home, going to be with her Lord on Wednesday, January 23, 2008. A native of Salem, she was a daughter of the late Price and Ila Francisco. She retired from the General Electric Salem Plant after 23 years service.

Mrs. Morris was a member of Troutville Church of the Brethren. She was active in the Troutville Lions Club and held auxiliary membership in the VFW Vinton Post and American Legion Post #3.

Grace was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Frank Francisco, Mary Case, Paul Francisco and Betty Bane; granddaughter, Sylvia Chittum; and stepdaughter, Lynda Davis. Surviving are her husband of 40 years, Carl Milton Morris Sr.; daughters, Lynn Lockhart and husband, Robert, Rita Collins, Sandra Shupe and husband, Eddie, and Sherry Bevins and husband, Jim; son, David Wygal and wife, Lydia; stepson, Carl M. Morris Jr. and wife, Joana; stepdaughter, Myra Gray and husband, Ronnie; twenty grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Jeanne Brockway; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Troutville Church of the Brethren, P.O. Box 156, Troutville, Va. 24175. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 25, 2008, at Oakey's North Chapel. Pastor Chris Foster, the Rev. J. Weldon Myers and the Rev. Andy Rice will officiate. Interment will be in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2008, at Oakey's North Chapel, 540-362-1237.

Lion Claude Harrison Van Dyke

Claude Harrison Van Dyke, 83, of Tazewell, Va., died Saturday, January 12, 2008 at home as he was leaving for the funeral of his older brother, William, who was his best friend and daily companion. Born August 20, 1924 in Honaker, Va., he was the son of the late Rufus Oscar (R.O.) Van Dyke, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Mollie) Hubbard Van Dyke. Claude loved his wife and family and was happiest working in his garden, feeding his cows, and, for many years, playing golf with his friends. In the last few years, everyone knew he was a mainstay for lunch at the Coal Bucket Deli. Mr. Van Dyke attended public schools in Tazewell, graduating from Tazewell High School in 1941. His subsequent education at Virginia Tech was interrupted by his service in World War II with the United States Air Force in the Philippines where he participated in a special program through Rutgers University repairing airplane radios. Upon his return, he attended NC State on a GI bill, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He then returned to Tazewell to work in the family coal business. He was President of Candlewax Smokeless Fuel Company of which Tazewell Equipment and Motor Corp. is a subsidiary, and Lynnwood Corp. of which Peery & St. Clair Furniture and Funeral Home, Inc. is a subsidiary. He was also President of Garden Banner Corp., Holston Corp., New Garden Coal Corp., Consumer's Mining Corp.; he was Vice-President of R.O. Van Dyke and Company; and Secretary/Treasurer of Big Lick Coal Corp. and Lynn Camp Coal Corp. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Board for Tazewell National Bank for many years as well as being the business owner of Van's. A lifelong member of the Main Street United Methodist Church, he loved singing in the choir every Sunday. His community service to southwest Virginia spanned many years and included membership on the board of the church, Chairman of the School Board and more than fifty years in the Lions Club. On any Friday night during football season, one would find him popping popcorn at the Tazewell Bulldog concessions. On a cold night, he would retreat to his nearby pick-up truck and listen to the game on the radio. He also chaired the Board of Trustees at Emory and Henry College where he was awarded an honorary doctorate, continuing the Van Dyke legacy of ongoing support and involvement in higher education. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward Ralph Van Dyke and William Howard Van Dyke, and his grandchild, Caroline Jay Wisman.

