Person Page - 2319

     Lillian Dolores Bruce was buried at Glen Rest Memorial Estate, 8029 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Franklin Co., Ohio.^3,4 She was born on May 7, 1926 at Fairmont, Marion Co., West Virginia.^2,4 As of March 6, 1947,her married name was Epperly.² She married Raymond Emmit Epperly Jr., son of Raymond Emmit Epperly Sr. and Fayetta Demarias "Faye" Christie, on March 6, 1947 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^1,2 Lillian Dolores Bruce died on November 8, 2016 at South Carolina at age 90.^3,4 She Lillian Dolores Bruce Epperly, 90, widow of Raymond Emmit Epperly, passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2016. They were married for 61 years. Born in Fairmont, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Madaline Davis Bruce Brown Sholl and Genessee Bruce, a homemaker and member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Dolores worked as an assistant to decorators at Lazarus in Columbus, Ohio. Surviving are one daughter, Kathryn A. Nethers (Larry) of Greenville; one son, Philip R. Epperly (Cindy) of Pataskala, Ohio; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by a sister, Betty Jean Freeland. Graveside services will be held in Glen Rest Memorial Estate, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. on November 10, 2016.³

     Ernest Edward Fortney Ernest E. Fortney, Sep 7, 1924 – Jan 18, 2020. Ernie Fortney passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 18, 2020 at the age of 95. He was born in Lumberport, West Virginia to Hugh and Martha Fortney. He is survived by Sarah his beloved wife for 62 years. Also survived by children Ruth Ann (Daniel Maloney), Kay, Kim (Gary Brown), and Clark (Heather McKay), grandchildren Faye and Lila Brown, Houston and Colleen Fortney, and great-grandchildren Andrew and Gage. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Hess and brothers Hugh and George. Ernie was a gentle soul who humbly led with great strength, fully committed to his family and faith. He was a true nature enthusiast, gardener and craftsman. A Fairmont State graduate, Ernie was always hard at work. He began as a farmer with his own beehive at age 4, worked as oiler, coal miner, machinist, shared talents at North American Aviation and taught Industrial Arts for 27 years at Columbus Public Schools. He proudly served in the US Army in WW II. His life on earth ended peacefully as he looked upon an amaryllis flower that bloomed just as his soul imparted.⁵ He was born on September 7, 1924 at Lumberport, Harrison Co., West Virginia.^3,4,6,7,5 He married Sarah Leona Epperly, daughter of Raymond Emmit Epperly Sr. and Fayetta Demarias "Faye" Christie, circa 1958.^1,2,5 Ernest Edward Fortney died on January 18, 2020 at Ohio at age 95.⁵

     De Etta Yvonne Gettings was buried at Riverview Cemetery, Williamstown, Wood Co., West Virginia.⁴ She DeEtta Yvonne Gettings Epperly, 89, of Williamstown, WV passed away on Friday, January 30, 2015, at Marietta Memorial Hospital. She was born January 5, 1926 to Mabel Franklin Gettings and Harold Perry Gettings in Williamstown. DeEtta graduated from Williamstown High School in 1944 and attended the University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing, where she was in the Cadet Nurse Corps. She later transferred to Holzer Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her RN. She worked as an OR nurse at Holzer, Fairmont General, and Marietta Memorial hospitals. She married Warren Christie Epperly on July 15, 1950 and they were married over 60 years until his death on January 21, 2011. She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Jane Epperly, of Winston-Salem, NC and her son, Mark Christie Epperly, of Marietta, OH, in addition to many cousins, nieces and nephews. DeEtta was preceded in death by her grandparents, DeEtta Billings Gettings and James Wigal Gettings, in whose home she was raised, as well as her parents and her husband.³ She was born on January 5, 1926 at Williamstown, Wood Co., West Virginia.^1,4,3 As of July 15, 1950,her married name was Epperly.¹ She married Warren Christie Epperly, son of Raymond Emmit Epperly Sr. and Fayetta Demarias "Faye" Christie, on July 15, 1950 at Williamstown, Wood Co., West Virginia.^1,2,3 De Etta Yvonne Gettings died on January 30, 2015 at Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, at age 89.^4,3

