BILL ADKINS
Bill Wilson Adkins, 94, of Hurricane, passed on December 26, 2022, five days before his 95th birthday. Funeral services were conducted Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Morris Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Community Memorial Gardens, Wayne, WV. He was born December 31, 1927 in Logan, a son of the late Boyd Newman Adkins and Bessie Clark Adkins.
Bill served his Country, State and Community for the majority of his life. He served in the U.S. Army during the occupation of Japan from 1946-1948 and was then recalled back to the military during the Korean war from 1950-1951. Following his military service, he served the citizens of West Virginia as a Trooper with the West Virginia State Police for thirty years. During that time Bill attended college and graduated from Morris Harvey College and proudly graduated from the 71st Session of the FBI National Academy in 1963. Following his retirement from the State Police, he worked for 25 years as an investigator with the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Robert Wayne Adkins and four brothers, Newman, Norman, Jack and Jake Adkins. Survivors include his loving wife of 73 years, Lois Elizabeth “Betty” Ferguson Adkins; three sons, Bill Douglas Adkins and wife, Alice of Parkersburg, Bruce Adkins and wife, Debbie of Fraziers Bottom, David Adkins and wife, Lana of Murfreesboro, TN; two sisters, Stella Maynard and Jean Maynard, both of Proctorville, OH; nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
JAMES CARROLL BILLUPS
James “J.C.” Carroll Billups, 80, of Hurricane, passed away on December 20, 2022 in Charleston.
He was born on June 5, 1942 to the late James M. and Hazel V. Sovine Billups of Hurricane. James is preceded in death to his parents, James M. and Hazel V. Sovine Billups of Hurricane and Sister, Lois Joanne Billups Adams and her husband Ronald Lee Adams.
JC was a “lover” of life, travel, photography, and most of all, his family. James was a graduate of Hurricane High School and the Huntington College of Business. JC was employed by Huntington Alloys, Huntington, for 25 years and then worked in the telecommunication and retail space before his retirement in 2007. James was a long-standing member of the Grace Melody Boys Quartet in the 1960s. The Grace Melody Boys toured through the eastern US while producing a number of gospel music records.
J.C is survived by his son, Derrick Billups (wife Amy) of Florence, KY; his grandchildren: Brad Billups (wife Rachel) of Wilmington NC, Beth Davis (husband Christian) of Richmond KY, and Bryce Billups of Florence KY.
Funeral service for J.C. was Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Chapman Funeral Home. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park Hurricane.
BOB R. BOGGS
Bob R. Boggs, 83, of Poca, with his family holding his hands on Christmas Eve peacefully received the most gracious Christmas gift that God can bestow by passing through the heavenly gates into the waiting arms of Jesus and reuniting with the love of his life, Kelle Boggs.
Bob was born on July 23rd, 1939 in Pike County, Kentucky. A young Bobby Ray birthed his lifelong work ethic by laboring in the fields of his grandparents’ tobacco farm during the hot summers in Eastern Tennessee.
After moving to West Virginia, Bob graduated at the top of his class from Dunbar High School in 1957 as an all-state and all-Kanawha Valley basketball player. He was also a state champion track runner. One of his favorite stories to share with his family was the night he put up 22 points against Jerry West of East Bank. He always ended the story by describing that West put up 40 points on him.
After graduation, he joined the United States Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Randolph in the early days of the NASA Mercury Missions. The Randolph was an astronaut recovery carrier, and in 1961, he worked on deck and witnessed astronaut Virgil “Gus” Grissom sink his space capsule, the Liberty Bell 7, to the ocean floor of the Atlantic. Honorably discharged, Bob returned to West Virginia where he met the love of his life Miss Kelle Melton. The two soon married and had two children: Shawn and Deana.
In 1979, Bob and Kelle founded Kelle Boggs Dance Studio. Mr. Bob, or Principal Bob as he was called, was a staple at the studio for 40 years, taking care of administrative business and handing out lollipops, or “suckas,” to all of the students after class. To know Bob was to love Bob. He was a special gift to his children, his grandchildren, and anyone that met him. His body of this world may have failed him, but his spirit will eternally reåmain persistently strong. Shed tears that he is gone, but smile because he lived.
Bob was a 1977 Summa Cum Laude graduate of West Virginia State College with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Bob was a 35-year chemical operator with FMC, Union Carbide, and Bayer Cropscience. And as previously mentioned, he was the president of Kelle Boggs Dance Studio for 44 years.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Bryan and Ethel C. Boggs, his wife, Kelle, brothers: Jimmy, Harry, and Junior and sister, Betty Boggs Stoots.
