Jack Bird
Jack Bird, age 68, of Hurricane, passed away on October 10, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and generosity. Born June 22, 1956, Jack was known for his ability to make friends wherever he went and even regale you with a yarn or two. Jack met Kemberly Robertson Bird when they were 15 and got married January 29, 1977, sharing over 50 years together, and they had two children, Christopher (Davie) Bird and Stephanie Morrison (husband, Russell). Jack was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren Melody, Shaun, Dominick, and Cameron.
Jack graduated from Hurricane High School in 1974, he went on to work for Union Carbide starting out as a laborer and going to night school to become a millwright pipefitter, working there for 34 years. He was a member of the activities committee, participating in many things from handing out trees to working on the boat and float for the anything that floats races at the sternwheel regatta.
Jack will be remembered for his love of family, the outdoors and his passion for hunting. He was a devoted friend and neighbor, always willing to lend a listening ear or a helpful hand.
Funeral service was Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home. Burial was in Forest Memorial Park in Milton.
Joyce K. Blagg
Joyce Ogle Blagg, 74, of Scott Depot, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October, 8 2024.
A native of Sevierville, TN, Joyce was the daughter of the late Hansel Ogle and Dorothy Huskey Ogle. In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her brother, Bobby Ogle; sisters: Anna Faye Ogle and Connie Veals; and nephews: Aaron and Cody Griffin.
Joyce was a faithful member of Teays Valley Baptist Church and was an avid Tennessee Volunteers Football fan.
Joyce is survived by her son, David Lee Gifford; brother, Jimmy Ogle; sisters: Debbie Morton and Patty Griffin and her husband, Matt; nephews: J. J. Ogle, Danny Morton and wife, Rebecca, Randy Morton and wife, Lyndsie, Alan Griffin and Jesse Ward; nieces: Jama Hayes, Kristie Stephens and husband, Matt, Sharon Summers and Misty Mashburn; and a special great niece, Cadence Morton.
Funeral service for Joyce was Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville, TN with Rev. Grant Humphrey officiating. Interment was in Mountain View Baptist Church Cemetery, Sevierville.
Charles Fizer
“Pawpaw Dave” Charles David Fizer, Sr., 72, of Hurricane, passed away suddenly at his home on Sycamore Ridge on October 11, 2024. Pawpaw Dave, as he was known to so many, was born one of 15 children on June 26, 1952 to Dana “D.A.” and Martha Sergent Fizer.
A man of many skills and talents, there pretty much wasn’t a thing that he didn’t know how to repair or build. Dad made many friends through the years. People just gravitated towards him. To know him was to love him and my, how he was loved and respected! Family, friends and neighbors will attest that porch sitting with Pawpaw was downright therapeutic. He was everything wholesome and good. Pawpaw Dave brought calm to any chaos, warmth to the cold, and light to the dark and most importantly, compassion and love to all. If he loved you, you were family. Dave was always ready to lift you up with a smile, sage advice or even a coveted spoon drop biscuit. If you know, you know. He was everyone’s “Pawpaw Dave”.
He was predeceased by his parents, siblings Jim Fizer, Gene Fizer, Leonard Fizer & Larry Fizer and son-in-law Matthew Bryan Conley. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Sue Clark Fizer, Children Melissa Fizer Conley, Charles “Charlie” Fizer, Jr, Dana Brooks Fizer, Brandy Fizer, Christina Carter and Kimberly Lovejoy. Grandchildren: Dakota Fizer (Stephanie Zent) , Austen Fizer (Anna), Katie Williams (Tommy), Kristyn Conley, Jacob Fizer, Jaxon Fizer, Mika Gonzales, Pacey Fizer, Paxton Lovejoy, Brittany Quentrill, Isaac Hinkle and Cheyenne Johnson and his beloved great grandbabies. Surviving siblings are Phyllis Rice, Roberta Fizer, Joyce Howerton, Lynda Allen, Christina Byrd, Darrell Fizer, Curtis Fizer, Randy Fizer, Randell Fizer and Beverly Jones. He leaves behind a host of beloved nieces and nephews. A man with a heart that big leaves a mighty big hurting upon his passing. Fizer Mountain will never be the same, but we are all so much better from knowing and loving him.