Survivors include his wife, Bettye Harman Van Dyke; and his son, George Oscar Van Dyke, who reside at his home, three other sons, Roger Steven Van Dyke and wife, Ann Harman Van Dyke of Tazewell, Va., Litz Harman Van Dyke and wife, Jackie Dunn Van Dyke of Charlottesville, Va., and Bradley Stuart Strong and wife, Mary Ann Mullins Strong of Richlands, Va.; four daughters, Linda Ann Van Dyke of Greensboro, N.C., Marty Van Dyke Peery and husband, Dr. William Wade Peery of Galax, Va., Claudia "Poody" Van Dyke Wisman and husband, Dr. Paul P. Wisman, Jr., of Charlottesville, Va., Mollie Van Dyke Firebaugh and husband, Jay G. Firebaugh, Jr. of Richmond, Va.; twenty-two grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Van Dyke of Greensboro, N.C. and Virginia Mae Van Dyke Kinney of Tazewell, Va., and Bradenton, Fla.; one brother, Dr. R.O. Van Dyke Jr. and wife, Bonnie Lewis Van Dyke of Orlando, Fla.; sister-in-law, Suzanne Litz Davis Van Dyke of Tazewell, Va.; wife of deceased brother, William.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at the Main Street United Methodist Church in Tazewell, Va., with the Rev. Kathie Wilson-Parker officiating. Burial will follow at the Maplewood Cemetery in Tazewell, Va. Pallbearers will be Dr. Bill Van Dyke, Jerome Courtney Moore, Jeffrey Andrew Moore, Wade Hampton Peery, Harrison Van Dyke Peery, Jack Van Dyke Wisman, Roger Steven Van Dyke, Kyle Ross Wisman. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Galliher, Andy Clark, Bill Jackson, Bill T. Peery, Dick Royal, Dr. Ed Plagata, Jack Chambers, Howard Shepherd, Dr. Dave Stanton, and George Benjamin Moore.

The family will receive friends at Peery and St. Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell, Va., from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 14, 2008. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Four Seasons YMCA, P.O. Box 625, Tazewell, Va., 24651 or Main Street United Methodist Church, 315 East Main St., Tazewell Va., 24651.
Published in the Roanoke Times on 1/14/2008.

Lion Robert Baden Thomson

Robert Baden Thomson, 80, of Moneta, died Thursday, January 3, 2008, at his

residence. He was born May 18, 1927, in New Zealand, a son of the late William E. Thomson and Nellie C. Thomson. Bob was a member of the New Zealand Antarctic Society, former President of Beechwood Shores Association, Vice President of ALAC, and a member of the Moneta Lion's Club.

He was a retired Director of the New Zealand Antarctic Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Bob began his long Antarctic career as an IGY radio operator and electronics technician on Campbell Island-sub Antarctic. When he applied to be an upper atmosphere physicist at jointly run (US-NZ) Hallett Station, he was appointed scientific leader in 1960, followed by a summer as leader at New Zealand's Antarctic Scott Base, and again in 1963 and 1964. He wintered over in 1962 as scientific leader of the Australian station Wilkes. He led the first successful uncharted 900 mile Antarctic plateau over-snow expedition, traversing from Wilkes Australian station to Vostok Russian station and back. Navigating by sunshots plotted on graph paper, he arrived precisely on target without mishap, experiencing the coldest temperatures that man has ever known. For that accomplishment, in June 1964, Bob was granted the Dignity of an Ordinary Officer of the Civil Division of the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.

Bob was the Director of New Zealand's Antarctic Research Program from 1965 to 1988. In 1968, he established Vanda Station in the Dry Valleys. During that time, he was a delegate to every international Antarctic Treaty meeting and in alternate years to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), serving as secretary chairman of the logistics-working group.

He made 78 trips to Antarctica. Bob received numerous honors for his work, including the Antarctic Service Medal of the United States of America, in recognition of valuable contributions to exploration and scientific achievement under the U.S. Antarctic Research Program; the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays conferred by his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan; and the Antarctic Service Medallion for service with the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions on behalf of the Government of Australia.

Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years, Betty I. Thomson; four children, Margaret Arkley and her husband, Geoff, of Laguna Niguel, Calif., Robert W. Thomson, of Wellington, New Zealand, Stephen Dexter and his fianc饬 Jody, of San Diego, Calif., and Nancy Dexter, of Moneta; one sister, Audrey Johnson, of Auckland, New Zealand; six grandchildren, Brooke Arkley, Troy Arkley, Tim Thomson, Ben Thomson, Holly Thomson and Kelly Bok; and many friends and fellow International Antartic personnel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Lake Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 695, Moneta, Va. 24121.

A celebration of Bob's life will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2008, at Trinity Ecumenical Parish with Pastor Gary K. Scheidt officiating. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Smith Mountain Lake, 540-721-9375.
Published in the Roanoke Times from 1/4/2008 - 1/9/2008.

Lion DuVal Wayne Fizer

Christmas in Heaven DuVal Wayne Fizer, 69, of Goodview, passed into eternal

rest with his Lord and Savior on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24, 2007. Wayne was a very loving husband, father and grandfather.

