Person Page - 1006

     Joel Shank was buried at Shank Cemetery, on the former Henry and Joel Shank farm and Beaver Dam Creek and U.S. 221, Floyd Co., Virginia.² He was born on August 19, 1834 at Botetourt Co., Virginia.^1,2 He married Mary Antoinette Wickham, daughter of Nathaniel R. Wickham and Mary B. "Polly" Shortt, on June 23, 1859 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Joel Shank died on June 23, 1914 at Little River, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 79.^2,3

     Mary Antoinette Wickham was buried at Shank Cemetery, on the former Henry and Joel Shank farm and Beaver Dam Creek and U.S. 221, Floyd Co., Virginia.² She was born on November 10, 1840 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3,2 She married Joel Shank on June 23, 1859 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of June 23, 1859,her married name was Shank. Mary Antoinette Wickham died on February 6, 1931 at age 90.²

     Her Social Security Number was 229-78-6696.⁷ Harriet Agatha Shank was buried at Radford Cemetery, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway on Route 888, Floyd Co., Virginia.² She was born on December 9, 1914 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,1,3 She married Alvin Peter "Alvie" Allen, son of Charles William Allen and Annie Mary Redman, on January 9, 1938 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,8 As of January 9, 1938,her married name was Allen. Harriet Agatha Shank died on June 8, 1992 at age 77; Murdered in her home by a deaf mute.^7,2,3 She Harriet Agatha Shank Allen, age 77, died at her home Monday, June 8, 1992. (author note - she was murdered by a deaf-mute Thomas Lonnie Helms, Jr., who was judged not competent to stand trial and sentenced to a state mental institution) She was the widow of Alvie P. Allen, and was a daughter of the late Richard M. and Gertrue Vest Shank. She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Janet and Gabrielle Chin, Ann Arbor, Mich; Susan Collins, Shawsville; Nancy and Roy Demory, Fairfax Station; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Mark and June Allen, Salem; David Allen, Charlotte, N.C; eight grandchildren; one sister and brother-in-law, Manilla and Stanford Cannaday, Roanoke; one brother and sister-in-law, Richard M., Jr., and Jane Shank, Floyd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ferrum College or a charity of choice. Arrangements are incomplete and are being handled by Wood Funeral Home, Floyd. on June 12, 1992.²

     Manila Miles Shank was buried at Cannaday Family Cemetery, River Ridge Road SE, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ She was born on August 18, 1917 at Little River, Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,1,3,4 She married Stanford Aldridge Cannaday, son of Andrew Luther Cannaday and Nora Dell Aldridge, on October 16, 1947 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,3,5 As of October 16, 1947,her married name was Cannaday. Manila Miles Shank died on June 10, 2020 at Virginia at age 102.³ She Manila Miles Shank Cannaday of Roanoke, Virginia, passed into eternity with her sense of humor intact on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at the age of 102. Mrs. Cannaday was born in Floyd County, Virginia on August 18, 1917, to Richard Miles Shank Sr. and Gertrue Iva Vest Shank. She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Harriet Shank Allen; brother, Richard Jr; and husband of 50 years, Stanford Aldridge Cannaday. In addition to her careers with the Viscose Corporation and Roanoke City Schools, Mrs. Cannaday enjoyed music, art, gardening, reading, and dancing with Stanford. She is remembered as a wonderful storyteller, skilled cruciverbalist, and a scholar, frequently requesting library books until the very end. She is also remembered by so many as a gentle and even-tempered soul who never raised her voice in anger. In her own quiet way, she was an independent woman ahead of her time. Manila will be missed by her daughter, Iva and son-in-law, John Ferguson; granddaughters, Elizabeth (Clifton Stuckey) and Danielle (Matthew Boch); sister-in-law, Nancy Jane Shank; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Also surviving are her beloved friends, Virginia Lancaster Shields, Peggy Templeton, and Janice Smyth. Manila and her family are grateful for their church family at Woodlawn United Methodist Church, the residents and staff of Our Lady of the Valley and staff of Good Samaritan Hospice. A brief graveside service will be held at the Cannaday Family Cemetery, Copper Hill, Virginia. on June 12, 2020.³

