JAMES ALLEN BRADBURY
James Allen Bradbury, born December 21, 1944, passed away in the presence of his family on January 5th, 2025, after a battle with cancer. A longtime resident of Putnam County, Jim was born in Portsmouth, OH to Paul E. and Ada E. Bradbury. Jim grew up with a love for working with his hands and for recognizing the value of the repair of things worthy and unworthy of restoration. After graduation from Dunbar High School in 1962, Jim studied first at West Virginia University in Mechanical Engineering before transferring to a specialized Measurement Science program at the State University of New York to graduate at the top of his class. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and worked for a scale company in Columbus, Ohio. He moved back to WV to help grow the family business of Kanawha Valley Scale Service. Jim grew Kanawha Scales and Systems into a worldwide enterprise. The company’s hallmark product was a high speed, accurate train loading system for bulk products which has now been consistently selling around the world for over 45 years.
Beyond KSS, Jim owned and operated many other businesses, most notably several in the realty sector, along with his wife Judy and son, Mark, as well as other valued partners. He held interests and served in leadership roles in several other companies, including a British-based company specializing in high performance aftermarket components for the automotive industry.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Paul E Bradbury and Ada E Bradbury. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy L (Freeman) Bradbury, and his children Tracy (Mudar) Kattash of Lake Charles, LA, Mark (Holley) Bradbury of Scott Depot, Michael (Liz) Bradbury of Louisville KY, and sisters Pat Hatcher of Dunbar, Pauletta (Mike) Fisher of Durham, NC, and Debbie (David) Schwirian of Charleston. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren Ameera, Aniese, Aliya, Layla Kattash; Sarah and Hailey Bradbury; and Lou Bradbury (with a baby brother on the way), as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and extended family.
He enjoyed a long life with his wife, working side by side for 55 years and traveling the world together. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren many of life’s lessons like how to hold a flashlight steady while he worked under the hood of a car. His energetic and passionate work ethic, as well as his generosity to others has infected many around him, friends, family, and employees alike. His willingness to help repair your broken “anything” or to lend the tool or knowledge to do so will be greatly missed by many.
A Celebration of Life will be January 18th, 2025, from 4pm – 8pm at Embassy Suites 300 Court Street, Charleston. A time of sharing memories and stories will begin at 6:00 pm. A buffet of Hors d ’Oeuvres will be provided by the family.
DENNIS O. COTTRILL
Dennis O. Cottrill, 83, of Winfield, passed away on December 28, 2024.
He was born to the late Myles and Jeanette (Kiser) Cottrill on July 1, 1941 in Dunbar. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy; and brother, Larry Cottrill.
Dennis is survived by his daughter Andrea Wright (Bodie) of Winfield; son, Brian Cottrill (April) of Huntington; grandchildren: Peyton and Zachary Frohnapfel; great-granddaughter, Emery Laine Milbee; and sister, Carolyn Duff of The Villages, FL.
Esta Mae Craig
Esta Mae Craig, 89, of Buffalo, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025, following a short illness. She was the former owner / operator of Craig’s grocery in Buffalo. She retired from Putnam County Schools as a cook with several years of service. She attended various churches in the area and sang with the Priddy Sister Quartet. She loved to spend time with her family and she will be dearly missed.
Born February 21, 1935 in Buffalo, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Malinda Priddy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Craig; son, Donnie Craig; three brothers and one sister.
Survivors include her daughter, Loretta (Jack) Davis of Buffalo; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; three sisters and one brother. Esta Mae is also survived by several nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
A private graveside service was held at Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo, with Rev. Randy Parsons officiating.
Betty Lee Cunningham
Betty Lee Cunningham, 92, of Winfield, passed away Saturday January 11, 2025 at Hubbard Hospice House West at Thomas Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Leon Baptist Church.
Born April 20, 1932 in Red House, she was the daughter of the late Clyde Ash and Beatrice Ash. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her step father, Dewey Adkins; husband, Kenneth Cunningham; sons, Robert Cunningham and Michael Cunningham; daughter in law, Lisa Cunningham; sister, Irene Stanball; brothers, Don Ash, Denver Ash and Clyde Ash Jr.
Survivors include her son, David (Ginny) Cunningham of Leon; grandchildren, Robert (Chrissy) Cunningham Jr., Kendra (Joey) Rogers, Casey Cunningham (Ryan Sheriff), Kevin Cunningham, Mellissa Lovejoy and Matthew Lovejoy; great grandchildren, Hunter, Titus, Macie, Samantha and Christian; daughter in law, Kathy Cunningham. Betty is also survived by her special nephew, Denver (Mary) Ash of Webster Springs.
