Person Page - 781

     Raymond Wesley Dillon was buried at Mountain View Cemetery, 1300 Mountain View Road, Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,6 His Social Security Number was 228-48-2659.⁴ He was born on July 27, 1934 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,4,5,6 He married Nancy Victoria "Vicky" Anderson, daughter of Robert Bryant Anderson Sr. and Lula Eva Conner, on September 14, 1985 at Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹ Raymond Wesley Dillon died on January 9, 2001 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 66.^3,4,5,6,8,7

     His Social Security Number was 265-20-9923.⁴ Thomas Alexander Louder Jr. was born on February 18, 1924 at Tampa, Hillsborough Co., Florida.^4,2,3 He married Louaddie Leah Anderson, daughter of Robert Bryant Anderson Sr. and Lula Eva Conner, on May 17, 1981 at Pinellas Co., Florida.¹ Thomas Alexander Louder Jr. died on August 18, 2010 at Columbia Co., Florida, at age 86.^4,2,5 He LOWDER, Thomas A. Jr. 86, of Lake City, FL, left this world for home on Aug. 18, 2010. Born in Tampa, Thomas proudly served his country during WWII as a Marine Corps Sergeant in the Pacific Theater. A long-time resident of St. Petersburg, he was a loving husband and best friend to his wife, Lou Lowder; a wonderful father to his two children, Bob Lowder & Paula Casey, and four stepchildren, Paula Ross, Sandra Lostumo, David Smallwood Jr. and Susan Snyder; a kind and thoughtful grandfather to his six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He humbly and generously helped any in need and spoke kindly to all he knew. Everyone whose life he touched loved him and he will be so missed. on August 21, 2010.⁵

     Robert Bryant Anderson Jr. was buried at Basham Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Basham, Montgomery Co., Virginia.² He was born on April 21, 1941 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,4 He married Nellie Virginia Hogan on May 10, 1963 at Stewartsville, Bedford Co., Virginia.⁴ Robert Bryant Anderson Jr. married Carol Faye Clarkson in September, 1972 at Covington, Alleghany Co., Virginia.⁵ Robert Bryant Anderson Jr. and Nellie Virginia Hogan were divorced on November 4, 1975.³ Robert Bryant Anderson Jr. and Carol Faye Clarkson were divorced on October 18, 1977 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁵ Robert Bryant Anderson Jr. married Carol Faye Clarkson on September 8, 1978 at Roanoke, Virginia.³ Robert Bryant Anderson Jr. and Carol Faye Clarkson were divorced on February 14, 1983 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁵ Robert Bryant Anderson Jr. married Jeannie Louise Asbury on March 1, 2000 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,9 Robert Bryant Anderson Jr. died on August 15, 2012 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 71.^2,6 He Robert Bryant Anderson Jr., 71, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, August 15, 2012. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Bryant Anderson Sr; mother, Lula Conner Anderson; and brother, Johnny Anderson. Bobby was a self employed rock mason and was a marine who served in Vietnam. He leaves behind his wife of 15 years, Jeanie; along with daughter, Brandy Prill and husband, Brian; stepsons, Billy Asbury and wife, Nicole; Robert Asbury and wife, Billi; and Ray Asbury; his eight grandchildren (little dudes); and his three sisters, Rebecca, Vicky and Lou. Special thanks to our family friend, Mary Greene. Graveside services with military honors will be held at Basham Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. on August 19, 2012.²

     Edward Seldon Sears Jr. Edward Seldon Sears died on the first day of September and Shawsville is a smaller sadder place. He grew up in Somerset, Kentucky, graduated from Berea College with a degree in Physics, and earned a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Notre Dame. Ed took early retirement from his Defense Intelligence job in the Pentagon to come home to Shawsville because “his baby child was growing up without him.” He was proud dad to three daughters: Vicki Pris Sears (Knic Umstead), Edie Seldon Sears, and Anderson Djuric (Steva). Ed was a dedicated runner and competed in hundreds of races, including the Boston Marathon. He loved books and wrote the book on running, Running Through the Ages, first published in 2001 by McFarland, with a second edition in 2015. He loved coaching cross-country and track and never forgot his runners. He spent many happy retirement years working among the books at the Meadowbrook Public Library in Shawsville. In addition to Pris, Edie, and Andee, he leaves behind his college sweetheart of 57 years, Rebecca Anderson Sears, and his beloved sisters Beverly, Mark, and Sherri.⁴ He was born on April 22, 1943 at Somerset, Pulaski Co., Kentucky.^2,5 He married Sallie Rebecca Anderson, daughter of Robert Bryant Anderson Sr. and Lula Eva Conner, on August 13, 1966 at Elliston, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2,4 Edward Seldon Sears Jr. married Sallie Rebecca Anderson, daughter of Robert Bryant Anderson Sr. and Lula Eva Conner, on September 22, 1985 at Okaloosa Co., Florida.³ Edward Seldon Sears Jr. died on September 1, 2020 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 77.⁴