Left to cherish his loving memory are his son, Shawn (Christy) of Scott Depot, daughter, Deana McNeil (Eddie) of Poca, and the pride and joy of his life his grandchildren: Ashton McNeil, Cheyenne McNeil, Bray Boggs, and Gannon Boggs; as well as the thousands of dance students whose heart he touched for 44 years. He is also survived by a brother, Lewis C. Boggs of Sardis, Ohio.
Funeral service was Friday, December 30, 2022 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield, with Pastor Don Lohr officiating.
ERNEST OREN COCHRAN
Ernest Oren Cochran, 77, of Red House, passed away December 30, 2022.
He was born October 24, 1945, to the late Juanita Gillispie and Oren Cochran. He is also preceded in death by his grandson Gary Dean, Jr. and brothers Roger, Herbert, Charlie, and Harold.
Mr. Cochran is a retired construction worker.
He is survived by his wife Kathy Cochran; sons, Jr (Celia) Cochran and James Cochran; daughters, Angela (Scott) and Angel (Gary); sister Lynnie (Dennis); brothers, Marcus (Debbie) and Ricky (Teresa); 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in New Antioch Cemetery.
STANLEY DALE EGGLETON
Stanley “Dale” Eggleton, age 74, of Teays Valley, passed peacefully into heaven on December 27, 2022 while surrounded by his children.
Dale was born on October 21, 1948 in Huntington to Lloyd and Valeria Eggleton. Dale enjoyed a close relationship with his sister, Wilma, from early childhood and throughout his adult life.
Dale graduated from Winfield High School in 1966 and went on to study education at Marshall University, where he was also on the wrestling team. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Science Education from Marshall University and later got his Master of Arts in School Administration. Dale became a teacher, wrestling coach, and later a principal in Putnam County Schools, following in his father’s footsteps. Dale was also a realtor with Family First Realty for several years.
After 41 years of service, Dale retired in 2012 from the school system as principal of Poca Middle School. He spent his years in retirement enjoying rides in his Corvette, playing chess, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Dale was passionate about learning and teaching biology and science, and he would be happy to explain complex scientific theories to anyone who would be willing to hear. If you know, you know. He was a member of Cross Lanes Baptist Church, where he was involved in the Men’s Ministry for many years. Dale enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and riding four-wheelers.
Dale is survived by his children Jodi (Eric) Johnson and Craig (Danielle) Eggleton, his grandchildren Tate, Zane, and Claire Johnson and Levi, Riley, and Malachi Eggleton, one sister Wilma (John) Daniels, two nieces and a nephew.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Valeria Eggleton.
Funeral Service for Dale was Tuesday, January 3, 2022, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Seth Polk officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.
ROGER LEWIS ELLIOTT JR.
Roger Lewis Elliott Jr., age 52, passed away December 20, 2022 at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation in St. Albans after a short illness. He was born August 20, 1970 in Charlton Heights.
At the age of five, he was taken into permanent foster-care by Robert and Lois Hathaway of Hurricane. For thirty-eight years, Roger resided there and thrived on the happy chaos of a large family. He knew he was loved.
After the death of his foster-mother, Roger moved to Riverside Nursing Home in St. Albans where he was watched over by many caring residents and staff for over eight years.
During this time the tireless Covid unit helped Roger survive the outbreak that struck his nursing home in 2020.
In his younger days, Roger was a student at Shawnee Hills School for the Handicapped and also participated in the ARC of Three Rivers day program.
Roger had a friendly smile and a mischievous grin. He loved playing with snap beads, turning on lights, wearing hats, and stealing other peoples’ coffee.
He is proceeded in death by his foster parents and foster brothers Robert Jr. “Bobby” Hathaway and John Ballentine. He is survived by foster siblings Rodney (Joan) Hathaway, Karen (Steve) Ward, Helen (Russ) Cook of Hurricane, Nancy (Paul) Drake of St. Peters, MO and Mary Beth (Paul) Bednar of Pittsboro, NC. Nieces and nephews also survive him.
Funeral service was Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane with Reverend Joseph Fisher officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park in Hurricane.
PATRICIA FAYE FRAZIER
Patricia Faye Frazier, 87, passed from this life on December 19. 2022 at her home in Scott Depot.