He was retired from General Electric Company in Salem with thirty-five years of service. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Roanoke. He was an active member of the Stewartsville-Chamblissburg Lions Club and past President. He was a member of the Williamson Road Masonic Lodge No. 163 AF & AM, a member of the Kazim Shrine Temple, where he was an active member of the Beach Bums Unit, and a member of the Kazim Shrine Club. He served twelve years in the U.S. Army Reserves. Wayne was a 1958 graduate of William Fleming High School and attended National Business College and University of Virginia Extension.

He was predeceased by his parents, DuVal Fizer and Abbie Kidd Fizer. Left to cherish the memory of his life here on earth is his loving and devoted wife of forty-six years, Anne Davis Fizer. He is also survived by his daughter, Robyn Fizer Zerbinati and husband, Tito Zerbinati, of Jeffersonton, Virginia; his son, Kevin S. Fizer and wife, Sherry Duncan Fizer, of Goodview. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Jake Fizer of Goodview, Olivia and Michael Zerbinati of Jeffersonton. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Marie Davis Huff, of Roanoke. Wayne is also survived by his lovable pet Maltese, Max, which had been a good companion to him.

A funeral service celebrating his life will be conducted at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 318 W. Church Ave., Roanoke, Virginia at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2007 with Dr. Dave Peterson officiating followed by Masonic Rites conducted by Williamson Road Masonic Lodge No. 163 AF & AM. A graveside service will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Bedford, Virginia. The family will receive friends on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Everyone is also invited to the Fizer home, 1885 Thomason Lane, Goodview, Virginia, following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Stewartsville First Aid and Rescue Crew, 1152 Turner Branch Road, Goodview, Virginia 24095, or the First Baptist Church of Roanoke, 515 Third St., Roanoke, Virginia 24016, or the Shriners Crippled Children's Hospital, c/o Kazim Shrine Temple, 628 W. Campbell Ave., Roanoke, Virginia 24016, or the Stewartsville Chamblissburg Lions Club, c/o May United Methodist Church, 1121 Odd Fellows Rd., Stewartsville, Virginia 24095, or any other charity of your choice. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.

Lion M. Harrison Joyce

The Honorable M. Harrison Joyce, 87, of 1010 Mount Olivet Road,

Martinsville, Va. and Stockton Springs, Maine, died Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at Stanleytown Health Care Center, Bassett, Va. Born on October 31, 1920 in Fries, Va., he was a son of the late Charles Reid Joyce and Elizabeth Simpson Joyce. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Myrna Hanks Joyce; five sisters and four brothers.

Mr. Joyce was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church, Martinsville, Va. and member and officer of the Vestry. He graduated both from the Washington and Lee University and the Law School at Washington and Lee University. He was a partner of the law firm of Stone, Joyce and Worthy and substituted as judge after retirement for the Henry County General District Court. Mr. Joyce was a member of the Martinsville Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity, a World War II Veteran of the Coast Guard, member of the Virginia Bar Association and Martinsville and Henry County Bar Association. Also, he was special Justice for Courts.

Surviving are his wife, Paulina Boulanger Joyce, of the home; two sons, Dr. Michael Joyce and wife, Rita, of Virginia Beach, Va. and David Joyce and wife, Amy, of Martinsville, Va.; stepdaughter, Kim Hammer and husband, Duane, of Union Hall, Va.; stepson, Keith Decker and wife, Michelle, of Martinsville, Va.; and eleven grandchildren, Michael Joyce, Andrew Joyce, Natalia Joyce, Adrienne Joyce, Peyton Joyce, Chris Hammer, Casey Hammer, Christina Decker, Elizabeth Decker, Sydnor Trent and Finley Trent.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2007 at Norris Funeral Services Chapel with Dr. David Adkins officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 3907, Martinsville, Va. 24115, the Alzheimers Association, 2728 Colonial Avenue, Suite 2, Roanoke, Va. 24015 or the Habitat for Humanity, 932 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, Va. 24112. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Martinsville, Va. is serving the Joyce family.

Lion Floyd Thomasson Ferguson Sr.

