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.

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.