     Her Social Security Number was 225-16-3421.⁴ Mary Kathleen Epperly was born on January 11, 1901 at Radford, Virginia.^4,1,5,3 As of June 25, 1920,her married name was Christie.¹ She married Harry Benjamin Christie Sr., son of Tillotson McClure Christie and Sarah D. Grace DeWeese, on June 25, 1920 at Radford, Virginia.^1,6,7 Mary Kathleen Epperly died in January, 1985 at West Virginia.⁴

     His Social Security Number was 224-24-6225.⁸ Rev. Harry Benjamin Christie Jr. was born on April 5, 1925 at Radford, Virginia.^1,8,2,3,4 He married Mirion Ruth Sutphin on April 25, 1944 at Washington, D.C..^1,9,10 Rev. Harry Benjamin Christie Jr. died on January 21, 2008 at Durham, Durham Co., North Carolina, at age 82.^1,8 He DURHAM, N.C. - Reverend Harry Benjamin Christie, 82, passed away Monday, January 21, 2008. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth S. Christie. Born in Radford, Virginia, he was the son of the late Harry and Kathleen Christie. A naval veteran of WWII and Korea, Christie graduated from Roanoke College and was a leader in the establishment of Colonial Presbyterian in Roanoke, Virginia where he was later named Pastor Emeritus. Upon graduation from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, Reverend Christie began his ministry in Franklin County, Virginia in a three church field centered at the Piedmont Presbyterian Church in Callaway, Virginia. He served as pastor at the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Zuni, Virginia where he helped to locate the Zuni Presbyterian Home, part of the Presbyterian Homes and Family Services system, and at the Floyd Presbyterian Church in Floyd, Virginia. He also served as moderator of Greenbrier Presbytery, Charleston, West Virginia and on the board of directors of the General Assembly Recreation Workshop of Montreat Conference Center, Montreat, North Carolina. Reverend Christie served for 27 years as Pastor at the Princeton Presbyterian Church, Princeton, West Virginia where he was named Pastor Emeritus. In Princeton, he led a church building program and helped establish the Tender Mercies outreach ministries. Upon retirement he served several temporary pastorships in the Roanoke area, including Colonial Presbyterian, Green Ridge Presbyterian in Roanoke and Vilamont Presbyterian in Bedford County. Reverend Christie was selected as National Pastor of the Year in 1992, the initial year of the award, by the Academy of Parish Clergy as based on excellence in Parish ministry. He served on the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Homes and Family Services. During his ministry he led Youth Mission trips to Mexico and Oklahoma and helped to coordinate various Presbyterian youth camp recreation programs at the Massanetta Conference Center in Harrisonburg. Reverend Christie was a past president of the Princeton West Virginia Kiwanis Club and was active with the Princeton Chamber of Commerce and SCORE. In addition to his wife Ruth, Reverend Christie is survived by his children Harry Christie and wife Vivian of Franklin, Virginia; Gary Frederick Christie and wife Frances of Lynchburg, Virginia; Joya Schmidt and husband Bill of Douglasville, Georgia and Dan Christie and wife Sarah Beth of Mebane, North Carolina. Reverend Christie was especially proud of his grandchildren, David Foley, Jr. of Maryland, Charles Foley of South Carolina, Jonathan Foley of South Carolina, Daniel Christie of Kansas; Ericka Christie of North Carolina and Catherine Martinette of Virginia and great grandchildren Seth, Steven and Brittany. on January 25, 2008.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 226-28-2122.³ Mirion Ruth Sutphin was born on September 18, 1925 at Mount Airy, Surry Co., North Carolina.^3,4 As of April 25, 1944,her married name was Christie.¹ She married Rev. Harry Benjamin Christie Jr., son of Harry Benjamin Christie Sr. and Mary Kathleen Epperly, on April 25, 1944 at Washington, D.C..^5,1,2 Mirion Ruth Sutphin died on May 9, 2008 at Burlington, Alamance Co., North Carolina, at age 82.^3,2 She Ruth Sutphin Christie, 82, of Burlington, N.C., passed away Friday, May 9, 2008. She was the recent widow of her husband of 63 years, the Rev. Harry B. Christie. Born in Flat Rock, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Conce and Maude Sutphin. A graduate of Flat Rock High School, Ruth worked in a number of administrative positions in Washington, D.C., and Virginia including service in the United States government during World War II. During her life Ruth was also co-owner of a florist business and other businesses. Ruth worked alongside and supported her husband through four pastorships in Virginia and West Virginia. She participated in mission trips to Mexico and Oklahoma and was active in church activities. She played a major leadership role in the establishment of Tender Mercies Ministries, Inc., a food pantry serving 1,300 people each month in Mercer County, W.Va. She was also active in the Bluestone Garden Club. In 1995 she and her husband, Harry, received a West Virginian of the Year award from Governor Gaston Caperton. Mrs. Christie is survived by her children, Harry Christie III and wife, Vivian, of Franklin, Va., Gary Frederick Christie and wife, Frances, of Lynchburg, Va., Joya Schmidt and husband, Bill, of Douglasville, Ga., and Dan Christie and wife, Sarah Beth, of Mebane, N.C. Her surviving sisters include Thelma Howard, of Charlottesville, Va., Ada Karnes, of Roanoke, Va., and Jimison Adkins, of Morganton, N.C. She was especially proud of her grandchildren, David Foley Jr., of Maryland, Charles Foley, of South Carolina, Jonathan Foley, of South Carolina, Daniel Christie, of Kansas, Ericka Christie, of North Carolina, and Catherine Martinette, of Virginia; and great-grandchildren, Seth, Steven and Brittany. on May 13, 2008.²

