The Roanoke Times

Ebben Joseph Yazel died unexpectedly on the morning of October 23, 2021 at his home in Colonial Beach, VA. He was born in Charlottesville on May 3, 1983, where he enjoyed his first nine years before moving to Roanoke. He graduated from Cave Spring High School in 2001, and then earned an Associates Degree in Business from Virginia Western Community College in 2004 and his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Roanoke College in 2007. Pursuit of career opportunities took Ebben back to Charlottesville and then on to Northern Virginia. For the past ten years Ebben grew into a position as Accounts Manager with Carahsoft; a large company which works with U.S. Military, Defense,...

Lynne Allison Crotts, 62, of Charlottesville, Va,, died on Sept. 26, 2021 at Sentara Hospice Center. Born Oct. 22, 1958 in Roanoke, Va., she was the daughter of Carlene Irving and Hal Crotts. She was preceded in death by her step father, Ed Irving. Lynne received B.S., M. Ed., and Ed. D. degrees in Art, Psychology and Education. Lynne is survived by her mother, Carlene Irving of Salem, Va.; her father, Hal Crotts and wife Betty of Roanoke, Va.; her brother, Rick Crotts and girlfriend Annette Carter of Salem, Va.; her stepbrother, Barry Darnell and wife Karen of North Carolina; stepsister Kathy Darnell of Roanoke, Va. Special thank you to all of her friends and prayer group in...

Richard Thomas Brown, 93, of Harrisonburg, died September 12, 2021, at Sentara RMH Medical Center, after a struggle with SARS-CoV-2. He was born in Elliston, Virginia on February 8, 1928, one of seven children to the late Baxter Brown and Phoebe Hundley Brown. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by his wife of 52 years, Gerrie Lawless Brown; sisters, Jane Brown Burrus, Virginia Brown, Nancy Brown Kimbro, and Patricia Brown Powell; and one brother, John Hundley Brown. Dick graduated from Montvale High School in 1945 and entered the United States Marine Corps. He served as PFC from 1945 - 1946, and then enrolled at Washington & Lee University. Upon graduation from W...

Everett Glenvar "E.G." Willard, Jr., Colonel, USAF (retired), age 67, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 29, 2021 while visiting family in Myrtle Beach, SC. E.G. was a loving husband to Karen, proud father to Ashley, big brother to Beth, and a much beloved friend. E.G. was born July 13, 1954, in Blacksburg, VA to the late Everett G. and Elizabeth K. Willard. Following in the athletic footsteps of his dad, Everett "Feets" Willard, Sr., EG was also a standout in football, basketball, track, and golf at Blacksburg High School. A 1977 graduate of Virginia Tech, E.G. received his Doctor of Law (JD) degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1982 and his Master of Laws...

Betty Moses Powell, (Betsy) of Marietta was born in Elliston, VA on January 10, 1926. She passed away peacefully on Monday, July 26, 2021, with family by her side. Betsy was preceded in death by her husband, Reginald Marshall Powell and her two siblings. She is survived by her son, Barton Powell (Beth) and daughter Elizabeth McAlpin (Morgan). She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Katy Godbold (Doug), John Simpson, III (Nancy), Emily Reaves (Chris), and Marshall Simpson; four great grandchildren and her sister-in-law, Barbara Moses. Betsy grew up in Roanoke, VA where she met and married Reg, the love of her life. They moved to Atlanta in 1963 where they enjoyed spending time with...

Ernest M. East, Jr. died in Kill Devil Hills, NC after a long illness Saturday July 17, 2021. "Pete" as he was best known, was born September 19,1928 in Waynesboro, VA. He was the son of Ernest M. East, Sr. and Mary Beulah Obaugh East - both deceased and the brother of the late Nancy East Etter of Waynesboro. Pete was educated in Waynesboro and attended National Business College in Roanoke, VA. While serving active duty with the US Navy, he married Betty Joe Murray, September 8, 1951 of Covington, VA. After 70 years of marriage, Betty "BJ" East survives him. Pete spent a number of years in the automobile business in Waynesboro and retired from the sales staff of Baugher Chevrolet-Buick,...