She was born November 24,1935,in LongBranch, West Virginiato the late Robert LeeTurner and Viola Belle(O’Neal) Turner.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death her brother Michael (Jean) Turner, and niece Christy Hudnall. Patricia loved her dogs, travel and the symphony. She graduated from Fayetteville High School, Saint Frances School of Nursing and John Wesley College with a Bachelor of Arts. Her entire nursing career was devoted to teaching and health care.
Survivors include
daughter, Rebecca Lorenz (Chris); Grandchildren, Joel (Kristi) Lorenz and Amber (Shawn) Johnson: Great Grandchildren; Cameron, Kiley, Colton and Charles; Brother Charles (Helen) Turner; Nephews and nieces: Charles, Michael, Betsy and Robin.
Internment was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.
MARILYN ‘SUSIE’ FRIDLEY
Marilyn “Susie” Fridley, 77, of Scott Depot, passed away December 29, 2022 at home from Advance Stages of Alzheimer’s.
She was born on October 27, 1945 in Charleston to the late Leigh and Faye Hatcher. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Hatcher and niece, Karen Hatcher.
Susie was a member of St. John United Methodist Church Scott Depot. She was an active member of the Women’s Sharing Group that used to meet weekly. She attended public schools in Kanawha County and graduated from South Charleston High School in 1963. She loved to read and write short stories and poetry especially about her husband Lloyd. She never met a stranger, showing an open heart to everyone she met. At various times she worked for a trucking company, the railroad, the Internal Revenue Service and the United States Geological Survey.
She is survived by her husband of 44 years Lloyd, sisters-in-law: Jan (Arnold “TJ”) Johnson, Sharon Fridley and Judith Hatcher; niece: Christina Nicely M.D. and her very special aunt: Marline Hatcher.
Graveside service for Susie was Thursday, January 5, at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans, with Rev. Robert T. Hill officiating.
JAMES (JIM) GRITT
James (Jim) Gritt of Lake Mary, Florida, formerly of Red House, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2022 following a short battle with lung cancer. He was a graduate of Buffalo High School. James worked tirelessly as an entrepreneur for his family business, Gritt’s Midway Greenhouse. James was an avid grower and salesman and enjoyed every aspect of the greenhouse industry.
He was a member of Midway United Methodist Church and Master Mason of Kanawha County Lodge No. 36. He loved to do woodworking and gardening in his free time. He loved his wife, family, friends and everyone in his life.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Tony Gritt Jr. and Hada Lunsford Gritt.
James is survived by his loving wife; Ann Gritt, his children, Penny (Matt) Goff, William (Natalie) Gritt, Nicole (Jamie) George, Toni (Derick) Brown. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren: Jakob, Jilliann, Easton, Brantley, Audrey, and Bennett, as well as his two sisters, Anna Mae Craig and Mary Paxson.
A memorial service was held at Midway United Methodist Church on Thursday, December 29, 2022.
DAVID R. HODGES
David R. Hodges, 87, of Hurrican, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at English Meadows of Teays Valley. David was born September 12, 1935, in Hurricane to the late Denver and Janet Hodges. He was a graduate of Hurricane High School, a member of the Hurricane First Baptist Church and was a life-long resident of Hurricane, where he and his siblings co-owned A-Z Supermarket that his father, Denver opened in 1950.
He is survived by his wife Joyce and his sons Robert Lee Hodges, Charles Douglas (Terri) Hodges and Daniel Edward (Linda) Hodges. 6 Grandchildren and several great grandchildren, brothers, Ronald (Maxine) Hodges and John (Cindy) Hodges.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Denver and Janet Hodges, brother Timmy Hodges and sister Anna Lou Bledsoe.
Funeral service was Wednesday, January 4, 2022, at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Kimbrough officiating. Burial was in Valley View Cemetery.
GUY W. KLEIN
Guy William Klein 71, of Winfield, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022 at his home.
He was a son of the late Harold and Margaret Klein, born on July 12, 1951 in Wyandotte, Michigan. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Klein Johnson.
Guy alongside his wife Diane, trained and showed World Champion Quarter Horses and riders. There were few people in the horse world that didn’t know the Kleins, let alone Guy’s calm demeanor. He was a member of The American Quarter Horse Association and WV Quarter Horse Association.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Diane Sims Klein; son, Casey Klein; brother, Kim Klein of Saginaw, MI; and nephews: Sean and Jaret Johnson of Saginaw, MI.
Memorial service for Guy was held Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield.
