Harold Wayne Holt (Wayne), passed away at his home on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Wayne was born in Petersburg, VA on December 3, 1942 son of the late Harold and Willie Holt. He grew up in Brookneal, VA graduating from William Campbell High School and Lynchburg College; where he excelled in all sports, especially basketball. Wayne started teaching in 1965 at New London Academy, then Brookville High School. After 15 years, he left to begin his next career with Campbell County Recreation Department where he retired. He loved being a teacher and considered the time with his students an adventure. Continuing at the recreation department kept him involved with the community and sports. The loves of his life were his family and his El Cabrito’s and golfing buddies. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra P. Holt; two sons, Todd and Jason Holt; two grandchildren, Oliver and Cannon Holt; two grandchildren of the heart, Lily and Max Goettler. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Ann and her husband Buddy, and their son, Troy; and numerous cousins and friends. At his request, there will be no services. To honor Wayne’s memory, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central and Western Virginia Chapter, 1022 Commerce Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504 or Timbrook Library, 18891 Leesville Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24501. Online condolences can be made at www.burch-messier.com Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Harold Michael Craig, 76, of Big Island, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024. He was born in Welch, WV on January 30, 1948 a son of the late Vernon Otha Craig, Sr. and Sadie Hughes Craig. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Vernon Craig, Jr.; sisters, Norma Hall, Erma Meade, Maggie Craighead, Emilie Sigmon; and special nephew, Joe Craighead. Harold was a member of Bedford Church of God and was retired from Rubatex and Bedford Supply. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lena Dooley Craig; sons, Michael Anthony Craig (June), Clifford Wayne Craig (Melissa); daughter, Charity Love Craig (Tony Johnson); grandchildren, Christina Craig, Tiffany Keener, Stephanie Craig, Darrius Johnson, Nevaeh Johnson, Braiden Craig; step-grandchildren, Kaylee Blevins, Ashley Blevins, Riley Blevins; brothers, Rodney Craig, Danny Craig; several nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Connie Mae Hylton passed away on November 20, 2024 at her sister’s home in Goode, Virginia after losing her battle with ovarian cancer. Connie was a very strong woman and fought this disease with everything she had until the end. Connie attempted to live her life to the fullest and enjoyed anything adventurous including kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, running. She participated in many runs, bike races and triathlons. She was an avid proponent for dog rescue and fostered many homeless dogs until they found their forever homes. Anyone who met Connie realized very quickly what a wicked sense of humor that she had and she could make most people laugh easily. She was a generous person and always looked for ways to help people. Connie was born in Radford VA on July 19, 1965 and was the last member of a family of six including three sisters Debbie Mason, Donna Crawley and Karren Hylton. Great adventures were had by these four girls. When Connie was born, her father was nearing the end of his military career which would take the family to Colorado before returning to Virginia. Connie began her adult life with a degree in computer programming, which took her to northern Virginia. After a short career in that field, she decided to join the army where she received medical training, and soon after leaving the army went to school to become a doctor of internal medicine. During this training she would live in Virginia Beach and Harrisburg PA. Her desire was to help the most needy people with her training, and she soon settled to practice medicine in the small mountain town of Clifton Forge Virginia. Soon after settling in Clifton Forge, Connie was joined by her 18-month-old great nephew, Christopher Phelps, whom she raised as her son. They enjoyed many adventures together and spent much time in the Outer Banks towns of Duck and Corolla-her favorite places in the world. Connie was preceded in death by her parents Clive William Hylton and Anna Christine Hylton as well as beloved brother-in-law Ronald K Mason. She leaves behind her son Christopher Phelps (CJ), her three sisters, beloved nieces and nephews and many special friends. The family would like to express their appreciation to April Feury and Sheree Morris for their ongoing support through the years in helping Connie balance work and life as a single parent. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Ruby Lee Wilcher Heck, 86, of Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. She was born in Fincastle, VA on October 10, 1938 a daughter of the late Herbert Wilcher and Nannie Jones Wilcher. She was retired from Rubatex. Ruby is survived by her son, Stuart Wayne Whorley; daughter, Alice Stevens; grandson, Chris Orange; brothers, Leo Wilcher, Dickie Wilcher; and sister-in-law, Gerlene Wilcher. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford with Rev. Danny Holdren officiating. Burial will follow in Peaks Church Community Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Friday at Walnut Street Chapel. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Kenneth Edwin Wheeler, Sr., 86, of Goodview, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. He was born in Thaxton, VA on January 9, 1938 a son of the late Warner H. Wheeler and Minnie Creasey Wheeler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Arlene Wade Wheeler; sons, Barry Eugene Wheeler, Donald Wayne Wheeler; and grandson, Brandon Michael Wheeler. He is survived by his sons, Kenneth Edwin Wheeler, Jr. (Kimberly), Michael Lynn Wheeler (Dana); grandsons, Kenny Wayne Wheeler (Tasha), Travis Lynn Wheeler (Piper); step-grandchildren, Jason Fitzgerald, Dustin Brinkley, Nikki Martin; and great-grandchildren, Renee, Tyler, Landon, Sam, Alanis, Luna, Brianna, Alexander, Eleanor, June, Daisey, Vera, Floyd, and Laken. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Shady Grove Baptist Church, with Rev. Lewis Brandon and Rev. Bill Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Dorinda Dawn “Dori” Massie, 44, of Lynchburg, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024. She was born in Bedford, VA on September 21, 1980 a daughter of Orville Jay “Chip” Massie and Deborah Craig “Debbie” Massie. Dori was a lively person who loved life and lived her life to the fullest along side her family, friends, and her dogs. She loved the outdoors and was an avid Trump supporter. In addition to her parents, Chip and Debbie Massie she is survived by her brothers, Scott Massie (Amanda Millington), Jason Massie; sister, D.J. Massie (Joe Hickey); nieces and nephew, Rylee, Laci, Haven, Jed, Maddox; and her fur babies, Aussie and Remi. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Norwood Baptist Church with Rev. Sam Stump officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Nellie Powers, 102, the matriarch of the Powers family, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024. Nellie was born December 14, 1921 the 10th of 14 children, in Bedford County, VA, to the late John Davis and Collie Parker Ruff. Nellie is preceded in death by her husband William “Billy” Edward Powers, 13 siblings, her daughter-in-love Jean Powers, and special friend Earl Pendleton. Nellie leaves behind two sons, Johnny Powers (Barbara), Larry Powers (Janet); grandchildren, Lee Ann Showers (Phil), Brian Powers, and Charlotte Powers; great-grandchildren Natalee Powers & Jack Powers. Nellie was a member of the greatest generation and was a hard-working independent woman. She worked at and retired from Rubatex and was often found in her garden or tending to her flowers in her later years. Nellie was a proud member of the Bedford Christian Church, and the Bedford YMCA. She found great comfort with her church family and inspired many with her ability to stay active despite her age. She was an avid fisherman, one of Atlanta Braves biggest fans, and one heck of a bingo player. The family would like to thank the staff at Bedford Memorial Hospital, Affinity Hospice Care, and Carriage Hill for the care and compassion that they showed Nellie in her final months. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bedford Christian Church or the National D-Day Memorial. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, November 18, 2024 at Bedford Christian Church. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Bedford Christian Church, 1928 Moneta Rd. Bedford with Rev. Dr. David Walton officiating. A private family burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.

Doris Burks Lindsay, 89, of Concord, VA passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on August 16, 1935 a daughter of Benjamin Franklin Burks, Sr. and Rachael Michaels Burks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, John Glen Lankford. Doris was a dedicated mother who loved her family dearly. She was a member of the Lynchburg Moose Lodge #1727. She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Stratton (Mark), Peggy J. Lankford; son, Marvin R. Lankford (Jane); her adored sister, Lorraine Gunter; grandchildren, Dora Christophel, Marvin Lankford, Jr., Taylor Stratton (Briana); great-grandchildren, Asher Stratton, Lacie Stratton; and friend, Laurie Robertson. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Indian Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery, 1683 Oxford Furnace, Lynchburg, VA with Rev. Jim Stevens officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Elnor Cornelius Coleman, 94, of Goode, VA passed away in her home on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Lucy Cornelius; her husband, Hubert Earl Coleman Sr.; sister, Nellie Bailey; and brother, Elory Cornelius. She is survived by her son, Hubert “Earl” Coleman Jr. and daughter-in-law Joyce Coleman. She was loved by many. Per her request no services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.