Person Page - 714

     Charles Edrington Beckwith Jr. Charles E. Beckwith, Mar 12, 1934 - Oct 26, 2023. Charles E. Beckwith, lately of Rocky Mount, Virginia, passed away quietly at home on October 26th. His daughters were by his side. He was born to Charles E. Beckwith and Genevieve Luck Beckwith on March 12th, 1934 in Roanoke, Virginia. A devoted husband, son, father, grandfather and great grandfather, a devout Christian, and friend of the Rocky Mount community. He was known to always have the time to sit down and talk. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was known not only for his personal integrity and generosity but also for his love of nature. He was very fond of taking his children hiking and camping and teaching them about natural science. He was an amateur cartographer and an accomplished macrame artist. Charles was a telephone man throughout his working years and loved all things regarding communication technology. He held ham radio call sign K4BSF and kept a map in his ham shack of the contacts he had made worldwide. In addition to his professional accomplishments and love of nature, Charles was a pillar of strength, care and dedication to his family. He lovingly cared for his mother Genevieve, demonstrating a depth of compassion and duty to her, especially later in her life. His dedication extended to his wife Barbara, whom he supported and cherished throughout their life together. He was a key member of the Church of Christ congregations he shared communion with and was an able witness for Christ. He always ended prayers with asking protection for the little ones, in Jesus' name. He is survived by his daughter Lauren Grimes of Rocky Mount; daughter Susan Ghabra and her husband John Ghabra of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; son Andrew Beckwith of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; son Steven Beckwith and his wife Kim Orr of Osprey, Florida. Brother George Beckwith and his wife Betty Beckwith of Montvale; Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law Lynwood and Carol Dent of Lexington; Grandchildren Sara Beckwith-Bachand, Hannah Beckwith, Rachel Beckwith, Rae Beckwith, Amanda Grimes, Austin Grimes, Connor Ghabra, Ethan Ghabra, Samantha Ghabra and great-grandchildren Ian Bachand, Julia Augustyn, and Dallas Augustyn. Inurnment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park.⁴ He was buried at Evergreen Burial Park, 1307 Summit Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia.⁴ He was born on May 12, 1934 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,4 He married Barbara Anne Pearn, daughter of Arthur Pearn and Bula May Stump, in 1955.^1,3 Charles Edrington Beckwith Jr. died on October 26, 2023 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 89.⁴

     Margaret Beatrice Rose French was buried at Appalachian Conference Cemetery (also know as Virginia Conference Pentecostal Holiness Cemetery), Dublin, Pulaski Co., Virginia.^7,4,8 Her Social Security Number was 229-64-5053.⁹ She was born on November 4, 1914 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^9,7,4,6 She married Rev. Albert Hoge McGhee, son of John Cleve McGhee and Malinda Alice Richards, on January 26, 1935 at Tazewell, Tazewell Co., Virginia.^10,4,8,5 As of January 26, 1935,her married name was McGhee.⁵ Margaret Beatrice Rose French died on June 29, 1997 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 82.^9,7,4 She BLUEFIELD - Margaret French McGhee, 82, of Albemarle Street, Bluefield, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, June 29, 1997, after a lengthy illness. She was the wife of the late Rev. Albert H. McGhee. They were in ministry for 39 years with the Appalachian Conference of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church and a member of the Bluefield Pentecostal Holiness Church. Born in Bluefield on November 4, 1914, she was a daughter of the late Kent French and Blanche Rose French Showalter. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara McGhee; a granddaughter, Teresa McGhee, and a greatgranddaughter, Amy Conner. Surviving: daughters, Mary Alice Atkins and her husband, John of Bluefield and Rachel Dickson and her husband, Sam of Galax, Va; sons, Arthur McGhee and his wife, Wanda of Bluefield and Aubrey McGhee and his wife, Judy of Bel Air, Md; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Graveside services and burial will be held at the Appalachian Conference Pentecostal Holiness Campgrounds Cemetery in Dublin, Va. Pallbearers: Joey Dickson, Kim “Mac” McGhee, Corey Abrecht, Bobby Helmandollar, David Stevens and Eddie Brewer. on July 2, 1997.⁴