Billy Whitten Hagerman, 83, of Melbourne, FL. Departed this life and went to heaven on July 13, 2021. Bill was from Tazewell, Virginia. He retired from the Appalachian Power Co., Roanoke VA as a right of way agent. Bill is survived by his loving wife Frances Lowe Hagerman (FL), special daughter Megan A. Hagerman (VA), sister Madeleine Lafferty (FL), sister-in-law Marie Hagerman (NC) and Diane Cummings (AZ). And several nephews and nieces. A celebration of life will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, VA on Saturday, September 18th, at 1:00 PM followed by a graveside service. Condolences at afcfcare.com

Ocie M. Smith, 96 of Titusville, FL. died on Tuesday June 29 2021 at Garden Terrace Alzheimers Center of Excellence at Aurora, CO. Ocie was born in Copper Hill, VA. and moved to Titusville in 1956. Ocie was a Clerk in the Wabasso, FL Post Office and was an original member of the Mims, FL Jacaranda Garden Club. She was a member of Aurantia Baptist Church in Mims, FL. Ocie is survived by her daughters Carole Dergance (Ralph) of Littleton, CO, Beverly Barlow (Frankie) of Colorado Springs, CO, Donna Pence (Bob) of Scottsdale, AZ. Richard Smith Jr. (Devron) of Grant, FL. Roger Smith of Pace, FL. Two brothers in VA. Herbert(Alice) and Ray(Diann), and 1 sister Myrtle in Dunedin, FL. Ocie is...

Samuel Henry Green Sr of Wilmington, NC (formerly Roanoke, VA) passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2021. Sam was born on February 29, 1936 at Wortley Farm in Aden, VA to Duff McDuff and Winifred Hinegardner Green. Sam was always proud of his Virginia heritage and his leap year birthday. He was the youngest of 5 children growing up at Little Falls Farm in Fredericksburg, VA. After graduation from James Monroe High School , he attended Bluefield College and transferred to Virginia Tech where he earned a degree in Dairy Science Production. He returned to the Fredericksburg area and operated a 400 acre dairy farm until purchasing County Farm Service. He concluded his career as a Animal Health...

Abram "Abe" Minter Patterson, III, 54, of Atlanta GA, passed away Tuesday, June 8th peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. He was survived by his parents, Carolyn Elizabeth Muddiman Patterson and Abram Minter Patterson, Jr. MD of Roanoke VA, his brother John Paul Patterson, of Austin TX, his children Abram Minter Patterson, IV and Maxey Minter Patterson of Atlanta, and their mother Abbey Patterson. He was also survived by countless friends from all over the world. During his preparatory studies at Cave Spring High School in Virginia and the Blair Academy in New Jersey, Abe enjoyed sports including pole-vaulting. He attended both Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA and...

Dr. Gerald W. Gibson, father, husband, granddaddy, and President Emeritus of Maryville College, passed away May 20, following an extended illness. He was 83. He was a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville, TN. Gibson enjoyed a 45-year career in higher education and often reminded his family, "Knowledge is power." A native of Saluda County, S.C., he spent much of his childhood in Spartanburg. He studied chemistry and earned degrees at Wofford College (B.S.) and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Ph.D.) and served as a member of the U.S. Army Chemical Corps prior to joining the faculty at the College of Charleston in 1965. He served as chair of the chemistry department...

Glenn Ray Isom, 74, of Elkton, passed away on Monday, May 17, 2021, at his home. Mr. Isom was born on September 20, 1946, and was the son of late Raymond Jake and Virginia Hylton Isom. Full obituary and condolences may be shared at kygers.com.

Milton Randolph Long of Fort Mill, SC, originally from Roanoke, VA, was called home by his heavenly father on Thursday, May 6, 2021. His earthly work had been completed and now he is beginning his eternal journey in Heaven! Milton was born in Roanoke, VA on November 3, 1952 to the late George Robert and Arletha Hancock Long. Additionally, he is preceded in death by his grandparents, James Edward and Viola Moon Long and his son, Marques Irving Long. He attended schools in the Roanoke City School system, graduating from William Fleming High School in 1971. Milton and his two older sisters had the distinguished honor of being part of the first group of 9 Black Students to integrate public...