BEULAH MAE LITTLE
Beulah Mae Little, 96, of Leon, passed away Friday, December 23, 2022 at Holzer Senior Care, Gallipolis, OH. Beulah was a member of Wolfe Valley Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher. She was also a frequent visitor to the Buffalo Senior Citizens Center and enjoyed her fellowship there.
Born May 26, 1926, in Leon, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Lona Boles. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Kermit Little; siblings, James Boles, Marie McClure, Goldie Graham, Ocie Smith, Betty Robbins and Ruth Kidd.
Beulah is survived by her children, Harold (Jeanette) Little of Huntington, Nancy (Leland) Lieving of Huntington and Dennis Little of Evans; grandchildren, Anthony Lieving and Shannon Little. She is also survived by two great grandchildren.
Funeral service was Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Rev. Randy Parsons officiating. Burial was in Leon Cemetery.
WAYNE LIVELY
Wayne Lively, 73, of Culloden, passed away December 30, 2022 at Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Beaulis and Faye (Tyree) Lively and one brother, Perry Lively.
Wayne is survived by wife Cheryl, son Richard Lively (Shona) of Wayne, daughter Tammy Thomas (Tom) of Lavelette, stepsons Robert Cobb (Lindsey) of Red House, and Joshua Cobb of Ashland KY; one step daughter Chasity Fryer (Matt) of Ashland KY; one grandson Reece Lively of Wayne, and 6 step grandchildren; one nephew Brett Lively (Kendra) of Fredericksburg VA.
He was a graduate of Richwood High School. Wayne received a football scholarship to WV Tech. In 2022 he was inducted into Richwood High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame for his outstanding performance in track and football. He retired from the WV State Police in 1985.
After retirement he owned and operated several businesses in and around Hurricane including, Hurricane Wrecker and Towing, Woodmark General Contracting, and several others.
He served on the Hurricane City Council and was a member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church.
In retirement he became active in Cops and Rodders Car Club. He enjoyed travel and his weekly visits with current and retired WV troopers. He was meticulous and took great pride in his lawn.
A graveside funeral service was Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Beckley with Pastor Gerry White officiating.
BARBARA ELLEN LOVEJOY
Barbara Ellen Lovejoy, 82, of Leon, formerly of Eleanor, passed away Tuesday December 27, 2022 at Hospice House at CAMC Memorial. She was a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church in Bancroft.
She was the daughter of the late Stanley Willard and Macy Ellen Plumley Willard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, John Willard and Gary Willard.
Survivors include her children, Connie Lovejoy of Leon, Alisa (Roger) Stover of Leon, Ed (Swana) Lovejoy Jr. of Eleanor, Mark (Diane) Lovejoy of Hurricane, Kelly (Fred) Giaconia of Pt. Pleasant, Tim (Erica) Lovejoy of Eleanor; brother, Woody (Barbara) Willard of Scott Depot; sister, Juanita Boice of Eleanor; grandchildren, Amy, Angie, Vanesa, Ashley, Drew, Courtney, Kasey, Bryan, Faith, Chase, Zach, Chelsea, MacKenzie, Tish, Tabby and Tashy; great grandchildren, Jessie, Luke, Harleigh, Deacon, Marie, Colton, Mya, Emery, Eden, Zaydon and Zander.
Funeral service was Friday, December 30, 2022 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Woody Willard officiating. Burial was in Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo.
ROBERT EUGENE MADDOX
Robert Eugene Maddox, 78, of Hurricane, passed away December 29, 2022.
A tribute to the life of Bob was held Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jim Legg officiating. Burial was in Center Point Cemetery, Liberty.
GLEN DALE MORTON
Glen Dale Morton, 79, of Hurricane, went home to be with the Lord on December 27, 2022 at his home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Nina Morton and his sister, Regina.
Glen was the son of Joseph and Nina Morton of Charleston. He graduated from Charleston High School in 1962 where he played football and baseball.
Glen was a proud Union Electrician out of IBEW Local #466 of Charleston. He was an amazing banjo picker and loved playing Bluegrass music in a band with two of his brothers and was well-known in the Bluegrass music community. He was an avid golfer and played several times a week with his golfing buddies. He also belonged to the Clendenin Masonic Lodge #126.
He touched many lives with his kindness and generosity and will be missed by many.
