ROBERT ‘ROBBIE’ HORTON
Robert Stuart “Robbie” Horton, 68, of Poca, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Robbie was a retired contractor and a proud graduate of Poca High School. He had a lifelong love for the outdoors and found joy in fishing, hunting, and collecting baseball cards. His quiet strength and warm spirit were felt by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert “Jack” Horton; his mother, Ruth Horton; and his stepmother, Peggy Horton.
Robbie is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Renee; his son, Robert (Kaitlyn) Horton; daughter, Ashley Sisson; and his beloved grandchildren, Trinity Sisson, Charlotte Horton, and Emerson Horton. He also leaves behind five siblings: Jerry (Cynthia) Horton, Debbie (Greg) Burdette, Chet (Jamie) Horton, Carl (Debbie) Skidmore, and Pat (Sherry) Skidmore.
A tribute to Robbie’s life was held Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Gatens Harding Funeral Home Chapel.
JOSEPH E. KING
Joseph Elsworth King, 86, of Bancroft, went Home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Joe was a 60-year member of the Laborers Union Local #1353 and a 56-year member of the International Union of Painter and Allied Trades District Counsel #53. He was a 100% Union Man and even in retirement he was still fighting for union rights and benefits for those still working.
He had a willing heart to help those in need, whether it was working on someone’s house, churches, cutting grass, or helping anonymously.
Joe loved his family very deeply and there was nothing he would not do for them, especially his great grand-babies, “Lilly of the Valley, Cool Hand Luke, Be Bop, and Sassy”. They were the apple of his eye. He is also survived by his daughter Angela Arthur and husband James “Speedy” of Bancroft, granddaughters Melissa Hill and husband Andrew and their children Lillian Hill, Luke Hill, Leland Hill and Lydia Hill of Bancroft, granddaughter Haleigh Cooper of St. Albans, Brother J. B. King and wife Sandy, and Sister Charlotte Erwin, Teays Valley
Before passing away Joe rededicated his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is now where he had longed to be, first with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and second with the love of his life he met and married many many years ago Ms. Ruth Ann, and his son David. Joe was also preceded in death by his brothers: Charles, Benjamin, Luther, and Daniel and sisters Emma Bell “Penny”, Betty Madge, and Naola “Sissy”.
A Celebration of Joe’s life was held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro, with Pastor David Bailey, and Joe’s son-in-law Pastor James F. “Speedy” Arthur officiating. Burial was in Showen Cemetery, Bancroft.
OTHO THOMAS MCCALLISTER
Otho “Tom” Thomas McCallister, 80, of Scott Depot, passed away peacefully at home on July 23, 2025.
Tom was born on January 26, 1945 to the late Otho C. and Ruby McCallister in Charleston.
He grew up and lived his entire life in Scott Depot. He was a skilled carpenter and spent his free time creating gadgets that made everyday tasks easier. Tom was always a hard worker and never hesitated to let his thoughts be known. He will forever be loved and missed.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joyce; children: Jeff (Jennifer) McCallister and Melinda (JP) Owens. He was very proud of his five grandchildren: Aiden, Kieran and Riley McCallister as well as Landon and Easton Owens; brother, Mike (Debbie) McCallister of Hurricane, and sister, Lucinda (Darrell) Holmes of Friendswood, TX.
Per his wishes, no services will be held.
BILLIE DAWN PARKINS
Billie Dawn Parkins, 55, of Red House, was born September 4, 1969 and passed away unexpectedly at her home on July 21, 2025.
Billie was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew her. She was a proud and loving mother, a devoted daughter and sister, and a true friend. Her daughters, Danielle and Kailee, were the center of her world, and she never missed an opportunity to share how much they meant to her.
With a joyful spirit and a heart full of love, Billie brought comfort, laughter, and warmth to those around her. She had a way of making people feel seen and cared for. Her faith in God was steady and sincere, guiding her through life and now giving her family peace that she is resting in His presence.
Her absence is deeply felt, and her memory will be treasured always.
She is survived by her daughters, Danielle Payne and Kailee Payne, who carry her love with them every day.
