Valerie Campbell Creasy; two great-grandchildren, Archer and Walker Campbell; her sister, Delores “Punkin” Wilson and her husband, Riley; her brother, Ernest “Blue” Markham and his wife, Emma Jean; and her sister-in-law, Bessie Markham Christian; and many adoring nieces and nephews.  We also remember her siblings, Frank, Lewis, Edith and Marie. Barbara was devoted to her family and nothing pleased her more than hosting family and friends at her and Brent’s Sedalia home. She never missed an opportunity to be with her family. A graveside service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Ken Bledsoe officiating.  There will be a reception in the church fellowship hall following the graveside service; if you wish to bring any food, please take it to fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Hunting Creek Baptist Church. Arrangements are by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Lucille Hodges Brown, 77, of Forest, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2022. She was born in Bedford, VA on December 30, 1944 a daughter of the late Coon Burger Hodges and Rosie Clark Hodges. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tommie Russell Brown; son, Ronald Lee Brown; and sisters, Ruth Claudine Ellis and Racheal Lee Harris. She is survived by her son, Donald Ray Brown and wife Melissa; grandchildren, Justin Ray Goodman, Jessica Evans and husband Adam, Ronald “Rocky” Brown II; great-grandchildren, Judah Evans, Addica Evans; best friend, Judy St. Clair Welch; her dog, Bogie; numerous nieces and nephews. Per her wishes no services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Kimberly Renee Arthur, 55, of Bedford, died Friday, April 22, 2022 at Oakwood Health and Rehab.  She was born in Bedford VA on October 17, 1966, a daughter of Donald Ray Arthur, Sr. and Emma Johnson Arthur. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her brothers, Don Arthur, Jr. and Terry Arthur and his wife, Jamie; her nephew, Christian Arthur and his wife Kelsey; her niece, Katie Arthur; and their mother, Anne Arthur and many extended family and friends. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2022 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, with Pastor Phil Kelley officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Timber Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Timber Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.

Robert Gilmer Lloyd, 62, of Louisa, VA, formerly of Bedford, VA passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at his residence with his family at his side.  His last day he lived to the fullest – receiving visits and kisses from his family and close friends, hearing his grandson hitting his first grand slam, watching the start of Masters coverage, and enjoying his final UVA baseball game. He waited until his family told him goodnight one by one and then he went peacefully watching his favorite team. He was born on September 22, 1959, a son of the late Carl E. Lloyd and Nancy Hopkins Lloyd. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, William E. (Bill) Lloyd, Charles (Chuck) Lloyd; and sister, Vicki Lynn Chandler. Bob proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He went on to work at Virginia Power, North Anna Power Station for 30 years.  He left for two years to attend seminary then went on to post as a bi-vocational minister at Berea Baptist Church for seven years and Servants of Christ Baptist for another seven years, even while working at Virginia Power. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed his many friends at the golf course. Most of all, he loved his family deeply. Bob is survived by his wife of 40 years, Pamela Miller Lloyd; sons, Steven Blankenship (Melissa), Jordon Lloyd (Lydia), daughter, Melissa Lloyd; grandchildren, Natalie, Timmy, and Valerie Blankenship; sisters, Carolyn Overstreet (Mike), and Nancy Lloyd; brother, and John Lloyd (Patty); numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his two loving companions, Bogie and Birdie. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Mineral Baptist Church with Rev. Tom Everett officiating. Bob will then be taken back to Bedford, Virginia for a Graveside service and burial at Greenwood Cemetery at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 10, 2022, with Rev. Dawn Compton officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to UVA Cancer Center. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Karl Revere Ellefson, 92, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. He was born in Minneapolis, MN on October 9, 1929 a son of the late Adrian Revere Ellefson and Margaret Turner Ellefson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marge Rhodes. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Bonnie West Ellefson; step-children, Tammi and Robert Welge; nephew, Glenn Rhodes; several cousins, special Virginia family, Rhonda, Molly, and Joseph Gardner; and special friends, Kathy and Jack Trage and Russ Hurley. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at Main Street United Methodist Church fellowship hall from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Bedford Habitat for Humanity, Bedford Humane Society or Main Street United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.