     Harry Benjamin Christie III Harry Benjamin Christie III, affectionately known as “Mr. Harry” while Director of Maintenance at The Children’s Center in Franklin, VA, died September 18, 2020, from complications of the COVID-19 virus. He was 74. Harry was born on February 18, 1946 in Mt. Airy, NC to Rev. Harry B. and Ruth Sutphin Christie, both deceased. He married Vivian Biedenbender on February 1, 1969. Harry worked for 33 years at Union Camp/International Paper Company before retiring from the sales department in June 2000. In 2000, he created a maintenance job for himself at The Children’s Center in Franklin, a position that was the highlight of his career and where he could frequently be found riding his Harry-sized big wheel with the children. He retired in 2015 from The Children's Center. As an active member of Franklin Presbyterian Church, he served in myriad capacities: elder, treasurer, maintenance committee chairman, audio technician, and candy supplier for the young and young at heart. He was also an avid bowler, active member of the local Lions Club, and loved having fun with his business, Bounce-N-More VA, bringing bounce houses, cotton candy, and sno-cones to the Franklin community. His neighborhood enjoyed the 100s of cotton candy treats he made for trick-or-treaters every Halloween. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Vivian Christie; brothers Gary Christie (Frances) of Lynchburg, VA and Dan Christie (Sarah) of Mebane, NC; his sister, Joya Christie Schmidt (Bill) of Atlanta, GA; his sisters-in-law Karen Cronin (Ed) and Susie Atkinson (Billy); many adoring nieces and nephews; his special young friend Julia Pollard; and two spoiled furbabies, Lucy and Holly Jolly.⁴ He was born on February 18, 1946 at Mount Airy, Surry Co., North Carolina.^2,3,4 He married Vivian Gail Biedenbender on February 1, 1969 at Franklin, Southampton Co., Virginia.^2,4 Harry Benjamin Christie III died on September 18, 2020 at Virginia at age 74.⁴