     Laura Green Smith was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,4 She was born on September 20, 1853 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1 She married Erasmus Alvin "Ras" Conner, son of Daniel Peter "Dan" Conner and Elizabeth "Betsy" Wilson, on May 4, 1871 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1 As of May 4, 1871,her married name was Conner. Laura Green Smith died on December 18, 1947 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 94.¹

     His Social Security Number was 229-18-6623.¹¹ Richard Miles Shank Jr. was buried at Stonewall Cemetery, 4382 Route 221 N, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ He was born on March 19, 1921 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,11,4 He married Nancy Jane Blackwell, daughter of Robert Sherman Blackwell and Eula Belle Williams, on February 25, 1955 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,7 Richard Miles Shank Jr. died on April 15, 2007 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 86.^3,11,6 He Richard Miles Shank, Jr., of Floyd, passed away on Sunday April 15, 2007 at age 86. He was a member of the Stonewall United Methodist Church for many years. He served in the U. S. Army Air Force, in the 506 Fighter Squadron during WWII in Europe. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy Jane Shank; sons and their wives, Joel and Amanda Shank, Stewart and Tammy Shank; grandsons Aaron, Micah and Christian Shank; granddaughters Hannah Elisabeth, Faith and Abigail Shank; sister Manilla Cannaday; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ileda Shelor, Louise and Thomas Hall, Robert and Patricia Blackwell, Mary and W. B. Nolen, Kenneth and Kathy Blackwell; mother-in-law, Eula Martin; stepbrothers-in-law, Fred Quesenberry and Eugene Quesenbetry; first cousins, Wanda and Bernard Vest, Mason Lee and Charlotte Whiteneck, Ruby Shank; and many nieces and nephews and other cousins. Interment in the Stonewall Cemetery, and military graveside rites by the Floyd VFW Post 7854 and Floyd American Legion Post 127. on April 16, 2007.³

     Roy Franklin Demory was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ He was born on March 7, 1943 at Alexandria, Virginia.^2,3,4 He married Nancy Miles Allen, daughter of Alvin Peter "Alvie" Allen and Harriet Agatha Shank, on September 13, 1966 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,7,1,3 Roy Franklin Demory died on August 18, 2004 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 61.^2,3,5 He Roy Franklin Demory, of Floyd, born March 7, 1943 to Carl and Eunice Demory in Alexandria, Virginia, left this life suddenly on August 18, 2004. He is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by Nancy Allen Demory, his wife of 38 years. Roy, called Tommy by his family, leaves his sisters, Leilani "Lani" Williamson and her husband, Jim, of Luray, Va., Georgia "Polly" Wilmer and her husband, John, of Crimora, Va. and Candace "Candy" Rountree of Otis, Kan. He leaves his little brother, Carl "Eddy" Demory and his wife, Bonnie, of Lyndhurst, Va. He leaves sisters-in-law, Janet Chin and her husband, Gabriel, of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Susan Collins of Charlottesville, Va; and brothers-in-law, Mark Allen and wife, June of Salem, Va., and David Allen of Lexington and Floyd and his friend Diane Bell of Washington, DC. He leaves nieces, Susan Brown and her husband, Jimmy, Carrie Wilmer, Christine Law and husband, John, Erin Gomez and husband, Dennis; and nephews James Williamson and his wife, Kimberly, and Carl Rountree. He leaves grand-nieces, Georgia Brown, Demory and Annabelle Williamson, and Kendra Gomez; and grand-nephews, Hunter McMillon and Carson Law. He leaves also one surviving uncle, Calvin Demory of Lancaster, Va; and cousins, Nancy's nieces and nephews and their children, and many friends. Roy met Nancy at Ferrum College on November 13, 1963 and let her know shortly thereafter that they would travel the rest of his life together. His working life was spent in public service as a Recreation Therapist at Eastern State Hospital, Williamsburg, Va., as a Sergeant on the Police Department of Lawrence, Kansas, as an officer with George Mason University Police in Fairfax, Va., and as an Inspector and Supervisor with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. Roy loved fleamarkets, collecting stuff, the Redskins, his dogs, Floyd County, his friends, his family, and life. on August 22, 2004.²