     Arthur Holmes McGhee Arthur Holmes McGhee, 83, of New Canton, formerly from Bel Air, Maryland, was called home by our Savior on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. He was born August 15, 1936 in Bluefield, West Virginia, to the late Reverend Albert and Margaret McGhee. Arthur was retired from the Chrysler Corporation with 30 years of employment. He was also a veteran of the United State Air Force. Arthur joined the Pentecostal Holiness Church as a teenager and was an active member for 45 years in churches in West Virginia and Maryland. He served the church, holding positions as lay pastor, Sunday School teacher and as a member of various church boards. Arthur is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Wanda McGhee; three children, K. Arthur (Mac) McGhee (Diane), Karen Brewer (Edward) and Stacy Greer (Tony); three grandchildren, Corey Abrecht, Albert McGhee and Chance Greer; two great-grandchildren, Easton and Emersyn; two sisters, Mary Alice Atkins and Rachel Dickson and many other family and friends. In addition to his parents, Arthur was also preceded in death by his brother, Aubrey McGhee. Interment in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia.² He was buried at Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 10300 Prideville Rd., Amelia, Amelia Co., Virginia.² He was born on August 15, 1936 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^1,2 He married Rebecca Ann "Becky" Bland on January 4, 1957 at Cambria, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,3 Arthur Holmes McGhee married Wanda Unknown circa 1975.^1,2,6 Arthur Holmes McGhee died on February 19, 2020 at New Canton, Buckingham Co., Virginia, at age 83.²

     Aubrey Caroll McGhee Aubrey Carroll McGhee, 78, of Fellowship Street, Bluefield, WV, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at his home. Born on January 22, 1941 in Bluefield, he was a son of the late Albert Holmes and Margaret Rose French McGhee. He was a member of the Montcalm Pentecostal Holiness Church. He was a retired Fork Lift operator with 30 years at Daimler Chrysler. He was a member of the UAW. Survivors include: Wife of 59 years: Judith Ann Stevens McGhee of the home. Daughter: Tammie Lynn Meckel and husband Paul of South Riding, VA. Two grandchildren: Deanna Meckel and fiancé Clifford Baker, Lance Meckel. Brother: Arthur McGhee of Canton, VA. Sisters: Mary Alice Atkins of Bluefield, WV, Rachel Dickson of Galax, VA. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell where Thom Davis, David White, Alan White, Paul Meckel, Dwayne Atkins, Donnie Gardner, Lance Meckel, and Warren Smith will serve as pallbearers.³ He was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 3410 Coal Heritage Road, Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.³ He was born on January 22, 1941 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^2,3 He married Judith Ann "Judy" Stevens on December 25, 1959 at McComas, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^1,2,3 Aubrey Caroll McGhee died on March 30, 2019 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 78.³

     Rebecca Ann "Becky" Bland was buried at Highview Memorial Gardens, 3433 Fallston Road, Fallston, Harford Co., Maryland.³ She was born on April 10, 1939 at Blacksburg, Virginia.² She married Arthur Holmes McGhee, son of Rev. Albert Hoge McGhee and Margaret Beatrice Rose French, on January 4, 1957 at Cambria, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,1 As of January 4, 1957,her married name was McGhee. Rebecca Ann "Becky" Bland died on February 13, 2004 at Maryland at age 64.³ She On February 13, 2004, Rebecca Ann Prater nee Bland, loving mother of K. Arthur "Mac" McGhee and his wife Diane, and Karen L. Brewer and her husband Edward; sister of Palmer L. Bland, Jr; grandmother of Corey Abrecht and Albert McGhee. Interment will be in Highview Memorial Gardens. on February 17, 2004.³

     His Social Security Number was 403-94-6519.⁹ Tracy Lee Conner was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^6,3 He was born on December 28, 1959 at Fort Knox, Hardin Co., Kentucky.^1,9,3,4,5,6 He married Debra Gail Thornhill on April 13, 1980 at Pulaski Co., Virginia.¹ Tracy Lee Conner died on October 30, 1986 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 26; Hit by a car.^9,3,6