Funeral service was Monday, October 14, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home. Burial was in Sycamore Cemetery.
CECIL BLAIR GRAVELY
Cecil Blair Gravely, 77, of Scott Depot, passed away Friday, October 4, 2024, after a short illness.
Cecil was born on July 8, 1947, in Clifftop, the son of the late Reverand Paul Quaintance Gravely and the late Ethel Mae Shuck Gravely. He graduated from Collins High School, Class of 1965. He retired from 84 Lumber in April 2014, after 47 years of service to the company that he loved. He returned part time to do his favorite part of the job, drive a forklift.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Hilda Gravely, who passed away just 7 days before him. He is also preceded in death by all of his siblings: Sisters, Pauline Martin, Charlene Pishner and their spouses; brothers, Paul Gravely, Jr., Sherley Gravely and Lawrence Gravely and their spouses. Also preceding him in death were his beloved grandsons, Steven McGrew and Shane McGrew.
He is survived and will be deeply missed by his daughters, Angela (R.W.) White of Milton, Corie (Chris) Stewart of Poca, and his sons, Steve McGrew of Hurricane, Ritch (Patty) McGrew of Marmet and Criston Gravely of Columbus OH. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Cody McGrew, Dustin (Amanda) Caruthers, Justin Caruthers, Adeline Dale, Joel Steed, Ashley Steed and Zane White; his great-grandchildren, Gabriel Caruthers, Avalyn Caruthers, Amaia Caruthers and Octavia Valleau. He will be missed by his in-laws, both previous and present, nieces and nephews, countless friends and associates.
HILDA ANN GRAVELY
Hilda Ann Gravely, 76, of Scott Depot, passed away on September 26, 2024 following a short illness. Hilda was born October 24, 1947 to Hilda and George Copsey of Braintree, Essex. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, George and Brian Copsey and grandsons, Steven and Shane McGrew. Her loving husband of 24 years, Cecil Gravely also passed just seven days following her.
She is survived by her sisters Mary McLean (Mc) of Chappel, Colchester and Patricia Kelly (Dave) of Zanesville, OH, brother, Pete Copsey of Cressing, Essex, children Steven McGrew of Hurricane, and Ritch McGrew (Patty) of Marmet, Angela White (RW) of Milton, Corie Stewart (Chris) of Poca, and Criston Gravely of Columbus, OH, grandchildren Cody McGrew of Apopka, FL, Dustin (Amanda) and Justin Caruthers of Marmet, Zane White of Milton, Adeline Dale of Summersville, Joel Steed of Poca, Ashley Steed of Cross Lanes, and great grandchildren, Gabriel, Avalyn and Amaia Caruthers and Octavia Valleau of Cross Lanes.
Her professional career began after secondary school in Braintree, Essex, as a Short-hand Typist and then a Telephone Operator. After moving to the United States in 1970, she was a homemaker for 13 years. She returned to work as an Office Manager for BPB Instruments and then spent 22 years as a Retirement Advisor for the West Virginia Public Retirement Board, where she retired in 2005.
Hilda was an active member of Transatlantic Brides and Parents, the YMCA and spent many years square dancing as a hobby. After retirement, she volunteered at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital. Hilda and her husband, Cecil spent many years traveling the world and spending time with their family.
A joint memorial for Hilda and Cecil will be held at Chapman’s Funeral Home in Hurricane, WV on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
GARY HALL
Gary Hall, 71, of Hurricane, formerly of Ironton, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home Monday, October 7, 2024. Gary was preceded in death by his parents James Hall and Elizabeth “Betty” Hall.
Gary was born June 2, 1953. He was a 1973 graduate of Ironton High School. He worked at Sherwin WIlliams and later became a certified electrician with Local 317. Gary was an avid Ironton Fighting Tigers football fan and collector of pedal cars.
