Person Page - 681

     Sherry Elaine Sowers was buried at Red Oak Grove Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ She died on November 3, 1965 at Roanoke, Virginia.³ She was born on November 3, 1965 at Roanoke, Virginia.³

     William Horace Neely was buried at Section United Methodist Church Cemetery, Section, Jackson Co., Alabama.^4,2 His Social Security Number was 420-28-6705.⁵ He was born on April 7, 1928 at Nauvoo, Walker Co., Alabama; The SSDI has a birth date of Apr 27, 1928.^6,4,3,5 He married Juanita Joyce Layman, daughter of William Demetris Layman and Weda Ruth Sweeney, on February 27, 1950 at Chesterfield, Chesterfield Co., South Carolina.^7,8 William Horace Neely and Juanita Joyce Layman were divorced on June 16, 1966 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁶ William Horace Neely died on January 15, 2013 at Scottsboro, Jackson Co., Alabama, at age 84.^4,2,5 He William “Bill” Horace Neely, age 84 of Scottsboro died Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at his home. The son of Herman and Lily, Bill was born and raised in Carbon Hill. He moved to Section in 1973 with his wife and 2 daughters to become business owners. They bought the grocery store in Section, which was a Jitney Jungle, then later became a Bill’s Bestway, and a Bill’s Super Valu. They also became co-owners in over 30 Jr. Food Marts in North Alabama and Tennessee. Mr. Neely was a very involved parent in his children’s education. He served as Trustee at Section School for six years before serving as a member of the Jackson Count Board of Education for 16 years. After his retirement, Mr. Neely enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their extracurricular events. Mr. Neely also worked at the Jackson County Courthouse in the Board of Registars for several years. This is when he met Ann Gant, his loved and devoted companion. Mr. Neely enjoyed gardening, bird watching and Alabama Football. Mr. Neely is survived by his companion, Ann Gant; daughters, Julie Neely Petty, Marlene Neely and Lauren Atchley; grandchildren, Ross and A.J. Petty, Neely, Bailey and IvieJayne Atchley, Lynn (Jerry) Hill, Amber, Zane, Lane, Cylee Beard, Ryan and Liz Hill; close family members, Jim and Jan Stinger; brothers, J. D. and Larry Neely; sister, Betty Wright. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ivie Neely. Burial will follow in Section Methodist Cemetery. on January 17, 2013.²

     William Arlington "Bill" Thomasson was buried at Mountain View Cemetery, 1300 Mountain View Road, Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,5 He was born on January 2, 1944 at Bedford Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 He married Judy Lynn Neely, daughter of William Horace Neely and Juanita Joyce Layman, on October 31, 1971 at Eden, Rockingham Co., North Carolina.^1,2 William Arlington "Bill" Thomasson and Judy Lynn Neely were divorced on April 28, 1976 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.² William Arlington "Bill" Thomasson died on September 28, 2021 at Virginia at age 77.³ He William "Bill" Arlington Thomasson, January 2, 1944 - September 28, 2021. William Arlington "Bill" Thomasson, 77, of Goodview, Va., went to be with Lord on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, after a long and courageous battle against cancer. William was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, military service member, successful businessman, civil servant, and an avid hunter, fisherman, and conservationist. He was also a serious car enthusiast serving as an officer and member of the Roanoke Valley Region Antique Automobile Club of America as he cruised in style in his 1965 Sting Ray Corvette. William served his country as a member of the United States Army and National Guard, attended Virginia Tech studying business, owned and operated a successful insurance business, and practiced Real Estate after he retired. Most recently he served two terms as the district 1 Supervisor of Bedford County, Virginia. William was preceded in death by his father, W. Floyd Thomasson; mother, Missouri C. Thomasson; and brother, Cecil Ray Thomasson. Surviving William are his wife, Gayle J. Thomasson; son, W. Scott Thomasson and wife, Samantha; his daughter, Melissa D. Smith; his siblings, F. Wayne Thomasson and wife, Ruby, Francis T. Hall and husband, Russ, and Dale L. Thomasson and special friend, Tim Clark; and sister-in-law, Lynda Thomasson. Also surviving William are his most adored and loving grandchildren, Sydney Kate and Grace Scott Thomasson; and numerous nieces and nephews. Recently celebrating their 43rd year of marriage, Gayle was by his side loving and supporting him until he took his last breath. Their love for each other will be unending and will transition into eternity. William's life can best be described as "Well Lived." From his decorated military and civil service career to his numerous business accolades, to his many lessons taught to his successful children, William was known for shooting it straight, sharing his knowledge, and treating everyone he met the way he wanted to be treated. William was also known for his planned functions and gatherings. From fish fries to company picnics, William always invited his guests to come early and stay late. Lastly, William's keys to his life "Well Lived," in order of importance, were Loving his God, Loving his Family, and Loving his work. Additionally, Gayle, Scott, and Missy would like to give special thanks to Dr. William Fintel and his son, Dr. Andrew Fintel and the entire Blue Ridge Cancer Care Team who worked tirelessly to restore William's health and never gave up on his will to fight! William will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Vinton, Va. on September 30, 2021.³