     His Social Security Number was 234-10-8554.¹¹ Preston Cleveland McGhee was buried at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, Riverside Co., California.^12,6 He was born on February 22, 1913 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^{11,3,4,12,5,13,6} He married Clara Belle Montgomery on August 1, 1935 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.⁴ Preston Cleveland McGhee died on October 12, 1992 at Los Angeles Co., California, at age 79.^11,3,12,13,6

     Her Social Security Number was 236-02-7963.⁹ Lena Katherine McGhee was buried at Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, Tazewell Co., Virginia.⁸ She was born on April 23, 1902 at Floyd Co., Virginia; Her death certificate has an incorrect birth year of 1897.^9,8 She died on November 27, 1986 at Wytheville, Wythe Co., Virginia, at age 84.^9,8

     His Social Security Number was 234-09-3698.^9,5 Leonard Robert McGhee was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Courthouse Road, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^5,10 He was born on December 10, 1908 at Radford, Virginia; His death record has a birth date of Nov 10, 1908.^9,5,6 He married Bessie Aldine Williams on September 30, 1932 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^4,11 Leonard Robert McGhee died on April 16, 1969 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 60.⁵

     Eva Mae McGhee was buried at Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, Tazewell Co., Virginia.^3,5 She was born on September 10, 1898 at Radford, Virginia.^1,6,7,5 As of July 22, 1914,her married name was Shepherd.⁷ She married Joseph Matthew "Joe" Shepherd on July 22, 1914 at Mercer Co., West Virginia.^7,3,8,9 Eva Mae McGhee died on May 24, 1976 at Beard, Pocahontas Co., West Virginia, at age 77.³ She Mrs. Eva Mae Shepherd, 73, of Rt. 5, Bluefield died Monday morning in the Denmar State Hospital at Beard following a long illness. Born in Radford, Va., she was a daughter of the late Dee and Alice Richardson McGhee. She was a member of the Pentecostal Holiness Church and was the widow of Joseph M. Shepherd. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. James (Geraldine) Wright of Toledo, Ohio, Mrs. Robby (Susie) Warburton of Clinton, Md., Mrs. Frank K. (Irene) Wright Jr. of Bluefield; five sons, Albert Buster Shepherd and Garnet Junior Shepherd, both of Toledo, Ohio, Wade Shepherd of Detroit, Mich., Preston Shepherd of Hyattsville, Md., and Bobby Shepherd of College Park, Md; one sister, Miss Lena McGhee of Bluefield, Va; two brothers, Rev. Albert McGhee of Blacksburg, Va., and Preston McGhee of Los Angeles, Calif; 41 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Burial will follow in Grandview Memory Gardens on the Bluefield-Tazewell Road. Pallbearers will be Danny Johnson, Oscar Tabor, Bobby Kinder, Mike Hamilton, Ray Cox, Jerry Lasi. on May 26, 1976.³

     Joseph Matthew "Joe" Shepherd was buried at Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, Tazewell Co., Virginia.^4,5,7 His Social Security Number was 233-22-5571.⁸ He was born on August 20, 1892 at Beaver Pond, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^9,3,8,5,6 He married Eva Mae McGhee, daughter of John Cleve McGhee and Malinda Alice Richards, on July 22, 1914 at Mercer Co., West Virginia.^10,11,5,7 Joseph Matthew "Joe" Shepherd died on January 6, 1969 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 76.^8,4,5 He Funeral services for Joseph Matthew Shepherd, of Rt. 4, Bluefield, will be conducted Thursday. Burial will follow in Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Va. Born in Bluefield, he was a son of the late William and Jane Belcher Shephard. He was a retired manager of the Matz Hotel Laundry Department. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Evan McGee Shepherd; six sons, Eugene, Albert and Garnet Shepherd of Toledo, Ohio, Preston and Bobby Shepherd of Silver Springs, Md., and Wade Shepherd of Detroit, Mich; three daughter, Mrs. Frank E. Wright of Bluefield, Mrs. James Wright of Toledo and Mrs. Bobby Warburton of Silver Springs; one brother, Wade Shepherd of Bluefield; two sisters, Mrs. Sam Froy and Mrs. Lucille Cataline of Bluefield; 38 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. on January 8, 1969.⁷