Floyd Thomasson Ferguson, Sr., 79, of Wirtz, Va., died Tuesday,

December 11, 2007 in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was born June 28, 1928 in Lynchburg, a son of the late John William Ferguson, Sr. and Lenora Estes Ferguson. Floyd was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church and a United States Navy veteran having served during the Korean War. He was a retiree of C&P Telephone Company with over 38 years of service. He was also a former president and member of the Fredericksburg JC's as well as a member of the Smith Mountain Lake Lions Club and Smith Mountain Lake Harmoneers.

Floyd is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mariam Crance Ferguson; three children, Deborah Lorraine Bowman and her husband, Miles, of Broomall, Pa., Floyd Thomasson Ferguson, Jr. and his wife, Bonnie, of Midlothian and Robert Carson Ferguson and his wife, Cindy, of Lynchburg; nine grandchildren, Daniel Miles Bowman, Melanie Lorraine Shifflett and her husband, Geoffrey, David Clarence Bowman, Benjamin Estes Bowman, Taylor Crance Ferguson, Matthew Howle Ferguson, Audrey Chase Ferguson, Carson Elizabeth Ferguson and Gabriel Wyatt Ferguson; one brother, John W. Ferguson, Jr. of Lynchburg; one sister, Marjorie F. Lucado of Lynchburg; a special aunt, Jackie Rose Seldomridge of Lynchburg; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1132, Fairfax, Va. 22038-1132 or the American Heart Association, 4504 Starkey Road, Suite 115, Roanoke, Va. 24018.

A celebration of Floyd's life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 15, 2007 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church with the Rev. David W. Lord officiating. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 540-586-3443.

Published in the Roanoke Times from 12/13/2007 - 12/14/2007.

Lion John Vernon Rader

John Vernon Rader, 98, a life-long resident of Troutville, died Saturday,

December 8, 2007, surrounded by his family. Mr. Rader was born February 14, 1909. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Martha Bishop Rader and a son, Donald Ray Rader. He was retired from the Rockingham Mutual Insurance Company. He worked at the First National Bank of Troutville and was part owner of Rader's Funeral Home in the 1940's. He was a farmer, orchardist, a former Mayor of Troutville.

Mr. Rader was a charter member of the Troutville Lions Club and a life-long member of the Troutville Church of the Brethren. He is survived by son, William V. Rader and his wife, Pam, of Troutville; daughter, Carol Rader Sutherland and her husband, Terence, of Millboro; grandchildren, Dayna Michelle Rader Case, Christopher Rader and his wife, Robyn, Shawna Rader Gore and her husband, Marc, Kimberly Ford and her husband, Jay, Julia Powers and her husband, Phill, Travis Edwin Rader Sutherland and Tori Rader and great-grandchildren Chandler Case, Josie Grace Gore, Hayley Lynn Rader, Jensen Ford, Jenifer Ford and Kylea Rader. Also surviving is one sister, Agnes Rader Kinzie, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wants to thank Ann LeDe and her staff and Good Samaritan Hospice for their excellent and loving care of their father. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Troutville Cemetery Endowment c/o PO Box 98, Troutville, Virginia 24175 or to the Troutville Church of the Brethren c/o PO Box 156, Troutville, Virginia 24175.

Friends are welcome to call Tuesday, December 11, 2007 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road, Daleville, Va. A service celebrating John's 98 years will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 12, 2007 with the Rev. Chris Foster and the Rev. Weldon Myers officiating. Interment, Troutville Cemetery next to his late wife Martha. Arrangements Rader Funeral Home, "Serving Every Family as if Our Very Own"

Lion Paul Paradzinski ZC
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Lion Edwin Arthur Bullard

Edwin Arthur Bullard, 81, of Roanoke, Va. passed on to be with the Lord on Friday, October 12, 2007 at home with his wife, Marian and his children surrounding his bedside. His first wife, Amelia L. Bullard, his brothers, Lester and Fred Bullard; and grandson, Travis Bullard preceded him in death. Ed was born and raised in Concord, N.H., the son of the late Frank and Elizabeth Bullard. After serving in the United States Navy for four years as a Navy Fighter Pilot in World War II, he graduated from the University of New Hampshire receiving his Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering. He joined General Electric in New England working as a Field Engineer eventually moving his growing family to Roanoke, Va. He attended Virginia Tech in the evenings, receiving a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering. Ed spent his entire career with General Electric in various engineering and management positions, retiring at the Salem plant as manager of Gas Turbine Controls in 1989. After retirement be volunteered for the American Red Cross eventually going to work for them delivering blood to hospitals in Southeastern Virginia and West Virginia.