Charles Francis Patsel, 97, of Marietta, Georgia, formerly of Roanoke, Virginia passed away Friday, April 9, 2021. He was a retired Yardmaster at Norfolk Southern Railway in Lynchburg and was a loyal member of Inglewood Baptist Church in Lynchburg. He was in the Army during World War ll. Charles loved his family and the Braves, attending many games. He loved traveling with his wife, Goldie, they took their grandchildren on many trips. He let his grandchildren sit on his lap and drive his Volkswagon. His daughter Carole was a true daddy's girl, she would follow him around when he was home. Later in life, he loved playing Texas Hold'em and flirting with the waitresses at his favorite...

Jerry William Kenley, 78, of Rocky Gap, VA, passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Memorial services will be conducted on Sunday, March 28, 2021 At 3:00 PM at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluefield, WV.

Patricia Ann Hampton Bolt, 81, of Roanoke passed away on March 19, 2021. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Thelma Hampton of Galax, VA and brother, Don Hampton. Pat was born on July 11, 1939 in Galax, VA. She graduated from Galax High School, Longwood College, and Radford University. Pat was a Professor at Virginia Western Community College. Surviving are her husband of 60 years, Charles Bolt; children Julie (Rob) Martin, Laura (Scott) Leonard; grandchildren, Rebecca, Sarah, and Will. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association. There will be a Chapel Service (2:00PM) at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road...

Katherine Harris Zehner, 77, of Flowery Branch GA who passed away Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her parents Harles and Kate Harris and her brother Roger Harris. Survivors include her husband Larry Zehner, daughter Stacey Reavis with grandson Nathanial and granddaughters Christine and Ashley and great grandson Oliver, of Winder GA; and son Brian Zehner and wife Charlene of Charlestown SC, sister, Brenda Higgs and husband Douglas of Christiansburg VA, and brother Philip Harris and wife Debbie of Locust Grove VA. Kathy wanted her memorial to be a celebration of her life. She would like her friends to share their stories of her....

Richard E. Sollinger, 93, died on Thursday, March 4, 2021. He was born in Franklin, PA, to the late Frederick E. and Gladys M. Beers Sollinger. He was raised by his aunt, Minnie Marie Beers, during the Great Depression. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He attended Villanova and Gannon Universities. He worked in the tire industry during his career, retiring from Yokohama. He loved hiking, traveling, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and ice cream. Richard was preceded in death by his wife Pat Sollinger; daughters, Kathi Shinn and Therese Gall; sister, Joan Hartzel; and brothers, twin Willard Sollinger and Charles Sollinger. He is survived by daughters Monica (Jim) Crawford, Suzanne...

Dale Overstreet, age 67, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021. Born in Bedford County, VA on December 31, 1953, he was the son of the late Daniel Alexander and Anna Lee Overstreet. Dale made a living as a maintenance engineer for Printpack, Inc., then retired after 35 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Police & Fire Rod & Gun Club in New Castle. Dale enjoyed hunting, fishing and rooting for the Carolina Panthers. He was a longtime fan of Dale Earnhardt and took pleasure in cheering for all Chevy drivers in NASCAR. In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by his former wife, Susan Amos; daughter, Amy Overstreet; and brothers,...

Charles Leon Athey 74 passed away in his home February 5, 2021. He was a USMC-Vietnam Combat Veteran. Charles leaves behind his beloved daughter Cristy Justus his son in law James Justus, his granddaughter Justice Openshaw and grandson Camren Athey, Corbin and Colby Justus, great granddaughter Harper Lee, special sister Sue and special niece Denise. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, WV is serving the Athey family.

Wayne Marlin Wright, of Mint Hill, NC, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old. He is survived by his wife, Margie; son, Anthony and his wife, Amanda, ; and three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held 1:00 pm Tuesday, in Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Salem, VA. Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.