Larry Montecino Jr., a man defined by his selfless, loving, and caring spirit, went to be with our Lord and Savior on June 28, 2025, just shy of his 81st birthday. Born on July 5, 1944, in Texas, Larry’s life journey took him from the Lone Star State to California for many years, finally settling in Virginia.

Larry was a true constant in the lives of those he touched, known for his even-keeled demeanor and his unwavering willingness to help in any way he could. A true patriot who deeply loved his country, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was cheering on his favorite teams—the San Francisco 49ers and the San Francisco Giants—nurturing his new-found passion for gardening, or simply sitting on his porch, admiring the beauty of his beloved property. His kindness and profound love for others were hallmarks of his character.

His professional life was as varied as his geography. Larry proudly recalled his early years working for the U.S. Forest Service and Southern Pacific Railroad, forging memories he cherished throughout his life. He then spent many years in the car industry, excelling in roles from sales to management, before dedicating the last two decades of his career to home mortgages.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Larry’s greatest joy came from spending time with his friends and family. He had a remarkable gift for being “always there for you,” a trait that extended far beyond his immediate family. Larry embodied the role of a father not only to his own children but also became a beloved paternal figure to many Liberty University students, offering guidance, support, and a steady presence. His selfless and caring nature left an unforgettable mark on countless lives.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl, whom he affectionately called “Red,” and his loving children: daughters Norma Dunn, Annabelle Montecino, and Linda Chavarria, and sons Lorenzo Montecino and Wes “Mitch” Segler. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Denise Montecino; sons-in-law, Cheo Chavarria, Pete Hernandez, and Randy Mendoza, and a herd of grandchildren. Larry is now rejoicing in heaven with his beloved daughter, Sandy Mendoza.

Larry’s legacy is one of quiet strength, boundless generosity, unwavering patriotism, and a love that knew no bounds. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Thomas Road Baptist Church, Pate Chapel, 1 Mountain View Road,  Lynchburg, VA 24502.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Purple Heart Homes, Attn. PHH,  Central Virginia Chapter, American Legion, Post 16, 1301 Greenview Drive,  Lynchburg, VA 24502.

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Captain Durell Winter (Buddy) Haydon, aged 79, on June 25, 2025. A man of many talents and interests. Captain Buddy leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and generosity that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Born on January 24, 1946, in Weems, Virginia. From an early age Buddy was known for his adventurous spirit and generosity as well as his love of motorcycles. He was an avid rider for most of his life. Buddy also enjoyed building dune buggies, working on vehicles, tinkering in his shop, metal detecting, diving, hunting, piloting his Cessna plane, and enjoying time with family and friends.

As a teenager Buddy worked for Windmill Point, even traveling to Key West, Florida to work at their resort for a time when he was 16. Buddy began his fishing career in Reedville, Virginia at the age of 16 as a cork puller on a Pogey boat, back when the nets were pulled by hand, until they discovered his real age and put him off the boat. He returned as soon as he turned 18.

Eventually, he followed the fishing industry to Mississippi, making his home for several years in Pascagoula, before moving DTR to Empire, Louisiana, where he finished out his career and raised his family. He worked his way to engineer, first mate, pilot, and eventually Captain.

Having visited and fallen in love with the mountains of Virginia, he retired and spent the rest of his life on his property with his family.  In later years, he loved to reminisce about the old days, whether it was stories from growing up, his years fishing, or his friends and family. He could spin a good tale that kept you interested.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents Hubbard Barron Haydon, Sr. and Ruth Inez Bullis Haydon, three brothers and two sisters-in-law: William Hubbard Haydon and Mary Abbott Haydon, Hubbard Barron Haydon, Jr. and Susan Colley Haydon, and David Terry Haydon, two sisters who died as infants, and his best friend Zane Nance.

Captain Buddy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ramona Mae Degges Haydon, his daughter and son-in-law Dawn and Stephen Flowers, his granddaughters: Heather Lee Flowers and her fiancé Jacob Motley, (all of Bedford, Virginia) and Stormi Dawn Flowers (North Carolina), his brothers: Harry James Haydon and his wife Jo Haydon (Paso Robles, California), and Garry Leroy Haydon (Bohannon, Virginia), three sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law: Joan Benson (Weems, Virginia), Ella Jo Somers (Lively, Virginia), James and Mary Gordon (Hampton, Virginia), and Ray Degges (Smithfield, Virginia), numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, family and friends. He is also survived by his bonus daughter, Lulu Latham (Belle Chasse, Louisiana).

Captain Buddy’s life was a life well lived, full of love and adventure, and he will be greatly missed.  There will be no service at this time.

Andrew Cary Whitten

Andrew Cary Whitten, Lynchburg, Virginia, left us on Tuesday afternoon, June 24, 2025.  Andrew’s love and spirit continue in all of us he touched.  We love him dearly.

Andrew was born July 16, 1987, in Barberton, Ohio.  He was 37 years old.  He is survived by his parents, Patrick and Nora Whitten of Evington, Virginia; his brother, John Whitten (Audrey) of Buchanan, Michigan; nephew and niece, Ellis and Lydia; uncles; aunts; and cousins.  Andy especially enjoyed the children of his brother and cousins, and they all crowded around Uncle Andy at the holidays.