Ed loved the outdoors, canoeing the New and James Rivers with his three sons. He loved fishing, hiking, camping, archery, and especially playing tennis and handball. He enjoyed summer vacations with his family to Myrtle Beach and Cape Hatteras. The family would also spend most of their summers enjoying Loch Haven. Ed has also been known for his ability to rebuild the engine of a VW and a SAAB. In his later years, Ed enjoyed working in his garden, growing tomatoes, green beans, corn, and cucumbers. He loved riding his John Deere.
Ed was a long time member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church serving as a lector and Eucharistic minister. While a member at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, he grew a church garden of vegetables to take to St. Francis House for the hungry. He was Chairman of the Board for St. Francis House Ed was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus Council #562 and KOVAR for 38 years and held the positions of Comptroller, Faithful Navigator, and Grand Knight 4th degree. Ed was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #3 as well as Post #80 for the last nine years. He was a very active Lion in the Northside, Salem Host, Vinton Breakfast, and Mt. Pleasant Lions Clubs. He served as secretary of the Northside and Salem Host clubs. Ed was honored with the Melvin Jones Award.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marian, of 13 years; two daughters, Joan Bullard and husband, Bill Nutter, of Temecula, Calif. and Jeannie Baker and husband, Jim, of Charleston, S.C.; three sons, John Bullard and wife, Sandy, of Monmouth Junction, N.J., Will Bullard of Virginia Beach, Va., and Thomas Bullard and wife, Karen, of Bound Brook, N.J.; one stepson, Jeff King and wife, Deneene, of Roanoke, 14 grandchildren; and their families; as well as four great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Resurrection Service will be held on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Salem with Father Remi Sojka officiating. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family would like to especially thank Gentle Shepherd Hospice, Home Instead Senior Care and generation Solutions for their wonderful devotion and care, especially, Lisa Perez, Kim Eckenroth, and Rosa Baker, Fred Poerter and Wayne Sweeney, Carin Delancey, and Elaine Wilson.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations may be made to Answering the Call, Inc. P.O. Box 4542, Roanoke, Va. 24015. (International Mission Organization) The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, October 14, 2007 at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.

Published in the Roanoke Times from 10/13/2007 - 10/14/2007.

Lion William Patrick (Pat) Briskey SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. — William Patrick (Pat) Briskey died September 16, 2007, in a tragic drowning accident while sailing with his wife and friends in the Greek Isles.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ann; their children, Timothy Patrick Briskey, his fiancee, Elizabeth Mangum and her daughter, Lara Mangum of Ashburn Village, Va.; Mary Kay (Paul) Briskey O’Dea and sons Austin and Conor of Muskego, Wis., Michael Joseph (Mary Beth) Briskey and sons, Alex and Matthew of Flower Mound, Texas, Kevin James Briskey and partner, Sameer Advani of New York City; sister LaVerne McCabe of Laurium; nephews Patrick McCabe and family of Lake Linden; Joe (Rosemary) Pelissier of Portland, Ore., Steve (Nancy) Pelissier of Greer, S.C.; brother-in-law, Joseph (Julie) Pelissier of Greer, S.C.

Pat was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula and after serving in the U.S. Navy for four years, he attended and graduated from Michigan Tech in Electrical Engineering. He joined General Electric upon graduation and spent his entire career with the company in various engineering and management positions, first in Johnson City, N.Y., then in Salem, Va. He retired as manager of Gas Turbine Controls business in 1995. Two years later he and Ann built their home at Smith Mountain Lake and have lived there since.

Pat was an active member of the Lake community. He was a member of the SML Lions Club, having served as secretary and on many committees, and on the board of the Scholarship Trust Fund. With other Lions, he served as a volunteer AARP tax aid in Rocky Mount for the past four years. He also served in several leadership capacities in the Windtree Property Owners’ Association, was a member of the SMLA, Smith Mountain Wine Tasters, worked with the SML Charity Homes Tour and was a devoted member of Resurrection Catholic Church where he was an involved member of the Tuesday Mens’ Group.

