Joseph S Failla, 64, of Botetourt, passed away on August 30, 2025, after a battle with cancer. The family will celebrate his life later this coming spring where his ashes will be spread at specified sites per his request in New York as well as other designated choices. Joe was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 11, 1961, and worked on all varieties of motor vehicles and sports equipment. He married Meredith Wissemann-Failla Sept 23, 1989, where they purchased their first house in North Great River, NY until the family relocated to Fincastle Virginia in 2001. Joe worked as a Master Technician at BMW of Roanoke with a great group of guys for 26 years.  He lived for his two boys Tyler and Kyle, where a lot of time was spent in the family’s home garage on all sorts of motor projects together. An evening highlight was the facetime calls from Massachusetts by his grandson, Anthony Failla. Joe enjoyed his time with family, working on the horse farm, renovating the lake house, traveling, antiquing and various drag races with friends. Joe is survived by his wife, Meredith Failla; sons, Tyler and Kyle Failla; daughter-in-law’s, Kate Failla and Kayline Terra; grandchild Anthony Failla + one on the way. Brother; Dominick Failla, Sisters; Nancy Scibilia and Anne Haszto, Brother- in-law; Chris Wissemann. His family requests, if inclined, that you make a monetary or pet food donation to your local animal humane society of choice. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360 is assisting the family.

Timothy Bryan Cartrett, 56, of Spout Springs, Virginia, was tragically taken from us in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. He was born on October 2, 1968, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to the late Chester Cartrett and Belinda Jean Nickerson.

Tim is survived by his long-term fiancée and love of his life, Carol Phillips; his children, Brianna Gail Foster, Jennifer Marie Foster (Matt), Jesika Nicole Hunter (Will), Courtney Emerson (Brandon), Billy Thompson, Jamie Thompson, Stacey Tidwell (Anthony), and Casey Phillips; and many cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, William Channing Cartrett, Melissa, and Angie. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Cartrett.

Beyond family, Tim shared a lifelong bond with his best friend, William Hale, who was more like a brother than a friend. Their closeness was a constant in Tim’s life, and William’s love and support meant the world to him. Tim is also remembered by countless others whose lives he touched.

Tim’s greatest passion was rescuing and caring for wolf dogs. He founded and ran the Great Spirits Wolfdog Sanctuary in Spout Springs, dedicating his life to protecting and giving a home to these animals. He was also known for his love of motorcycles and Jeeps, and for many years, he was recognized throughout the Lynchburg community as the owner of Outlanders.

Tim will be remembered as a kind and generous soul—a man who would give the shirt off his back and who never met a stranger. His legacy is one of compassion, adventure, and deep love for both people and animals. He will be profoundly missed and forever loved by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025. More details will be shared with family and friends in the coming days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tim’s honor to the Great Spirits Wolfdog Sanctuary, so his passion and dream of helping wolf dogs may continue.

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

William “Harold” Presley passed away at Lynchburg General Hospital on August 17, 2025, at the age of 91. He was a devoted husband, father/grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his dedicated wife of 66 years, Betty (Proffitt) Presley; daughters Pamela Ferrell (Scott) and Susan Deal (Mike), all of Madison Heights Virginia. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren Jonathan Grant, Sarah Grant (Shea), Katelynn Deal (Eddie Duff), Kasey Wills (Logan) and adored great-grandchildren Weston Wills and Edward Duff. Surviving extended family includes three sisters Geneva Hartless (Sylvester), Rosalie Powell, and Bonnie Butler, all of Lynchburg, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Three treasured and faithful friends were Billy Ferguson, Frank Allen, and Ralph Garrett.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Louise Presley, daughter Brenda Stilwell, his uncle /brother Clifford Strickland, sister Shirley Pearce, and brothers David, Raymond, Robert, and Alan.

Harold was born in Lynchburg, Virginia where he lived most of his life before moving to Amherst County Virginia a few years ago. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He had a talent for Sales and spent most of his career in that field, as Sales Manager for Coca Cola Bottling for many years and later retired from Flowers Bakery. In between he ran several small businesses. His children are forever grateful for the dedication to family; work ethic and determination he modeled for them.

Harold loved sports. He played baseball in his youth and later coached football and Dixie Youth baseball in Lynchburg and the surrounding counties, for many years. He was an enthusiastic fan of his New York Yankees and Washington Redskins (Commanders), if they were playing Harold was tuned in.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 am Friday, August 22nd at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Lynchburg. Pastor Carlton Duck will officiate the memorial. The family is also receiving family and friends at the residence. In lieu of flowers, please consider The American Stroke Association at https://www.stroke.org/en/

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Patricia Sutton who helped to care for Harold over the last 2 years and Brooke Wheeler who assisted the family as needed. We would also like to thank the staff of Lynchburg General Neuro ICU, Dr. Sawyer, nurses Michael, Jessica, and Katelyn for their compassion and kindness.

Margaret Anne Boschen of Moneta, VA died on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Peggy was the loving wife of David L. Boschen (Dave) for 61 years and the mother of Edward, Kathleen, and Jennifer.

Besides being a wonderful wife and mother, Peggy worked at the Singer Co. where she and Dave first met, Community Health Plan of Suffolk, Industrial Lift Truck Co. of Delaware and Accounts Receivable Manager at CSI Enterprises Inc. in Bethlehem, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to send a donation in her name to St. Labre Indian School, Attn: Curtis Yarlott, Ashland, Montana 59004 or www.stlabre.org

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

Marion Anthony Lunsford Bond Avery, born August 10, 1932, passed away on August 15, 2025.  Known to most as “Tinkie,” a nickname handed down to her by her mother, she was the daughter of Charles Preston Lunsford and Marion Anthony Garrett Lunsford. She is survived by her siblings Julianne Hollingsworth and Charles Lunsford, II and his wife Linda.  Her husbands, Gardner Wright “Bookie” Bond, Jr. and the Reverend Francis “Frank” Brownell Avery, Jr.; as well as her sister, Martha Clay Martin predeceased Tinkie.