Gary is survived by his life partner of 45 years Illene Henson, two brothers Jim Hall and Mike (Natasha) Hall. Gary also leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, a special group of friends, and.bonus “kids”.
Gravesite service was Friday, October 11, in Woodland Cemetery, Ironton, Ohio, with Pastor Larry Bailey officiating.
James Kendall
James (“Jim”) Owen Kendall, age 76, of Cross Lanes, died at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, of pancreatic cancer on October 10.
He was born in Ashland, KY in 1948 to Robert and Lorraine Kendall, attended Raceland High School. Jim attended the University of Kentucky for undergraduate studies before graduating from the University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy in 1971. He worked at Revco/CVS Pharmacy in Dunbar, Cross Lanes, and Lexington, KY, and ultimately worked at and retired from Rite Aid Pharmacy in Dunbar in 2015, completing a 45+ year career in pharmacy. Jim served in the military as part of the United States Public Health Service at Fort Peck Reservation in Montana during the Vietnam War. He loved the Kentucky Wildcats and was a loyal, longsuffering Cincinnati Reds fan all the way to the end of his life.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Kendall, his mother Lorraine Kendall, his father Robert Kendall, and his brother Robert (“Bob”) Kendall. He is survived by his son, Jonathan Kendall, daughter-in-law, Heather Kendall, his brothers Terry (Toni) Kendall and Gary Kendall, his sister-in-law Jill Beach, and his fourteen nieces and nephews along many great nieces and nephews.
Jim was a member of Poca Baptist Church. Jim loved worshipping Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior with his church family.
Jim’s Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 19th from 10:00-11:00 at Poca Baptist Church, Poca, followed by his Memorial Service at 11:00 with Pastor Thomas Moore, Jr., officiating.
Nancy Louise McGraw
Nancy Phalen McGraw, of Winfield, passed away Sunday, October 6, 2024 after a short illness.
Nancy was born and raised in Bancroft to the late Hobart and Mary Phalen. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers: Edward Phalen and Charles Phalen.
She was a graduate of Poca High School and a proud member of the “Poca Dot” band, worked for several years at Union Carbide Corporation Technical Center in South Charleston and spent over 25 years as an executive secretary at Union Boiler Co. in Nitro. Her favorite past-times included flower gardening, reading, and music.
Nancy is survived by her brother, Glenn Phalen (Susie) of Eleanor; sister-in-law, Carol Phalen of Circleville, Ohio and devoted sister, Kay Phalen Davis (Don) of Columbus, OH and Winfield. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, cousins by the dozens and a host of friends she held dear…especially, Mae Pendelberry with whom she was friends for more than 60 years.
In accordance with her wishes her body was donated to the West Virginia Human Gift Registry at West Virginia University and there will be no services.
William Parkins
William Blaine “Hotchie” Parkins Jr., 86, of Poca, passed away Friday, October11, 2024 at CAMC Memorial. He was a 1956 graduate of Poca High School and a graduate of DeVry Electronics School. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran serving from 1956-1959. He was a retired electrician from Monsanto Chemical (1959- 1992). Hotchie was a member of the Upper Vandalia Historical Society, member of Poca High School Alumni, member of the Poca Lions Club, contributor to the Poca community and helped build the library in Poca. He was an avid farmer, woodworker, quilter and homebuilder. Hotchie also was an avid outdoorsman who loved archery and hunting.
Born July 15, 1938 he was the son of the late Blaine Parkins and Lucille Kessell Parkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, JoAnna Craigo and brother, Michael Parkins.
Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years Veronica Dale Withrow Parkins; children, Pam Perkins of Poca, Melanie (Ron) Arthur of Bluffton SC, David Parkins (Sarah) of Liberty; sister, Debbie Bowman of NC; brother in law, Oshel Craigo of Winfield and sister in law, Helen Parkins of Martinsburg; grandchildren, Matthew (Karlie) Perkins, Sean Arthur, Samantha (Josh) Craigo, Marissa (Michael) Ramey, Natalie Parkins and Cheridan Arthur; great grandchildren, Jane, Oakley, Lyla, Eden and one on the way. Hotchie is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, co -workers and many friends that he treasured all his days.