     Pearl Virginia Cochran was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^5,4 Her Social Security Number was 231-24-9822.² She was born on February 27, 1900 at George's Fork, Dickenson Co., Virginia.^1,5,2,3,4 She married Harvey Duskin Muncy, son of Aquilla J. Muncy and Leona "Lannie" Yopp, on June 30, 1921 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹ As of June 30, 1921,her married name was Muncy.¹ Pearl Virginia Cochran died on September 24, 1988 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 88.^5,2,6,4

     Vera Helen Muncy was buried at Little Hope Church Cemetery, Cove Hollow Road, near Elliston, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2 She died on May 11, 1922 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2 She was born on May 11, 1922 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2

     Louvenia Ida Wright was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^5,3,6 She was born on August 31, 1889 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,3,4 She married Sheffie Lewis Poff, son of George Washington Poff and Martha Ann "Mattie" Hendrick, on December 24, 1913 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,7,4 As of December 24, 1913,her married name was Poff.⁴ Louvenia Ida Wright died on June 11, 1976 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 86.^5,3,6 She Mrs. Ida Wright Poff, age 86, of 5104 Spring St., N.W., died Friday at her home. She is survived by one son, James Jordon, Vinton; one daughter, Mrs. Stella Yohe, Richmond; one brother, Silas Wright, During, W. Va; three sisters, Mrs. E. C. Fitzgerald, Roanoke; Mrs. F. C. Fitzgerald, Vinton; Mrs. J. D. Mills, Roanoke; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. Interment will be in Sherwood. on June 12, 1976.⁶

     Polly C. Wright was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^5,1,4 She was born on August 21, 1891 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,1,2 She married George Leonard Poff, son of George Washington Poff and Martha Ann "Mattie" Hendrick, on April 28, 1928 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,3,4 As of April 28, 1928,her married name was Poff.² Polly C. Wright died on April 2, 1972 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 80.^5,1 She The funeral for Polly Wright Poff, 80, of 5104 Spring St., NW, widow of George L. Poff, will be today with burial in Sherwood Memorial Park. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Rose Hipps, Baltimore, Md; five sisters, Mrs. Ida Poff, Mrs. E. C. Fitzgerald, Mrs. J. D. Mills, Roanoke, Mrs. F. C. Fitzgerald, Vinton, Mrs. H. E. Neighbors, Durham, N.C; a brother, Silas Wright, Duhring, W.Va. on April 4, 1972.⁴

     Lelia Margaret Sweeney was buried at Church Hill Cemetery, Palmer & Crandall Streets, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,4 Her Social Security Number was 224-62-4915.⁵ She was born on February 18, 1905 at Virginia.^5,1,2 She married Lowell Leander Poff, son of James Fleming Poff and Minnie Bell McNeil, on March 6, 1952 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^4,3 As of March 6, 1952,her married name was Poff.³ As of April 26, 1961,her married name was Stump.³ Lelia Margaret Sweeney married Charlie Howard Stump on April 26, 1961 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ Lelia Margaret Sweeney died on December 19, 1991 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 86.^5,1,4 She Lelia Sweeney Poff, age 86 of Salem, passed away Friday in a local nursing home. She was the widow of Lowell Poff and a member of the Oakgrove Church of the Brethren. Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Pearl Sheppard, Salem; two nieces, Coretta S. Smith, Roanoke; Corinna Witt, Salem; Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 23, 1991 from the Lotz Salem Chapel. The Rev. Carl H. Ziegler will officiate. Burial to follow in Churchill Cemetery, Salem. Friends may call at Lotz Salem Chapel.
on December 21, 1991.⁴

     Herman Leslie Poff was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on September 15, 1920 at Virginia.⁴ He died on March 5, 1962 at Staunton, Augusta Co., Virginia, at age 41.⁴