     His Social Security Number was 226-14-0292.¹¹ Stanford Aldridge Cannaday was buried at Cannaday Family Cemetery, River Ridge Road SE, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia; His tombstone reads "S Sgt US Army World War II."^12,13,14,5 He was born on October 21, 1914 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^{12,1,11,15,3,16,14,17,5} He married Dorothy Mae Gray, daughter of George Washington Gray Sr. and Mabel Clara Swortzel/Swartzel, on March 24, 1941 at Danbury, Stokes Co., North Carolina.⁶ Stanford Aldridge Cannaday and Dorothy Mae Gray were divorced in 1945 at Clay Co., Florida.⁷ Stanford Aldridge Cannaday married Manila Miles Shank, daughter of Richard Miles Shank Sr. and Gertrude Iva Vest, on October 16, 1947 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,15,2,4 Stanford Aldridge Cannaday died on May 22, 1997 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 82.^{12,13,11,5,14,16} He CANNADAY, Stanford A., 82, of Roanoke, died Thursday, May 22, 1997. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, and a member of Woodlawn United Methodist Church. Surviving is his wife of 50 years, Manila Cannaday; a daughter and son-in-law, Iva and John Ferguson; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Ferguson and Danielle Ferguson, all of Roanoke; a host of nieces and nephews. Interment will follow in the Cannaday Family Cemetery, Floyd County. on May 24, 1997.¹³

     Nancy Jane Blackwell Nancy Jane Blackwell Shank, born on January 30, 1934, in Floyd County, VA, went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2025. She was a long-time faithful member of Stonewall United Methodist Church where she taught a Sunday School class for preschool children for several years. She loved to read God's Word, having read through the Bible many times over the years. Nancy Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Miles Shank, Jr; parents, Sherman and Eula Williams Blackwell; brothers, Robert Blackwell and Kenneth Blackwell; stepbrothers, Gene Quesenberry and Fred Quesenberry; brothers-in-law, Frank Shelor, Tommy Hall and Wilmer "W. B." Nolen; sisters-in-law, Harriet Allen and Manila Canaday. She is survived by sons, Joel Shank, wife, Amanda, and Stewart Shank, wife, Tammy; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Ileda Shelor, Louise Hall, and Mary Nolen; sisters-in-law, Patrica Blackwell and Kathy Blackwell; many nephews and nieces, including niece, Iva Ferguson, who was very special to her; and numerous cousins. Nancy Jane excelled as a homemaker, seamstress and cook. She enjoyed flower gardening when she was in good health. She was a member of the homemaking and quilting clubs at Floyd for years. She won awards for some of her quilts and canned goods. The family is grateful for the care she received at South Roanoke Nursing Home, particularly the care given to her by aide, Pam Terry. Interment will follow in the Stonewall Cemetery.⁷ She was buried at Stonewall Cemetery, 4382 Route 221 N, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁷ She was born on January 30, 1934 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,5,7 She married Richard Miles Shank Jr., son of Richard Miles Shank Sr. and Gertrude Iva Vest, on February 25, 1955 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,3,7 As of February 25, 1955,her married name was Shank. Nancy Jane Blackwell died on May 8, 2025 at Virginia at age 91.⁷

     Byrd/Bird Smith was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,4 He was born on July 15, 1809 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 He married Lydia Ann Iddings, daughter of Henry Iddings and Abigail Olive Richardson, on September 13, 1832 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4,6 Byrd/Bird Smith died on February 22, 1896 at age 86.^2,3,4