While living in Roanoke, Pat was a hands-on participant in Habitat for Humanity. He was interested in both world and local events and traveled widely with his wife, family and friends. He was noted for his abiding interest in any new technological gadgets. He was the guiding light of his family and a friend to many all over the Lake community and in Roanoke.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Oakey’s South Chapel in Roanoke. There will be a Christian Wake Service, where family and friends may share stories and memories of Pat at Resurrection Catholic Chutrch in Moneta, on Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at Resurrection on Friday, September 28 at 11 a.m., followed immediately by interment in the adjoining parish cemetery. A reception will then be held in Morrow Hall at Resurrection for the family to greet friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution be made to the Smith Mountain Lake Lions Scholarship Trust Fund or to Resurrection Catholic Church.

Lioness Helen Burnette Bradley

Helen (Bobbie) Burnette Bradley, a well known Vinton civic leader went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 27, 2007 following a courageous bout with cancer. An active member of Vinton Baptist Church, she was a past-president of the L.O.A. Sunday school class and a former president of the Joy Seniors. She was also a member of the Golden Colonels, an alumni association at William Fleming High School and past-president of the Vinton Lioness Club.
In May 2005, Helen received the official key to the Town of Vinton. Her citation read in part, "for your tireless effort of salesmanship, civic leadership, and many hours of dedicated community service given to the Town of Vinton."
Helen served as Grand Marshal of the Vinton Dogwood Festival in April 2006. She had served as a tireless worker for over 15 years and served on its board of directors.

In addition, Helen was honored on August 18 by the Vinton Bluegrass Festival. She was awarded the Gene Burrows trophy for outstanding support and volunteerism. She served on the board of directors and as secretary/treasurer of the organization.

For over 35 years, Helen served as secretary/bookkeeper and office manager of W.E. Cundiff Realtors in Vinton.

She served as district manager of the Circus Fans Association and on the board of directors of the Vinton Needy Family Program.

Helen was known for her warmth, kindness and generosity and will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and the entire Vinton community.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey J. and Virginia Lucille Dunbar Burnette; her husband, A. Mac Bradley, III; and brother-in-law Linnie R. Hall.

Survivors include a daughter, Kathy Keith Martin and husband, James (Sonny) Martin; a sister, Virginia B. (Ginnie) Hall, all of Roanoke; a dear friend, Sydney A. Myers of Vinton; and nephew, Timothy R. (Tim) Hall and family of London, England; and three step grandchildren, Lora Voyles and family, Angie Cummings and family, and Jamey Martin and family.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 31, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Oakey's Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Dr. William Booth officiating. Burial in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call on Thursday, August 30, 2007 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorials may be made to Vinton First Aid Crew, P.O. Box 314, Vinton, VA 24179 or to Vinton Baptist Church.

Published in the Roanoke Times from 8/29/2007 - 8/30/2007.

Lion James “Jim” Elwood Agnew, Jr.

James “Jim” Elwood Agnew, Jr., 66, of Moneta, Virginia, died Saturday, August 4, 2007, at his home, following a battle with melanoma.

Jim retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in November 1996 after 33 years of service. He served in Washington, D.C., as Director of the Procurement and Donations Division of the Consolidated Farm Service Agency (formerly known as the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service). The agency administers a variety of farm and commodity programs and supplies commodities for food assistance efforts both domestically and overseas.

Jim began his career in civil service in 1963 at the National Science Foundation and joined USDA in 1964 as a sugar cost accountant. He served in the Sugar Division as Chief of the Wage and Price Branch from 1972 to 1974 and then in the Program Operations Division as Chief of the Common Provisions Section from 1974 to 1977. In early 1977 he was appointed as a member of the Secretary of Agriculture’s task force on sugar and sweetener policy and was named Deputy Director of the Procurement and Sales Division later that year. In 1981-82 he served as Assistant to the Deputy Administrator for Commodity Operations and was then named to his last assignment where he was involved in food assistance programs and in managing the disposition of surplus commodities.

Jim was born July 2, 1941, in Princeton, West Virginia, the son of the late James Elwood, Sr., and Isabelle Brown Agnew. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1959 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Concord College, Athens, West Virginia, in 1963.

