
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.


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.