Tinkie is also survived by her children, Dr. J. Preston Bond and her husband Emerald, Gardner W. Bond, III and his wife Debra, Charles L. Bond and Karen Layne, and John A. Bond and his wife Megan. Grandchildren include Jay Bond and his wife Paige, Tyler Bond and Mindi Pugh, Kasey Balderson and her husband Carrington, Dr. Peyton Bond and Alex Young, Teddy Bond, and Caroline Bond.  Great grandchildren include Tucker Bond, Carson Balderson, and Garrett Bond.  Reverend Avery’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren also survive her.

Tinkie was a graduate of St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, VA and Hollins College in Roanoke, VA, class of 1955.  She was a music major and quite accomplished on the piano.  While at Hollins she served as Head Usher and was awarded the Algernon Sullivan Sydney Award for service to the college and others.

In 1956, she married Bookie (VMI Class of 1950B), Captain United States Army, who served as an Artillery Officer in Korea and was awarded a Bronze Star for his bravery under fire.

Tragically, in 1970, Tinkie lost her husband, Bookie.  She thus dedicated herself to raising their four children. As her children grew older, Tinkie returned to Hollins College to earn a teaching degree. Mrs. Bond taught sixth and seventh grade at Bedford Elementary School in Bedford.  She said she was blessed with many outstanding students.

In 1987, Tinkie married Frank.  She left the classroom a couple of years later but continued to serve children through her work as director of and then as a volunteer at Tuesday School at Bedford Presbyterian Church.  Tinkie’s joy in these roles was evident when she held a baby in her arms, and many, many little ones found comfort there.

Tinkie was active in service to others.  She served on the Bedford Memorial Hospital Board, where she spent time as chair, the Presbyterian Home board, and the session of Bedford Presbyterian Church.  Additionally, she served as a Trustee of Bedford Presbyterian Church and as a Cub Scout leader, all while being the single mother of four.

She was a much beloved “Grandma” and “Bama” to her six grandchildren Jay, Tyler, Kasey, Peyton, Teddy, and Caroline, as well as Reverend Avery’s five grandchildren, Allison, Laura, Carson, Taylor, and Rachel. 

Tinkie was a wonderful cook and was renowned for her ham biscuits.  She prepared “Sunday Dinner” for her family faithfully for over thirty years, and her meal preparation seemed as effortless as if she had a host of fairies assisting her.  Numerous friends and extended family were invited throughout the years.  Tinkie was the consummate hostess. 

Tinkie cherished her role of wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sibling, aunt, and friend.  She filled each role remarkably well.  She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. 

Following a private graveside service for family, a reception for family and friends will be held at 1763 Woods Road, Bedford, VA at 12 noon, on Saturday, August 23, 2025 to celebrate Tinkie’s life.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-736

Calvin Spencer Amos, 77, of Thaxton, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025. He was born in Bedford, VA on November 29, 1947 a son of the late William Henry Amos and Gladys Dooley Amos.

He was a retired supervisor at Frank Chervan.

Calvin is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jill Parker Amos; son, Robbie Amos (Liz); grandchildren, Kali Andrews, Landon Amos, Skyler Amos; brothers, Jerry Amos (Sheena), Marvin Amos (Mary), Danny Amos; sister, Jane Ruff (Tommy); sisters-in-law, Janet Parker, Tina Holdren (Lewis); and nephews, Joey Holdren and Billy Amos.

No services will be held.

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

Dr. David Arthur Gladwell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, & friend died on Friday, August 8, 2025 in the Northern Neck of Virginia where he had lived for the last year.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Brownie Beryl and Arthur Lee Gladwell; and his sister, Nancy Gladwell Ritchie.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Beth); by his son, David Andrew (Drew) and his wife, Sarah and their daughter, Charlsie Wrenn Gladwell; and by his daughter, Lee Ann DeHart Gladwell Kontos and her husband, Gregory Edward Kontos and their children, Adelaide Marian and Samuel Kenneth.

Dave’s idyllic childhood in Lewisburg, West Virginia was the beginning of a long and happy life. He went to Marshall University before enrolling at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN.

He had a successful Optometry practice in Bedford until his retirement in 2014. He was devoted to his patients.

As everyone in Bedford remembers, Dave was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed that hobby with several friends for over forty years. With an interest in everything related to fishing, he collected antique fly rods, antique fishing tackle, and antique advertising for fishing tackle. He tied all of his own flies and when fishing he carried what he would need to match the hatch that day.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to the National D-Day Memorial.

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

Willie “Bill” Sandidge Jr, 82, of Waynesboro, passed peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, August 5th, at 10:10pm. He was a railroad man for 50 years collectively and loved his work, the men he worked with, and being a critical part of America’s transportation infrastructure. He was a loving and devoted husband to Barbara Floyd Sandidge until her passing in 2000 and to Patricia D. Sandidge after their marriage in 2001. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, neighbor, and community member. He loved to dance, fish, grow and share food, hunt, tend his lawn, help his neighbors, work, and to sit on his porch when it stormed. Our hearts are broken and he will be sadly missed. Family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Ben Salem Presbyterian Church, 34 Ben Salem Lane, Buena Vista, VA 24416. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.