     Marshall Rifton Light Marshall Rifton Light, 84 of Christiansburg, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy & Mamie Light; and brothers, Joseph Light and David Light. He is survived by his wife, Edith V. Light; sons & daughters-in-law, Ronnie D. Light, Clyde & Theda Light, Carl & Peggy Light; daughters & sons-in-law, Donna & Bruce Eicher, Becky & T.J. Ollis; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; sister & brother-in-law, Elizabeth & Bobby Bratton; brother, Edward Light; and numerous nieces & nephews. Graveside services will be held at the Piedmont Cemetery.⁴ He was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,9 He was born on September 21, 1935 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,9 He married Edith Virginia Howard, daughter of Hugh Husler Howard and Ollie Mabel Harris, on February 2, 1955 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,5 Marshall Rifton Light died on April 25, 2020 at Virginia at age 84.^4,9

     Edith Virginia Howard Edith Virginia Light, 91 of Indian Valley, passed on Thursday, January 22, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Rifton Light; and son, Clyde Morris Light. She is survived by her sons, Ronnie Light, Carl Light; daughters, Donna Eicher, Becky Ollis; daughter-in-law, Theda Light; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment will follow in the Piedmont Cemetery.⁵ She was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁵ She was born on November 1, 1934 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^3,6 She married Marshall Rifton Light, son of Roy Morris Light and Mamie Odell Graham, on February 2, 1955 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,5 As of February 2, 1955,her married name was Light.² Edith Virginia Howard died on January 22, 2026 at Virginia at age 91.⁵

     David Roy Light was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^3,4 He was born on November 8, 1949 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,4,5,6 He married Patricia Ann Mills on March 30, 1967 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.² David Roy Light and Patricia Ann Mills were divorced on March 24, 1972 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁵ David Roy Light married Shirley Ann Scott on February 10, 1973 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹¹ David Roy Light and Shirley Ann Scott were divorced on September 19, 1974 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁵ David Roy Light married Helen Louise Blevins on September 30, 1975 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹¹ David Roy Light and Helen Louise Blevins were divorced on March 13, 1987 at Pulaski Co., Virginia.⁵ David Roy Light married Carlon Sue Marsingill on June 13, 1987 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹¹ David Roy Light died on March 26, 2014 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 64.^3,4,7 He David Roy Light, age 64, of Floyd, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Carlon Light; three children; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four brothers; one sister; one sister-in-law; one brother-in-law; three nephews and four nieces. Interment will follow in Piedmont Cemetery. on March 28, 2014.³

     Elmer Alfred Conner Elmer A. “Buzz” Conner, 74, of Boones Mill, VA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 15, 2023. He was born on July 18, 1948, to the late Christine Tinsley Conner and Wilmer A. Conner. Buzz graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in Salem, VA. Following graduation, Buzz volunteered for the U.S. Army and served 3 years attaining the rank of Sgt. E5. He served in the Vietnam conflict doing flight operations 1967-1968. While serving his country he earned two prestigious awards: the Army Commendation Medal and Battalion Soldier of the Month. After his time of service, Buzz worked for Verizon 30 years and retired as a cable maintenance and service technician. Aside from his family and his Lord, Buzz had a great love of outdoor activities. He was an active skydiver & member of the United States Parachute Association (#897) for over 50 years, an FAA Certified Senior Parachute Rigger for over 28 years, a Parachuting Instructor and Jump Master, a Safety and Training Advisor, Drop Zone operator, PRO-rated Expert parachutist D#3509, made a total of 6,324 jumps, and accumulated over 72 hours of freefall time. He was credited with awards in national and state skydiving competitions and participated in VA state records for large-formation skydives. Another outdoor activity he enjoyed was hiking. He accumulated over 1,500 miles of hiking in various parks and other places across the USA. Buzz was strong in his Christian faith. He was a faithful member of Gospel Baptist Church in Salem since 1964 and a teacher of the “New Converts / New Members Class” for over 25 years. He is survived by his wife, Roberta Conner; son, Andrew E. Conner, and fiancé, Mollie Randa; siblings, Ruth Crockett and husband Roger, Nancy Bandy and husband Mike, and Ed Conner. Burial will follow at Piedmont Cemetery in Shawsville, VA.⁶ He was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁶ He was born on July 18, 1948 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,4,5,6 He married Betty Lou Lamb on February 26, 1972 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ Elmer Alfred Conner and Betty Lou Lamb were divorced on August 29, 1985 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁵ Elmer Alfred Conner married Roberta Louise Gaugler on March 28, 1987 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ Elmer Alfred Conner died on April 15, 2023 at Virginia at age 74.⁶