Funeral service was Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Bobby Cunningham and Pastor Joe Rogers officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
Thelma ‘Jane’ Hodges
Thelma “Jane” Hodges passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 26, 2024 after 80 years in this life. A graceful and inspiring presence, she was cherished by all who had the honor of knowing her.
Jane was preceded in death by her loving parents, Elza and Amanda; brother, James Stover; and her devoted husband of 48 years, Dorsel Hodges. She leaves behind her only son, JF Hodges, and her treasured companion, her beloved dog Suchi.
Jane was a woman of remarkable vision and artistry. As an accomplished interior designer, she built and led her own firm for over two decades. Her talents extended beyond her professional career, as she worked side by side with her husband to craft extraordinary interiors for the exclusive home communities they developed together. Jane’s unparalleled eye for beauty transformed spaces into sanctuaries and reflected her unique ability to see and celebrate the loveliness in life.
Her love for the world extended beyond design, as Jane embraced global travel with open arms and a heart full of wonder. Italy and Hawaii held special places in her soul, and her marriage to Dorsel in the lush tropical garden of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel embodied the love and beauty she radiated throughout her life.
As her son writes today, he reflects on the profound sadness of her loss but finds solace in the knowing that Jane is now dancing among the stars with her beloved late husband. Jane lived a life filled with love, creativity, and elegance. She leaves behind a legacy of beauty and joy that will forever be cherished by all who knew her.
A Graveside Service for Jane to be laid to rest beside her late husband in Hodges Cemetery, Hurricane, is to be followed by a Life Celebration Reception. The services are targeted for Spring 2025 and details will be shared with friends and family as they become available.
Lowell ‘Sonny’ McCallister
Lowell M. Sonny McCallister, 92, of Hurricane, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Sonny retired from Union Carbide as a weigh master after 40 years of service and was a U.S. Navy Veteran, He enjoyed traveling, gardening, walking and learning the history of places they visited.
He was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Dora McCallister, sisters Juanita McCallister, Louella Farley and brother Franklin McCallister.
He is survived by his wife of almost 71 years Gay Hodges, and several nieces and nephews.
Burial was in Forest Memorial Park.
RAYMOND EARL ‘RANDY’ PARSONS
Raymond Earl “Randy” Parsons, 72, of Winfield, passed away on December 30, 2024 after a brief illness. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Randy was born on May 7, 1952, in South Charleston. He grew up in the Kanawha Valley and graduated from South Charleston High School in 1970. He went on to Carver Career and Technical Center where he graduated in 1972. He started his career as a ThromoKing Technician working for JD Moore, Inc. and later became the owner/operator of Teays Valley Auto and Truck Service. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, honesty and dedication to helping his community.
Throughout his life he loved racing cars, playing music and spending time with his family. He taught himself how to play the guitar, banjo, mandolin and piano. In the 1980s & early 90s he was an instrumentalist and singer for the bluegrass gospel group, The Country Christians. He later happily sang with the Parsons Family band with his son, daughter, daughter in-law and dear friend, Doug Escue. He was an active member of Teays Valley Church of God where he was a valued part of the choir and praise band. He loved playing volleyball in the church and YMCA leagues with his son.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Nancy Meredith Parsons, his children Randall Parsons (Rachel) and Katy Kincaid (Joseph), and his grandchildren, Noah and Cooper Parsons and Lylah Kincaid. He is also survived by his brother Larry (Rhonda) Parsons, his brothers-in-law Don Meredith (Sharon), Tom Meredith (Mary), Sam Meredith, his sister-in-law Judy Anderson (Ron) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom he deeply loved. He is preceded in death by his mother Ila Owens Shinn, his father Orville Parsons, Jr., and brother Jay Parsons.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Teays Valley Church of God in Scott Depot with visitation from 4:30-6:30 p.m., and service to follow.
Brenda Kay Rhodes
Brenda K. Rhodes, 78, of Buffalo, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025. She was a graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School and retired from the K-Mart corporation following many years of service. She attended Cross Creek Community Church.
Born October 7, 1946, in Charleston, she was the daughter of the late Harry C. Saunders and Nelma L. Saunders. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Carl Rhodes.
Survivors include her children, Angela Tomblin of St. Albans, Judy Tucker of Buffalo, Lisa (Dayton) Knapp of Leon, Ronnie Rhodes of Buffalo, Rita Sayre of Buffalo and Della Rhodes of Ohio; 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
There are no services planned at this time and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Lonnie Leo Sovine
Lonnie Leo Sovine, 92, of Scott Depot, passed away January 10, 2025 at English Meadows Assisted Living.