Jim is survived by his wife of 32 years, Bonnie Bailey Agnew; a son, Ryan F. Agnew, and his wife, Brandy, of Columbus, Ohio; one sister, Jean A. Elmore, and husband, Stanley, of Manassas, Virginia; mother and father-in-law, Ora C. and Lyle C. Bailey, of Wytheville, Virginia; sisters-in-law, Bobbie B. Gilliam and her husband, Burt, of Clover, South Carolina; Sue B. Talbott; Cyndi B. Walters, and her husband, Mike, all of Wytheville; and five nieces and two nephews.

Jim was president of Lake Christian Ministries, a member of Palestine Baptist Church, and a dedicated volunteer for Meals-on-Wheels with Central Virginia Area Agency on Aging. He was a past president of the Moneta Lions Club, a recent recipient of the Melvin Jones Award, and served at the 24-E District Level.

Jim was a very generous, fun-loving man, who loved people and was well loved by many. He always had a smile and usually a story. He enjoyed fishing and NASCAR races, and he will be missed by his buddies. Most importantly, he was a faithful child of God.

A celebration of Jim’s life was held August 8 at Palestine Baptist Church in Huddleston, Virginia. Burial followed at West End Cemetery in Wytheville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106A, Roanoke, VA 24018; Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 6045 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019; Lake Christian Ministries, PO Box 695, Moneta, VA 24121; or Moneta Lions Club, PO Box 344, Moneta, Virginia 24121.

To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Smith Mountain Lake, 721-9375.

Lion Rev. Walter Vierling

Lion Walter joined the Lions in March of 1966. As a member of the Pearisburg Lions Club, Lion Walter chaired our ROAR committee, a number of successful Bland Music Committee Events and was very active in School Eye Screening Committee (last year more than 560 school children), and he was long time active member of our library committee during his years as a member of the Pearisburg Lions Club. Lion Walter had 34 years of Perfect Attendance and would have received in November his 35 years of Perfect Attendance and 40 year Old Monarch Chevron.

Lion Judge Robert Lee Powell

Lion Judge Robert Lee Powell, 86, of Pearisburg, Va., departed this earthly life on Monday, August 28, 2006 at Riverview Nursing Home in Rich Creek, Va. As a boy, Lion Bob wanted to become a lawyer and carried these dreams to Concord College and continued after graduation and trailed him to World War II, Pacific Theater, where he served much of his 37 month stint in the Army/Air Force. With the help of the GI Bill he scraped together his tuition and graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1951. He began a private law practice the following September in Pearisburg. He continued in the private practice of law until January, 1961, when he became a partner with Samuel A. Martin and later that same month he was appointed Giles County Commonwealth's Attorney by Judge V. L. Sexton, filling the unexpired term of the late Chester J. Stafford and also continued as a partner in the firm of Martin and Powell. He was appointed by the Supreme Court of Virginia as Judge of the 29th Judicial Circuit serving the counties of Giles, Bland and Tazewell on February 1, 1976, from which position he retired on January 31, 1986. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg, the Giles County Post of the American Legion, the Virginia State Bar, Giles Lodge No. 106 A.F. & A.M., the Scottish Rite Temple, Giles Shrine Club, and various other organizations. Lion Bob was most satisfied with his association and membership in the Pearisburg Lions Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Washington and Lee University or the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg.

Lion Kenneth Jennings Dobson

The Dublin Lions recently lost one of our oldest members. Lion Ken Dobson passed away on 09/16/06. He was 80 years old and had been a Lions member for fifty years. He will be missed by our club and community. Lion Ken was Pulaski county's school superintendent for 24 years and our high school football stadium is named after him.

Kenneth Jennings Dobson, 80, of Dublin, Virginia, died September 16, 2006 in his home. He was born in Richmond, Virginia on March 23, 1926.

At the age of seventeen, he left to serve three years in the Navy. He returned and graduated from Christiansburg High School, earned a B.A. from Emory and Henry College and a Masters Degree from Virginia Tech. He was a teacher, coach and administrator in Virginia Public Schools for thirty-nine years. He served as Superintendent of Pulaski County Schools for twenty-four years, from 1965 until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the Virginia Association of School Administrators, Dublin United Methodist Church, the Appalachian Education Laboratory, the Henry Clay Masonic Lodge of Dublin and for fifty years, the Dublin Lions Club. He also served as the President of States School Superintendent Organization.