Funeral service was Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Rev. Dr. Shannon Craigo-Snell officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
Rudolph A. Raynes Jr.
On October 9, 2024, after a long, heartbreaking illness, Rudolph Andrew Raynes, Jr., 78, passed into glory surrounded by his family.
A lifelong Putnam Countian, Rudy was born February 27, 1946. He was a graduate of Buffalo High School (Class of ’64) where he received the superlative of “Best Dancer.” At the age of 24, he was offered a scholarship to play basketball at Concord College after being discovered in a summer league. An original “Crazy 8” at Concord, he graduated in 1973. He later received his Masters Degree at Marshall University.
Rudy touched countless lives as a teacher and coach. He delighted his students over the years with creative nicknames which many carried with them throughout their lifetimes. He taught in the Putnam County School system for over 30 years – most notably at Buffalo High and Poca Middle Schools where he taught West Virginia history. He coached the boys basketball teams that packed “The Barn” at Buffalo High from 1974-78. During that time, he was also named the Mid-Western Conference Coach of the Year. Later, he went on to coach boys and girls basketball at Poca Middle. He was also named Coach of the Year multiple times during his tenure as the girls basketball coach at Poca High in the early 2000s and 2010s. Later in his career, he earned the 2013 West Virginia American Federation of Teachers Leadership Award for Recruitment.
A lifelong horseman, with an affinity for Tennessee Walking Horses, Rudy won several grand championships and enjoyed trail pleasure rides around his beloved and aptly-named, Eastern Sky Farm – the same Eastern Sky where he knew, one day, his Savior would return (Matthew 24:27). Rudy gave his life to Christ in the late 1980s and was a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church and Buffalo Baptist Church, respectively, where he also taught youth Sunday School. Additionally, he taught Bible Exploratory courses at Poca Middle School.
Born February 27, 1946, he was the son of the late Rudolph A. Raynes Sr. and Gail Thornton Raynes. Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Jerry Raynes and Philip “Pinky” Raynes; sisters Pat Kern and Kathy Farley; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bradford and Marjorie Cobb; sister-in-law, Kathy Buckley.
Rudy is survived by his loving wife, Connie Raynes; daughters Kelley (John) Rogers, Kristina Raynes and Rudi (Ryan) Arrowood; siblings Marilyn Raynes and Gene (Brenda) Raynes. He was also a proud grandfather to Karley (Tony) McCutcheon and Kolbe Rogers as well as great-grandfather to Arden and Remington McCutcheon. Rudy is also survived by his brothers in law, Ronald (Kelly) Cobb and Dana Buckley, several nieces and nephews, great nephew and “dancing buddy,” Charlie Buckley, extended family and many friends.
After successfully conquering cancer in 2006, Rudy relied on this scripture and carried it with him during his life. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” Psalm 56:3-4.
Funeral service was Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Rev. Mitchell Burch officiating. Burial was in Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo.
Jane Whittington
Doris Jane Keeling Whittington, 64, of Buffalo, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the OSU James Cancer Center in Columbus OH. She was a 1978 graduate of Buffalo High School and graduate of the University of Charleston. She retired from CAMC as a registered nurse. She was a Christian and a member of Cross Creek Community Church.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Albert Keeling.
Survivors include her mother, Deloris J. Keeling of Buffalo, loving husband of 25 years, Larry Joe Whittington; son, Joseph Paul (Laura) Whittington of Buffalo; sister, Vanessa Hudson of Buffalo; grandchildren, David Whittington and Cole Whittington; nephew, Adam Hudson.
Funeral service was Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Cross Creek Community Church, Buffalo, with Pastor Joe Scarberry officiating. Burial was in Cross Creek Cemetery, Buffalo.