She was preceded in death by her father, William Dale Parkins; her mother, Dawn Rose; and her brother, Timothy Dale Parkins.
NANCY KAY PRESSLEY
Nancy Kay Pressley, 81, of Ona, passed away on July 22, 2025.
Nancy was born on November 5, 1943 to the late Wilma Eileen Estes. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Drema Pressley.
She is survived by her children: Billy Joe Pressley (Kelli Templeton) of Ona, and Lisa Pressley of Hurricane; grandchildren: Courtney, Whitney, Desiree, Jillian and Devin Pressley; great-grandchildren: Carson King, Braden and Aliyah Pressley.
Funeral service for Nancy was Monday, July 28, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Tim Messinger officiating. Burial was in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Hurricane.
KRISTEN RAE RACER
Kristen Rae Racer, 36, of Hurricane, passed away after a courageous fight against brain cancer on July 19, 2025 at her home.
She was born on July 30, 1988, to Mark and Kimberly Young Eggleton in Charleston.
Kristen graduated from Bartlett High School in Anchorage, AK where she grew up and flourished in her love of hobbies that she continued after moving back to WV. She loved being able to enjoy the outdoors, mainly fishing, which started at a young age with her father that continued to grow and enjoy with her husband. Kristen was a star athlete at bowling which she enjoyed with her friends and family for fun and being competitive, but mostly competitive. She loved to spend her weekends gathered around friends at car shows that her husband introduced her to. If she wasn’t on the go, she loved to spend time at home with her family and fur-babies relaxing watching scary movies. Kristen was a production line employee with Toyota Manufacturing.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Wade Racer; sister: Lauren Eggleton; and father in-law; Adam Racer.
A Celebration of Kristen’s Life was held Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Gary Johnson officiating.
WENDY JO RAYBURN
Wendy Jo Rayburn, 58, of Buffalo, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at her home.
Born July 13, 1967 in Beufort, SC she was the daughter of Lewis Benton and the late Alice Marie VanAtta.
In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband of 22 years, Cliff Rayburn and sisters, Sherry, Marcie, Amy and Emily.
There are no services planned at this time.
CHAD RUNION
Chadwich J. “Chad” Runion, 45, of Culloden, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Cleveland Clinic following a long battle with cancer. He was a longtime employee of Advance Auto Parts. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Chad also enjoyed working on cars in his spare time.
Survivors include his father, Carl L. Runion of Summersville; mother, Anita Gear of Goldtown; children, Brooklyn Burdette Anderson of Hurricane, Jacob Runion of Cross Lanes and Cassie Runion of Culloden; sister, Chasity Gillespie of Liberty; brothers, Carl Andrew Runion of Goldtown and Justin Shane Runion of Goldtown; grandchildren, Bea Carolyn Anderson and Ellis Anderson. Chad is also survived by his fiancé Amy Workman, extended family and friends.
Graveside service was Friday, July 25, 2025 at Runion Cemetery, Buffalo, with Pastor Stewart Cottrell officiating.
CATHY R. WISE
Cathy R. Wise, 73, of Buffalo, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025 at Arbors of Gallipolis. She was a longtime resident of Buffalo but grew up in Point Pleasant. She spent her summers in Princeton with her grandparents, Clarence Carr Christian and Lola Mae Christian, whom she loved dearly and was very close to. Cathy was a 1970 graduate of Pt. Pleasant High School. She was a bus driver for Putnam County Schools and enjoyed that very much for decades until her retirement. Cathy was a crafter, homemaker and a talented artist. She loved her children and was a very devoted mother, wife, grandmother and aunt.
Born December 8, 1951 in Princeton, she was the daughter of the late James William Kegley and Gwendolyn Christian Kegley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Wise; son, James William Roach; sister, Carol Ann Kegley and nephew, Jeffrey Shane Zembry.
Survivors include her son, Nicholas Carr Roach of El Mirage AZ; grandchildren, Ashley Morgan Warwick, Nicholas James Roach and Chancellor Carr Roach; niece, Kimberly Beth Weaver. Cathy is also survived by first husband and the father of her children, Ronnie Gene Roach.