     His Social Security Number was 009-44-7131.² Gabriel Liang Cho Chin was born on September 28, 1920 at Shantung Province, China; The SSDI has a birth year of 1923.^2,4 He married Marion Janet Allen, daughter of Alvin Peter "Alvie" Allen and Harriet Agatha Shank, on August 1, 1970 at Taipei, Taiwan.^5,1,4,3 Gabriel Liang Cho Chin died on March 31, 2005 at Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., Michigan, at age 84.^2,4 He Chin, Gabriel Ching (Liang Chou) Ann Arbor, MI Gabriel Ching Chin died at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital March 31, 2005. He was born in Shantung Province, China, September 28, 1920, the third child and first son of Chung Shu and Ching Cheng (Liu) Chin. He was raised and educated in Lin-yi, Shantung, China, where his mother was a mathematics teacher and dean of a mission supported school. He received a B.S. in military science from the Central Military Academy of China, Nan Cheng, China, during the Japanese occupation. After accepting his commission in the Chinese Army (Kuo Ming Tang), he remained in the army for ten years, rising to the rank of battalion commander. After leaving the army in 1952, he worked as teacher, translator and interpreter, at the Overseas Missionary Society Seminary in Taichung, Taiwan, and at T'unghai University, also in Taichung, until 1968, after which he worked with Hai Yuan Trading Corp. in Taipei, Taiwan, until 1971, when he moved to Ann Arbor. In 1970 he married Janet Allen, in Taipei, Taiwan. She survives him, along with their children, Elleanor (Andrew Chang), of Cleveland Heights, OH, Peter (Cynthia Shaff Chin), of Portland, OR, Miriam, of Ypsilanti, MI, Harriet (Dominic) Held, of Ann Arbor, MI, and three granddaughters, Daille and Dorothy Held, and Sophie Chin. He is also survived by one sister, Anna (Andrew) Wang, of Portland, OR, adopted brother Hung-wen Hao, of Taiwan, and many nieces and nephews, in the US, Taiwan and China. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother, and two siblings in infancy. Gabriel's love of Chinese classical literature was expressed in numerous poetic compositions and essays. His love of music led him to sing in the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club, the University of Michigan Choral Union, the choirs of Bethlehem United Church of Christ, and First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor. His lifelong devotion to the practice and teaching of tai chi and chi gung leaves numerous students all over the US and abroad. His love of cooking and his expertise made his catered banquets and his cooking classes memo rable. Gabriel's body has been donated to the University of Michigan Dept. of Anatomical Research, by his specific wish. Donations and gifts in his honor and memory may be made to: Organ Fund, Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 S. Fourth Street, Ann Arbor, 48104, or to the University of Michigan School of Music. A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Church, Saturday, April 9, at 3 p.m. The family will re ceive friends at home, at 408 Hamilton Place, Ann Arbor, immediately following the service. Arrangements by Muehlig Funeral Chapel. on April 2, 2005.⁴

     His Social Security Number was 225-52-1207.² Roderic Greene Collins IV was born on February 24, 1935 at New York, New York.^1,2,4,5 He married Elizabeth Susan Allen, daughter of Alvin Peter "Alvie" Allen and Harriet Agatha Shank, on April 11, 1969 at Norfolk, Virginia.^1,6 Roderic Greene Collins IV died on January 15, 1989 at Charlottesville, Virginia, at age 53.^2,4,5 He Roderic Greene Collins IV, 53, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 1989, at his home in Charlottesville. He was born Feb 24, 1935, in New York City, son of the late Roderic Greene Collins III and Jessie Owen Collins. He is survived by his wife, Susan Allen Collins of Charlottesville; two sons, Roddie and Bill Collins, both of Charlottesville; a sister, Mrs. James Mall of Arlington, Texas; and two nephews, Chris and Brad Mall, both of Arlington, Texas. He was employed by the University of Virginia. on January 16, 1989.⁵

     Infant McNeil was buried at McNeil Cemetery, Griffith Creek Road, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ She died on February 18, 1913 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She was born on February 18, 1913 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹

     Cecil Ray "Bill" Austin was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,1 His Social Security Number was 154-07-5489.⁸ He was born on March 21, 1915 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,7,3,2,6,4 He married Hazel Avice Whitenack, daughter of Chester William Whitenack and Gracie Ella Vest, on July 11, 1935 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,9,3,6 Cecil Ray "Bill" Austin died on March 12, 2000 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 84.^8,7 He AUSTIN, Cecil R., "Bill," 84, of Christiansburg, after an illustrious life and a recent battle with diabetes, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 12, 2000. He was retired from the Radford Army Ammunition Plant after 33 years service. He was a member of McDaniel Lodge A F & A M #86 for 38 years. The loving husband for 64 years to his wife, Hazel, who passed away January 26, 2000. The son of Jesse Vinton and Nanny Gay Austin. He will be remembered as a loving and dedicated father, grandfather, and a very special person and friend to all who knew him. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Lindsy R. and Barbara Austin of Salem; daughter and son-in-law, Judy A. and Larry Atkinson of Elliston; grandchildren, Ronnie Austin, Austin, Texas, Cheryl Austin, Roanoke, Sonya Austin, Elliston, Rhonda Martin, Don Joe and Shawna Hall, all of Christiansburg; stepgrandchildren, Mike and Laura Henry, Clermont, Fla., Scott and Julie Henry, Ashburn, Ken White, Savannah, Ga., Lorrie and Tim Earp, Charlotte, N.C; great-grandchildren, Robbie and Yvette Martin and Amber Hall, Christiansburg, Hannah Austin, Elliston; stepgreat-grandchildren, Alden and Abby Henry, Clermont, Fla., Christopher and Matthew Henry, Ashburn; and many nieces and nephews. Interment will be in the Wilson Cemetery. on March 13, 2000.¹