     Gerald W. Conner was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 He died on March 26, 1944 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³ He was born on March 26, 1944 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³

     Robert Carlton Layman was born on January 29, 1945 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2 He died on January 31, 1945 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2

     Virginia Craig Troutt was buried at Mountain View Cemetery, 1300 Mountain View Road, Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia.² She was born on June 5, 1926 at Craig Co., Virginia.^2,3 She married Abner Garland Yates, son of Abner Chapel Yates and Lila Cam Sweeney, on July 11, 1946 at New Castle, Craig Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of July 11, 1946,her married name was Yates. Virginia Craig Troutt died on November 12, 2022 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 96.² She Virginia Craig Yates, 96, of Roanoke, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 12, 2022. She was born in Craig County to the late Lamah and Lucy Troutt on June 5, 1926. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Garland; son, Dallas; son-in-law, Michael E. Ferguson; her sisters, Annabelle Fisher and Talma Fisher; and a brother, Huston Troutt. She is survived by her children, Sissy Hartman (Wayne), Linda Ferguson, Wayne Yates (Libby), Dennis Yates (Tommie), Barbara Stump (Ronnie), Bernie Yates (Sandy), Allen Yates (Susie), and Rodney Yates; daughter-in-law, Vickie Yates; sister, Dorothy Fisher. She had 18 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Virginia was a retiree of Eli Lilly, a longtime member of East Gate Church of the Nazarene and her love for her family was truly that of a mother's love. Her self-sacrifice and devotion to her family knew no limits. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Vinton. on November 15, 2022.²

     Dallas Garland Yates was buried at Mountain View Cemetery, 1300 Mountain View Road, Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,7 His Social Security Number was 229-68-5222.⁸ He was born on August 24, 1947 at Craig Co., Virginia.^8,2,3,7 He married Vicki Marie Hale, daughter of Harold Stephenson "Steve" Hale Sr. and Lois Dean Gearheart, on January 1, 1970 at Bedford Co., Virginia.^1,3 Dallas Garland Yates died on September 13, 2006 at Virginia at age 59.^1,8,7 He Dallas Garland Yates, 59, of Roanoke, died Wednesday, September 13, 2006. Dallas was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved the outdoors. He was a member of East Gate Church of the Nazarene. He worked for 34 years at Ferguson-Reed & Spradlin and was more recently partnered with his brother, Vernon Yates, in the home improvement business. Dallas is survived by his wife of 36 years, Vickie Hale Yates; two sons, Dallas Randall Yates and wife Missy, Anthony Craig Yates and wife Tracy; his two beloved grandchildren, Tiffany and Dylan Yates; his parents, Garland and Virginia T. Yates; three sisters, Virginia Hartman and husband Wayne, Lynda Ferguson and husband Mike, and Bobbie Webb; five brothers, Wayne Yates and wife Libby, Denny Yates and wife Arvada, Vernon Yates and wife Sandy, Dale Yates and wife Susie, and Rodney Yates; 15 nieces and nephews; also many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be conducted 12 noon Saturday, September 16, 2006 at Oakey's Vinton Chapel with the Rev. George Stevenson officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Vinton. The family will receive friends Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's Vinton Chapel, 982-2221. on September 15, 2006.¹