     Floyd Simpson Richards was buried at Tabor (John T.) Cemetery, Wayne Co., West Virginia.⁷ He was born on November 14, 1872 at Huffville, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,4,7,6 He married Salome Margaret "Salona" Tabor on April 9, 1904 at Mayberry, McDowell Co., West Virginia.^7,5 Floyd Simpson Richards died on June 26, 1942 at Huntington, Cabell Co., West Virginia, at age 69.^7,6

     Nancy Jane "Nan" "Nannie" Richards was buried at Monte Vista Park Cemetery, Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^2,3 She was born on March 4, 1874 at Floyd Co., Virginia; Her death certificate has a birth date of Mar 4, 1873.^1,2 As of October 28, 1893,her married name was McGhee.⁵ She married Hiawatha W. "Bugg" McGhee, son of William Thomas McGhee and Elizabeth Conner, on October 28, 1893 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^3,5 Nancy Jane "Nan" "Nannie" Richards died on March 14, 1953 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 79.^2,3 She With the Rev. W. B. Underwood officiating, assisted by the Rev. M. G. Smiddy, funeral services will be conducted from the Penticostal Holiness Church at 2 p.m. today for Mrs. Nancy Jane McGhee, 1322 Princeton Avenue, who died Saturday night at her home following a short illness. Inerment will be in Monte Vista Park Cemetery. Mrs. McGhee was born in Floyd County, Va., the daughter of the late William and Melvina Epperly Richards. She was a member of the Penticostal Holiness Church. In addition to her husband, H. W. McGhee, a retired N&W engineer, Mrs. McGhee is survived by one daughter, Mrs. George H. Bowling, of Bluefield, and two grandchildren. She is also survived by four brothers and one sister, C. L. Richards and Mrs. T. C. Jones, Pulaski, A. H., Kegley, W. Va., J. S., Christianburg, Va. and E. C. Richards, Covel, W. Va. Pallbearers will be Charlie D. Tate, J. P. Hicks, Guy Cline, J. W. Parks, A. H. McGhee and Preston McGhee. on March 15, 1953.³

     Hiawatha W. "Bugg" McGhee was buried at Monte Vista Park Cemetery, Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^11,5,8 His Social Security Number was 719-05-5246.⁶ He was born on April 10, 1874 at Floyd Co., Virginia; On his WWI Draft Registration card and SSDI record he listed his birth date as Sep 25, 1872 and his death record has a date of Sep 25, 1871.^3,4,5,6 He married Nancy Jane "Nan" "Nannie" Richards, daughter of William J. Richards and Melvina Catherine Epperly, on October 28, 1893 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^12,9 Hiawatha W. "Bugg" McGhee died on May 18, 1961 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 87.^13,11,5 He Funeral services will be held Saturday for Hiawatha W. McGhee, 89, who died Thursday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Margaret Bowling of 1322 Princeton Ave., Bluefield. Burial will be in Monte Vista Park Cemetery. A retired locomotive engineer, McGhee had been in the employ of Norfolk and Western Railway for 54 years at the time of his retirement in 1941. A native of Floyd County, Va., he was a son of the late William and Elizabeth Conner McGhee. Surviving, in addition to the daughter, are two grandchildren; four brothers, Morgan McGhee of Pulaski, Va; M. M. and A. C. McGhee of Princeton; and Jim McGhee of Saltville, Va; and a sister, Mrs. Ollie Burton of Princeton. Pallbearers: A. Hurd, W. S. Honaker, Leonard McGhee, Robert L. McGhee, J. W. Parks, and George McGrady. on May 19, 1961.⁸

     William N. Richards was buried at Huffville Union Church Cemetery, 1078 Huffville Road, NE, Terrys Fork, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on May 14, 1875 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ He died on June 18, 1876 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 1.¹

     Virginia C. "Vergie" Richards was buried at Huffville Union Church Cemetery, 1078 Huffville Road, NE, Terrys Fork, Floyd Co., Virginia.² She was born on December 13, 1877 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³ She died on June 24, 1878 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