Glen leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Peggy of Hurricane, daughter: Melissa of St. Albans; two sons: Dale of Hurricane and Chris of St. Albans; 3 grandchildren, Taylor, Sean, and Bryant; brothers: Joe, John, Jim, and Kenny; sister, Mava, and a loving brother in law, Kenny W. Shock and countless nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be 6:00pm Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Friends may visit one hour before the service.
GREGORY THOMAS REYNOLDS
Gregory Thomas Reynolds, 59, of Hurricane, died December 16, 2022 at his residence after a short illness. He was born June 10, 1963 in Charleston to the late Haven and Loretta Reynolds.
Gregory was a graduate of St. Albans High School and West Virginia State University. He was employed by Zurn Solutions as a sales representative.
He was a Boy Scout and Royal Ranger. Gregory loved working on his hobby farm, cooking, gardening, playing guitar, working, amateur radio, and spending time with his family.
Those left to cherish his memory include: his loving wife Mareda Bragg Reynolds; daughter Ashley Reynolds; sisters Debbie (Paul) Martin, Twila (Greg) Lytton and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral service was Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Kimbro officiating. TInterment was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
LARRY RHODES
Larry Eugene Rhodes, 60, passed away peacefully Monday, December 27, 2022 at Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, Huntington, with his family by his side. He took his Lord and Savior by the hand and entered his Heavenly Home.
Larry was born on September 19, 1962, in Huntington to Loretta Baldwin and the late Lawrence Rhodes. In addition to his father, Larry was also preceded in death by his special friend, Mike Gillispie of Fraziers Bottom.
His heart and soul was dedicated to his work as a driver for Stericycle for 13 years and Spring Valley Charter. Larry was a diehard Marshall University and an avid Bengals fan.
Larry is survived by his wife: Lisa Rhodes of Fraziers Bottom; Daughter: Keshia (Wes) Estep of Ashland, KY; Son: Brandon (Kellijo) Rhodes of Milton; and Daughter: Kelsey (Justin) Rhodes of Fraziers Bottom. Larry’s legacy will live on through his grandchildren, Olivia Estep, Carter Boothe, Cole Rhodes, Jace Estep, Lauren Rhodes and Gunner Rhodes; as well as his Mother: Loretta (Charles) Baldwin of Elgin, SC; Stepmother: Doris Rhodes of Belpre, OH; Father and Mother in-law: Donald and Brenda Grant of Fraziers Bottom; Sisters: Portia (Greg) Kyle and Pam (John) Bailey both of Elgin, SC; Brother: Lloyd (Teresa) Baldwin of Proctorville, OH; and Brother in-law: Jarrett (Regina) Grant of Fraziers Bottom.
Funeral service for Larry was Saturday, December 31, 2022 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Don Reynolds officiating. Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery Fraziers Bottom.
ROBERT SAMSON JR.
Robert Lee “Bob” Samson, Jr., aged 77, residing in Hurricane, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 28, 2022, after an extended illness.
Born on October 28, 1945, Bob grew up in Logan. He held a number of positions after high school graduation including train brakeman and repossession agent before gaining employment as a Finance and Insurance Professional at General Motors Acceptance Corporation, a position he held for over 30 years. The position allowed the family to relocate to Hurricane in 1992.
In 1979, he married the love of his life, Brenda Gail Fields, and went on to have two beautiful sons. Bob lived a full life, much of what revolved around the activities of his two boys. Bob passed down his love of the Boy Scouts of America to his two sons, frequently leading their local troop on summer camp excursions. He was integral in the growth and success of the Hurricane High School “Red Hot” Show Choir. No competition was possible without Bob’s always-reliable towing vehicle and his characteristic cheers from the crowd as the curtain was opening.
Bob was an active member of Forrest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church for over 30 years, serving on several committees and an active member of the Stewards of Fellowship Sunday School class. He also served the church youth group for a number of years. During retirement, Bob and Gail enjoyed traveling around the US in their motorhome with their beloved Shetland Sheepdog, Pepper Doodle.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Robert Samson and Opal Samson (Crum). He is survived by his wife, Gail Samson; his son Aaron Samson (Erin) of Austin, TX and their children Harper, Hayden and Hadley; son Ryan Samson and his daughter, Henley; and his sibling, Wendell Samson (JoAnn) of Winfield; nephews Wendell Jr. Samson (Kelly) of Scott Depot with sons Zac and Alex; Travis Samson (Tom) of Columbus, OH; and niece Stephanie Mills (Terry Steven) of Hurricane with daughter Abigail.
A memorial service was held Monday, January 2, 2022 at Forrest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church, Hurricane.