Andrew was baptized at St. Hilary Catholic Church in Fairlawn, Ohio, and attended St. Hilary Catholic School.  He continued his education at Walsh Jesuit High School (2006) in Stow, Ohio.  He participated in all the CYO sports, especially soccer and basketball, and at Walsh lettered each year in varsity volleyball.

Andrew graduated from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering (2010).  He participated in club volleyball and ice hockey and was an assistant coach for women’s volleyball.  Andrew maintained a close friendship with his Clarkson roommates Curtis and Steve.

His career focused on nuclear power plant component design engineering in Lynchburg and Pittsburgh.  He was an expert in ASME pressure vessel code application and materials selection for nuclear applications and was trained to apply ANSYS modeling software for engineering design.  He worked on many projects and was proud of his work that culminated in the granting of multiple patents as either inventor or co-inventor.  He appreciated the friendship of his colleague Lewis during his career.

Andy loved the sea, the ocean, the beach, surf fishing, and just watching the morning sunrises.  He was a certified diver and a good golfer.  He could talk in depth about boats, astronomy, and science fiction.  He loved to cook, and it was a special treat to have him prepare gourmet dinners when we shared his company.  If he had one regret, it may be not having a dog of his own.

It is tragic when a parent has to bury a child.  The grief is unimaginable.  But for us, what is more difficult is the loss of our best friend, whom we miss so much.  We love you, Andy, are so very proud of you, and cherish dearly all our memories and time together.

A memorial service and Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Andrew beginning at 11:15 on Friday July 25, 2025 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, 1307 Oakwood St., Bedford, Virginia.   .

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Robert Earl Schoonover, 71, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025 at the Bedford Hospice House. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Schoonover; mother, Emma Padgett Richardson; stepfather, Vivian Richardson; four brothers—Richard B. Schoonover, Ronald L. Schoonover, Joseph R. Schoonover, and his twin brother, Raymond E. Schoonover—and his beloved children: twin sons John William and Joseph Thomas, as well as Robert Earl Jr. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Schoonover Taylor; and daughters, Kelly Evans (husband Michael), Ana Lee (husband Jamie), and Ivy Colazo (husband Jose). He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren. Robert was especially close to his nephews Richard Joseph Schoonover (wife Grace), and their children Richard and Gabriel Schoonover, all of whom brought him great joy. Robert was known for his love of walking and could often be seen making his way through town, always with a friendly word for anyone he met. Many remembered him as someone they once gave a ride to—proof of how far and often he walked. Raised with his family atop Jeters Chapel Mountain, Robert never forgot his roots and remained connected to his community throughout his life. He made many dear friends while living at Powder Horn Apartments, and he will be fondly remembered for his daily walks and warm spirit. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Jeters Chapel Church Cemetery, 5288 Jeters Chapel Road, Vinton, VA. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30, at Burch-Messier Funeral Home, 317 W. Main Street, Bedford, VA.

Olive Delores Carnella Biggio, 98, of Roanoke, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. The family would like to give a special thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice and to Salem Health and Rehab Unit Two nursing staff for their exceptional care of Olive. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Carolyn Frances Long Brown, 73, of Big Island, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025. She was born in Bedford, VA on October 17, 1951 a daughter of the late Carol Parks Long, Sr. and Dorothy Wines Long. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael B. Long and Richard T. Long. She was a retired registered nurse. Carolyn is survived by her spouse, John Wade O’Connor; sister, Ilene L. King; brothers, Carol Parks “Parkie” Long, II (Rhonda), Sammy G. Long (Janet), Neal R. Long (Judy); and several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford. A private burial will be held at a later date. Special thanks to Bedford Hospice House and staff for their wonderful care of Carolyn. Memorials may be made to Big Island Emergency Crew, Inc., 10961 Lee Jackson Hwy, Big Island, VA 24526. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

William David (Bill) Hardy Jr., 74, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Lynchburg General Hospital. Bill was born in Danville VA to the late William (Dave) Hardy and Nancy Hardy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Hardy; and sisters, Janet Hardy and Gale Mitchell. He is survived by his children, David Hardy and Meagan Whorley; his grandchildren, Lilah Grace Mehaffey, Layne Andrew Whorley and Mason Knox Whorley; his sister, Jo Ann Cadiero (Gregg); as well as multiple nieces and nephews. Bill was well known for his career as a deputy for Bedford County and working in corrections in other counties before medically retiring and working various other jobs before taking his final retirement. Bill loved the beach and the outdoors, was an avid gardener and enjoyed camping and fishing in his spare time. However his favorite activity was spending time with his granddaughter, Lilah Grace whom he loved dearly. At this time there will be no service however condolences can be sent to the family at 814 Mercury Street, Lynchburg VA 24502.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Floyd Jasper Johnson, 90, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025. He was born in Bedford, VA on March 1, 1935 a son of the late Otho Jasper Johnson and Annie May Phillips Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ann Johnson; daughters, Lora Padgett, Margie Robinson; and brothers, Jimmy Johnson, Roy Johnson. Jasper was a retired electrician with the City of Bedford and a member of Bedford Baptist Church. He is now in his heavenly home, hunting and fishing to his hearts content. He is survived by his wife, Thelma Arthur Johnson; daughters, Regina Hession, Julie Lascell (David); sister, Eleanor Bishop; four grandchildren; multiple great-grandchildren; and step-daughters. A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

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.