     William Thomas "Bill" Schmidt On Monday, June 28, 2021, William Thomas "Bill" Schmidt, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 70. Bill was born on January 7, 1951 in New York, NY. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Joya Christie Schmidt, his daughters Kelly and Jodi and their mother Linda DuFresne Schmidt. He helped nurture and raise Joya's three sons, David, Charlie, and Jonathan Foley. Bill's passion for music and for fishing were unmatched. His love of music was shared and passed on to his daughters, granddaughters, stepsons, and grandsons – and his songs were an expression of the deep love he had for his family. His recordings will be cherished by all. Bill's patience was no more apparent than when he was fishing, he enjoyed passing along his expertise to anyone who would listen and loved recruiting new fishermen. He was known for his warm smile and his kind and compassionate spirit. Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Joseph Schmidt, mother Elizabeth Deacon, and his sister Elizabeth Holdsworth. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Joya- daughters Kelly (Michael) Verlatti, Jodi (Brad) Warhanek and his much-adored granddaughters, Olivia and Ella Warhanek and his sisters, Theresa (John) Sorensen, Penny Deacon (Kathie), Sandy (Dom) Patamia, and Kristy Blankeny, his stepsons David (Kathie), Charlie and Jonathan (Laura) Foley and their children, Brittany (Brandon) Watts, Steven (Michelle) Tavenner, Seth, Wyatt and Gabriel Foley, Joya's sister in law, Vivian Christie, her brothers, Gary (Francis) Christie, Dan (Sarah) Christie and their children. He will be fondly remembered by his nieces, and nephews, chosen family and countless friends. Bill worked as a Project Manager at Aptar in Atlanta, Georgia for the past 14 years. He was a very dedicated to his job and had a fondness for all his co-workers. He always ended the day with the song "Happy Trails to You . . . Until We Meet Again."⁵ He was born on January 7, 1951 at New York.⁵ He married Joya Roslyn Christie, daughter of Rev. Harry Benjamin Christie Jr. and Mirion Ruth Sutphin, on September 2, 2000 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,3,4,5 William Thomas "Bill" Schmidt died on June 28, 2021 at Douglas Co., Georgia, at age 70.⁵

     Wallace Wornal McNeal and Helen Strum Cole were divorced.⁶ Wallace Wornal McNeal was buried at Monte Vista Park Cemetery, Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^2,3 He was born on November 9, 1908 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^1,2,3,4 He married Helen Strum Cole, daughter of Andrew Jackson Cole and Eva May Strum, on July 20, 1931 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.¹ Wallace Wornal McNeal died on January 10, 1958 at Dade Co., Florida, at age 49.^2,3,5

     Paul Adamos In July 1944, Mr. and Mrs. Adamos received word from the front that their son Paul was killed in France on July 6. According to an account in the Princeton Observer, Adamos and a squad of 12 routed 300 German soldiers out of pillboxes in the Cherbourg peninsula and took them prisoner. Mr. Adamos' last letter from his son had been written from Cherbourg. Born on April 4, 1919, Paul ("Moose") grew up in Beckley and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High in 1937, where he starred on the football team. He went on to graduate in 1942 from Concord College—where he again played football (backfield)—and was selected twice on the all-state collegiate conference team. Sgt. Adamos married Eva Cole of Bluefield. He entered the Army (314th Infantry, 79th Infantry Division) in 1942, where he served for two years and two months. Paul was stationed in England for several months before the invasion at Normandy. At the same time, his brother Louis was serving in the Navy.³ He was buried at American Legion Cemetery, Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^3,4 He was born on April 4, 1919 at Boston, Massachusetts.^2,3,4 He married Arline Eva Cole, daughter of Andrew Jackson Cole and Eva May Strum, on August 20, 1942 at Nottoway Co., Virginia.^1,2 Paul Adamos died on July 4, 1944 at France at age 25.^3,4

     His Social Security Number was 234-22-1230.⁴ Jack Russell Bonham was born on March 4, 1921 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^5,4,6,2 He married Arline Eva Cole, daughter of Andrew Jackson Cole and Eva May Strum, on December 7, 1945 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^1,3 Jack Russell Bonham died on August 20, 1973 at Dade Co., Florida, at age 52.^5,6

     His Social Security Number was 077-07-8988.² Robert Willits Bonham-Dittmar married Arline Eva Cole, daughter of Andrew Jackson Cole and Eva May Strum.¹ Robert Willits Bonham-Dittmar was born on March 7, 1922 at Hannibal, Marian Co., Missouri.^2,3 He died on October 29, 2001 at Denver, Colorado, at age 79.^2,3

     His Social Security Number was 234-20-4423.⁴ Dr. Robert Harry Nattrass was born on October 18, 1917 at Hoboken, Hudson Co., New Jersey.^1,2,3,5,4 He married Mary Katherine Cole, daughter of Andrew Jackson Cole and Eva May Strum, on June 3, 1938 at Bluefield, Tazewell Co., Virginia.¹ Dr. Robert Harry Nattrass died on April 23, 1992 at Dade Co., Florida, at age 74.^2,5,4