Lonnie was born February 11, 1932 to the late Lawrence and Anna (Black) Sovine. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Sue (Ball) Sovine; brother, Denzil Sovine; sister, Dorothy Sovine Whitt; and stepson, James Lee.
Lonnie proudly served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and retired from Special Metals in Huntington.
He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Forren (Jerry); step-daughters: Teresa Vickers (Dale), Tina Boster (Perry), and Lorrie DuPree (Johnnie); sister, Leona Vickers, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Graveside service for Lonnie was Monday, January 13, 2025 at Valley View Memorial Park Mausoleum, Hurricane.
Pansy Sovine
Pansy Jane Carnes Sovine, 82, of Hurricane, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
She was a member of Valley View Freewill Baptist Church and had been attending Sousanah Freewill Baptist Church. Pansy was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Willard Ray Sovine, parents, Earl and Agnes Carnes, and sisters Kathy Kay Carnes and Sylvia Ruth Holley.
She is survived by her children Kathy Roberts, Tammy Sovine (Robbie Reed), and Earl Sovine (Brenda) all of Hurricane. Grandchildren Breanna Roberts, Jessie Helmick, Christopher Reed (Julie), Hope Huffman and Mallori Reed. Great grandchildren Sara, Rachael, Vinny, Reagan, Teagan, Riley, Carson, Easton, Sadie, sisters Shirley Mae Cowan, Patricia Gail Sovine, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Funeral Service was Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Lafe Meade officiating, Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.
Mary Estella Wilson
After 100 glorious love-filled years, Mary Estella Wilson earned her angel wings and went to dance in the streets of Heaven on December 21, 2024.
She was born on October 6, 1924, to James and Annie Quickle, and she and her two brothers grew up in Pliny. After graduating from Winfield High School, she moved to Charleston and began her career as a secretary for Ohio-Apex Chemical Company. There she met the love of her life, Jack P. Wilson, and they shared 64 years of marriage before his death on July 14, 2011. Together, they raised two children and shared many wonderful times as a family. After raising her young children, Estella returned to work again as an executive secretary for Yeardly Engineering in Charleston and retired from there after many years of service. She was an active, dedicated member of the American Business Women’s Association, Charleston Chapter, and was honored to be elected ABWA’s Woman of the Year.
She enjoyed listening to many genres of music, dancing, watching WVU basketball and football with Jack, working daily crossword puzzles, and playing various board and card games. Estella was an avid gardener, filling her home and yard with a variety of beautiful plants and flowers. She was also an avid reader, enjoying a variety of books, especially inspirational books. Most importantly, she faithfully read her Bible and used it as her guide throughout her life. After she retired, she took up golf and spent many hours playing with Jack as well as with family and friends during annual Thanksgiving trips to Myrtle Beach. This incredible lady even made a ‘hole-in-1’ when she was in her 80s!
Church was always a central focus of her life and she was a long-time member of First Christian Church in Charleston, and in later years, the United Disciples of Christ Church in South Charleston. She loved her church family and she was so appreciative of their 100th birthday tribute to her. She was a devoted and faithful servant and follower of Jesus throughout her entire journey on this earth.
There are so many words we can use to describe Estella. She was warm, loving and kind to all people. She was strong, energetic, and wise, and kept her playful spirit, sharp wit, and zest for life until the end. She was beautiful inside and out and had a genuine heart of gold and a sweet spirit. There was seldom a time when you didn’t see a smile on her beautiful face. She was a “social butterfly” at the Genesis Dunbar Center, and “sweet” is how most will remember her. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. While we are saddened by her passing, we are comforted knowing she is in her heavenly home.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Patty Igo (Jimmy), of South Charleston; son, Paul Wilson (Brandi), of Charleston; step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; nieces, Judy Fox, Julie Stone Dickie, Dr. Marta Stone Hayne, and Kitten Stone; nephews, Jimmy Quickle and Dusty Quickle (Stephanie), and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the United Disciples of Christ Church, South Charleston, with Pastor Steven Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the church.
Estella will be interred at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery with her husband, Jack, who was a proud U.S. Marine.
Patricia Fawn Wright
Patricia Fawn Wright, 71, of Fraziers Bottom, went home to be with the Lord on January 8, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.
Patricia is a graduate of Romney School of the Deaf and Blind where she was also a majorette. She enjoyed fishing, camping, boating, animals, and spending time with her family. She loved to have company and would talk on the phone for hours with her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents Alva and Ruby Keffer; grandson Christopher Beane; brother Ernest Keffer; and her twin sister Latricia Keffer.
Patricia is survived by her husband of 25 years, Alan Wright; two children Jeff (Julie) Williamson and Beth (Bob) Burris; sister-in-law Kim Wright; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
