Galax Gazette

Bonna Sikes Beamer, 81, of Dublin, Virginia passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. She was born in Grayson County, Virginia to Robert and Ruth Sikes. She was a former English Professor at New River Community College and an active member of the Dublin United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Larry Beamer. Bonna is survived by her daughters, Terri Shelor of Dublin and Melissa Lawson of Wirtz; sons-in-law, Don Shelor and Barry Lawson; grandchildren, Beth and Logan Shelor; sisters and brothers-in-law, Janie and John Wayne Smith, and Dianna and Bobby Bowers; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and...

Edna Elizabeth Hall Jones, 80, of Radford, formerly of Old Town, Fla., passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022. She resided in Old Town, Florida with her husband, Victor, for 28 years. Edna came into this world in 1942 in Comer's Rock, Virginia. Oh the love she had for these mountains. These were the best and hardest times of her life, working really hard to care for her mother and mentally challenged brother while her father was off to war. Her love for the elderly, sharing, caring, and feeding the neighbors brought her much joy. Edna loved quilting, knitting, sitting on the porch with family and friends, and her fur baby cuddles. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Ernest...

J. Wayne Vaughan went home to be with Jesus on September 24th in Orlando, Florida at 65 years young. Survivors include his soulmate and best friend, Terry Vaughan; and his precious daughter and dearly loved son-in-law, Meagan and Cheyne Renner. He had recently learned that he was becoming a grandfather for the first time and could not wait to be "pawpaw" to the bundle of joy expected in March 2023. As a previous business owner in Galax (for both Vaughan Shoe Store & Galax Realty Group), to know J. Wayne was to know passion in whatever he was doing. He had a big heart for people and in a matter of mere moments could make folks feel a level of love and appreciation that's hard to...

Phillip Jay Hawks, 76, of Dublin, passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. He was preceded in death by his son, Martin Jay Hawks; his parents Posie Rector and Mary Ruth Hawks; sisters, Lois Hawks Burcham and Frances Carleen Hawks; a brother, Muncie Ray Hawks; and his father and mother-in-law, Albert T. and Mary B. Long. Phillip was a member of Dublin Baptist Church and participated in many organizations including the Masonic Lodges, American Legion, VFW and Senior Olympics. He enjoyed Classic Country, Blue Grass, and Beach music. He had the "Gift of Gab" and never met a stranger creating many friendships throughout his life. The family wishes to thank everyone who has assisted...

Brian W. Longbottom, born December 19th 1929, passed away peacefully into the arms of our lord on April 5th 2022 at the age of 92. Beloved son on of the late Joseph and Hannah Longbottom, loved and adored by his late wife, Hazel Y. Longbottom, (64 wonderful years of marriage together), loving father to four children; Joanne A. (Joseph) Kuczynski, Kim D. (late husband, Paul) Miller, Ward G. (Sherry) Longbottom, M.D., the late Yvonne E. Mills, nine grandchildren; Bridgette A. DeMay, Christine M. (Eric) Kuczynski-Weihe, Aaron C. DeMay, Michael C. (Julia) Kuczynski, Gregory D. Longbottom, Brian C. Longbottom, Hannah E. (Adam) Claire, Michael J. Miller, Benjamin P. Miller, three great...

Gregory Charles Marshall, 64, of Bland, passed away Tuesday, October 26, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer Sal'lee Marshall and Elizabeth Ann Keith Marshall; and mother-in-law, Virginia James. Survivors include his wife, Darlene D. Marshall; daughter and son-in-law, Brandi and Jody Ray; son, Travis Marshall and fianc?e, Audrey; 7 grandchildren, Ashley (Ian), Will, Peyton, Jarod, Samara, Haylie, and Griffen; 3 great grandchildren, Rhett, Ryland and Donald; Brothers, Brad and Tim Marshall; cousin, Sarah Crigger; niece and nephew, Casey and Matthew Marshall; and many other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends from 3 until 4 p.m. on Saturday October 30,...

Sherry Arnwine Marshall, 70, of Hattiesburg, MS, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2021 at Alden Pointe Assisted Living after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was born January 2, 1951 in Washburn, TN, and was preceded in death by her parents, George Ray and Thelma Starnes Arnwine; and a sister, Diane Dail. She is survived by her husband, Charles Edward Marshall of Hattiesburg, MS; her two sons, Brandon E. Marshall of New Orleans, LA, and Jason Marshall (Cristy) of Madison, MS; two grandsons, Noah and Logan; a sister, Joan Joans of Knoxville, TN; and two brothers, Randy Arnwine of Knoxville, TN, and Roger Arnwine of Luttrell, TN. A graduate of East Tennessee State University, Sherry...

Harold E. Comer, age 91, of Acworth, Georgia, passed away on Friday, July 23, 2021. Harold was born March 11, 1930, in High Point, North Carolina, to John A. and Mallie Comer. Harold is survived by his wife of 70 years Helen P. Comer; daughter Donna Caples and husband Dave; daughter Kathy Gray and son Arnold Comer; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Harold worked in the automobile industry as a Salesman and was retired from Floyd Motors in Galax, VA. He was a member of South Elm Street Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. Harold had an excellent singing voice and had sang Gospel Music in a group with his sister and brother. Harold enjoyed reliving his life through...

Joyce Ann Hensdell Lineberry, 69, of Hillsville, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Mary Hensdell; her husband, Allen Lindeberry; daughter, Candida Dawn French; and brother, Donald Hensdell. Survivors include her sisters, Mary Lawless and Hazel Brown; brothers, James and Elmer Hensdell; 5 grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Services will be private. The Lineberry family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, Virginia. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com

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...

Elinor Dodson Fox passed away peacefully on January 6, 2021. She was born in Galax, VA on Oct 1, 1935, the only child of Everett C. Dodson and Kate Lawson Dodson. She attended Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, VA and graduated from Salem College in Winston Salem, NC where she studied painting. She married her husband, Carter Venable Fox, following graduation in June of 1957. Elinor was a loving wife, a doting mother and grandmother. She was a quintessential Southern hostess and charmed everyone she met with her quick wit and humor. Elinor was dearly loved by her family and friends. She supported her husband's career as they climbed the corporate ladder together, moving often and raising...

MISHAWAKA-Yates M. Forbis, 90, passed away October 20, 2020 at North Woods Village in Mishawaka. He was born October 28, 1929 in Matthews, North Carolina to the late Sanford & Eunice (Shannon) Forbis. On August 31, 1958 he married Ida Dean Cock; she survives along with 2 children, Elizabeth (Tadeusz) Mazurek and John Forbis. Also surviving are 2 grandsons, Marek Mazurek and Christopher Mazurek. Yates achieved the rank of Sergeant while serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He earned a graduate degree in Library Science from Columbia University in 1959 and was Professor and Director of the Library at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA from 1965-1984. From 1984-1998...