     Eugene Mackie Hawkins married Ruth Elaine Conner, daughter of Wilmer Andrew "Tailpipe" Conner and Christine Lewis Tinsley. His Social Security Number was 228-50-3063.⁴ Eugene Mackie Hawkins was born on January 24, 1942 at Covington, Alleghany Co., Virginia.^4,3 He married Virginia Noretta Seaward on June 6, 1964 at Salamanca, Cattaraugus Co., New York.⁵ Eugene Mackie Hawkins died on January 9, 2000 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 57.^4,2 He HAWKINS, Eugene Mackie, 57, of Roanoke, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2000. He was preceded in death by his father, James Wood Hawkins; and his two half brothers, Jesse and Larry Hawkins. Surviving are his wife, Ruth Conner Hawkins; son, Michael J. Hawkins; daughters, Pammie Sue Hawkins, Melissa H. Bare; mother, Madeline Bower Hawkins; brothers, James Hawkins, David Hawkins; former wife, Virginia Noretta Hawkins; stepson, Dallas R. Richards; stepmother, Edna H. Perk; half brothers, Ray Hawkins and Greg Bower; half sister, Beverly Blevins. A grave side service will be conducted 3 p.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2000 in Fair View Cemetery by the Rev. Matthew E. Roberts. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Simpson-Tharp Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road. (366-0707) on January 11, 2000.¹

     Jerry Lee Linkous married Nancy Elizabeth Conner, daughter of Wilmer Andrew "Tailpipe" Conner and Christine Lewis Tinsley.¹ Jerry Lee Linkous was born on November 17, 1950 at Elliston, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3 He died on April 18, 2021 at Virginia at age 70.³ He Jerry Lee Linkous, age 70, passed away at home on Sunday, April 18, 2021, following a brief illness. He was born in Elliston, Va., on November 17, 1950, to the late Trigg and Gilbie Lovern Linkous. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by sisters, Carol Davis and Patty Linkous. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patty; daughters, Kathy Bingham and husband, Ted, of Andersonville, Tenn., and Cindy Smith and husband, Nathan, of Copper Hill, Va; and twin grandchildren, Elizabeth and Travis Bingham, all whom he loved dearly. Other survivors include brothers, Jimmy Linkous and wife, Estelle, and Jackie Linkous; and sister, Debbie Boothe, all in Virginia. He is also survived by several special nieces, nephews and cousins; sisters-in-law, Barbara Elliott and Maggie Clark; and special adopted sister, Judy Via. Last but not least, he is survived by his lovable pug, Mr. Wags. "Dragon" would like to say a special goodbye to all his truck driving friends that he worked with at Malone and Hyde in Virginia and Food Lion in Tennessee. He thought the world of you guys. on April 25, 2021.³

     Helen Pauline Craighead was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,6 She was born on April 30, 1930 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,5,6,7 As of August 15, 1949,her married name was Brown.⁴ She married Garld Lindburgh Brown on August 15, 1949 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,5,6 Helen Pauline Craighead died on February 28, 2017 at Virginia at age 86.⁶ She Helen Pauline "Pete" Brown, 86, of Shawsville, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Born April 30, 1930, she was the oldest of nine surviving children and was preceded in death by her parents, Linden and Violet Craighead; husband, Garld Brown; son, Steven Brown; grandson, Robert Foster; siblings, Hazel Craighead, Garland Craighead, Paul Craighead, Joan Austin, Claudine Stump, and Janet Martin. She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Richard Foster, Margie and Cliff Murray, Sybil and HJ Denney; son, Paul Brown; sisters, Gladys Hurst and Jane Smith; brother, Curtis Craighead (Jeanne); seven grandchildren, Richard (Donna) and Chris Foster, Sherri Sons, Terri Meadows, Garrett (Stacie), Zachary, and Robert Brown; ten great-grandchildren, Jenna and Paige Foster, Debra and Erin Sons, Halie and Sarah Meadows, Brandon Garland, Corey, Hunter, and Eden Brown. She will be missed by numerous other family and friends. Pete loved feeding and watching birds, especially hummingbirds, fishing, and jigsaw puzzles. She was well-known for her delicious fried apple pies. Interment to follow in Piedmont Cemetery, Shawsville. on March 3, 2017.⁶