     Jessie Vinton R. Austin was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5,6 He was born on June 3, 1886 at Floyd Co., Virginia; His WWII Draft Registration card has a birth date of Jun 3, 1887.^{1,5,3,2,6,4,7} He married Nannie Gay Clower, daughter of Pleasant Green Clower and Sarah Elizabeth Spangler, on July 14, 1907 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² Jessie Vinton R. Austin died on September 28, 1960 at age 74.^1,5,3,6

     Nannie Gay Clower was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,5 She was born on August 17, 1885 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3,2,5 She married Jessie Vinton R. Austin, son of Joseph Henderson Austin and Mary Catherine Akers, on July 14, 1907 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² As of July 14, 1907,her married name was Austin. Nannie Gay Clower died on October 23, 1948 at age 63.^4,3,5

     Lydia Ann Iddings was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ She was born on March 23, 1814 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,1,2 She married Byrd/Bird Smith, son of John Smith and Rosanna Bolf/Rolf, on September 13, 1832 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,2,3 As of September 13, 1832,her married name was Smith. Lydia Ann Iddings died on October 12, 1884 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 70.^4,1,2

     His Social Security Number was 236-18-3070.¹⁵ James Bernard Vest was buried at Iddings Cemetery, near intersection of Daniel's Run Road and Huffville Road, Terrys Fork, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,7 He was born on December 22, 1922 at Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia; The SSDI has a birth date of Dec 20, 1922 and the Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File has Dec 23, 1922.^4,8,15,16 He married Wanda Elizabeth Whitenack, daughter of Chester William Whitenack and Gracie Ella Vest, on January 19, 1946 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^{17,2,3,4,5,6,7} James Bernard Vest died on March 17, 2009 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 86.^4,15,9,16 He James Bernard Vest, 86, of Check, in Floyd County, Va., went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 17, 2009. Mr. Vest was born on December 22, 1922, in Fayetteville, W.Va., to William Arthur and Nettie Mae Gearheart Vest, who preceded him in death. He was a decorated World War II veteran and served honorably in the Medical Corps of the United States Army in Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Mr. Vest is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Wanda Elizabeth Whitenack Vest; his children and their spouses, Carol Vest Jackson, Robert Bery and Mary Vest, and John David and Cheryl Vest. He will also be greatly missed by eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at the Iddings Cemetery at the intersection of Daniel's Run Road and Huffville Road in the Terry's Fork Community. Military rites will be conducted by the Disabled American Veterans of the Roanoke Valley. on March 19, 2009.⁴

     William Arthur Vest was buried at Iddings Cemetery, near intersection of Daniel's Run Road and Huffville Road, Terrys Fork, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,6,10,8 His Social Security Number was 235-07-4539.¹¹ He was born on March 16, 1882 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^{1,3,2,4,11,6,7,8} He married Nettie Mae Gearhart, daughter of John Harvey Gearheart and Massie Mahala Wilson, on April 12, 1905 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,2,8,6 William Arthur Vest died on April 24, 1977 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 95.^1,6,10,8 He William A. "Bill" Vest, age 95, of Daleville and formerly of Check, Va., died Sunday in a local hospital. He was a retired coal miner and a member of the U.M.W. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Esther Brown, Mrs. Ruth Pierce, Roanoke; three sons, William Paul Vest, Troutville; Bernard Vest, Check; Edgar L. Vest, Daleville; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren. Interment in Iddings Cemetery, Floyd County. on April 26, 1977.¹⁰