     Dr. Thomas Ellsworth "Tom" Jarrett Dr. Thomas E. Jarrett, age 95, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016 at Hospice of Dayton. He was born on April 19, 1921 to the late Jerome and Edna (Elsworth) Jarrett, in Middletown, Ohio. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Heloise (Shelton) Jarrett. Services were held privately at the convenience of the family. Entombment at David's Mausoleum.² He was buried at Davids Cemetery, 4600 Mad River Road, Kettering, Montgomery Co., Ohio.⁶ He was born on April 19, 1921 at Middletown, Butler Co., Ohio.^2,3,4 He married Heloise Marie Shelton on March 8, 1950 at Montgomery Co., Ohio.^2,5 Dr. Thomas Ellsworth "Tom" Jarrett died on December 16, 2016 at Dayton, Montgomery Co., Ohio, at age 95.²

     Thomas Lee Moore was buried at Dayton National Cemetery, 4100 West Third Street, Dayton, Montgomery Co., Ohio.⁶ He was born on December 11, 1923 at Pocahontas, Tazewell Co., Virginia.^{1,2,3,7,4,5,8} He married Marjorie Ann Cole, daughter of Roy Asbury Cole and Ethel C. Faith, on March 21, 1945 at Montcalm, Mercer Co., West Virginia.¹ Thomas Lee Moore died on April 18, 1999 at Florida at age 75.^6,7,8 He Thomas L. Moore, 75, Sarasota, died April 18, 1999. He was born Dec. 11, 1923, in Mercer County, W.Va., and came to Sarasota seven years ago from Kettering, Ohio. He was a tool designer with Active Engineering Company in Kettering. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Kettering Post 9927. Survivors include his daughter, Sandra Lee French of Dayton, Ohio; a sister, Lorainne Moore of West Virginia; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. on April 23, 1999.⁷

     Her Social Security Number was 235-40-5753.² Madge Whitehair was buried at Flemington Cemetery I.O.O.F., Flemington, Taylor Co., West Virginia.³ She was born on February 23, 1907 at Taylor Co., West Virginia.^4,2,3 As of September 17, 1934,her married name was Cole.¹ She married Oscar W. Cole, son of Doctor Beedle "Dock Bee" Cole and Leona Bell Clower, on September 17, 1934 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.¹ Madge Whitehair and Oscar W. Cole were divorced before April, 1940.² Madge Whitehair died on February 8, 1989 at West Virginia at age 81.^4,3

     Clarence C. Propps and Ruby Marie Cole were divorced.³ His Social Security Number was 233-28-6430.⁴ Clarence C. Propps was buried at Shade Creek Cemetery, Fayette Co., West Virginia.² He was born on November 27, 1917 at Jenky, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^1,4 He married Ruby Marie Cole, daughter of Pierce Ireland Cole and Pearl Ethel Helma, on April 9, 1943 at Ansted, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^1,5 Clarence C. Propps died on January 19, 1964 at Victor, Fayette Co., West Virginia, at age 46.^2,6 He Victor - Clarence C. Propps, 46, of Victor died Sunday at his home after a short illness. He was a lifelong resident of Fayette County, a veteran of World War II and a former employee of Union Carbide Metals Co. Survivors include a son, Melvin, at home; three daughters, Brenda, Ethel and Iris, all at home; his mother, Savannah Propps, of Victor; and four brothers, Lark and Everett of Hico, Willie of Ansted and Dewey of Parkersburg. The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Victor Methodist Church with the Rev. Carl Chapman and the Rev. Homer Elkins in charge. Burial will be in the Shade Creek Cemetery. The body will remain at the Combs Funeral Home in Gauley Bridge and will be taken to the church one hour prior to the funeral. on January 20, 1964.²

     His Social Security Number was 236-09-0735.² John Washington Harrah was buried at Llano Cemetery, 2900 S. Hayes, Amarillo, Randall Co., Texas.³ He was born on April 21, 1906 at Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^1,2,3 He married Violet Mae Cole, daughter of Fred Camden Cole and Mary Ellen Lusher, on September 1, 1928 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.¹ John Washington Harrah died on October 8, 1971 at Potter Co., Texas, at age 65.^4,3