Bob Layton, NHS 1968

Mr. Robert Lee "Butch" Layton, 67, of St. Albans, formerly of Nitro, left this earth to go to his eternal home on March 28, 2017.

Mr. Layton retired from Dotson Pest Control and was a former employee of FMC. Butch had a spiritual musical gift from God and played in Spyce rock band. His brothers were the musicians.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Louise Layton.

He is survived by his loving wife Dee Layton; children Scott Layton, Gary Layton, Sierra Layton and Bryan Machowicz; sister Helena Reed and grandson Bodhi. Butch was also adopted and loved by Dee's side of the family.

A tribute to the life of Butch will be noon, Saturday, April 1, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Richard Neal officiating. Burial will follow in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20006-3517.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hardingfamilygroup.com.

Gatens-Harding Funeral Home, 147 Main St., Poca, is serving the Layton family.

- See more at: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/Obituaries#sthash.tWN80ip2.dpuf

Nitro High School-Viet Nam-Some Gave All

I visited the Traveling Viet Nam War Memorial Wall, Oakes Field, South Charleston, on May 25 and did these 2 pencil rubbings....Both were excellent young men and classmates.

Nitro High School WV, Obituaries and News, Memories and Photos

Bob Robert Layton, NHS 68
Mr. Robert Lee "Butch" Layton, 67, of St. Albans, formerly of Nitro, left this earth to go to his eternal home on March 28, 2017. Mr. Layton retired from Dotson Pest Control and was a former employee of FMC. Butch had a spiritual musical gift from God and played in Spyce rock band. His brothers were the musicians. He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Louise Layton. He is survived by his loving wife Dee Layton; children Scott Layton, Gary Layton, Sierra Layton and Bryan Machowicz; sister Helena Reed and grandson Bodhi. Butch was also adopted and loved by Dee's side of the family. A tribute to the life of Butch will be noon, Saturday, April 1, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Richard Neal officiating. Burial will follow in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20006-3517. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hardingfamilygroup.com. Gatens-Harding Funeral Home, 147 Main St., Poca, is serving the Layton family.- See more at: gazettemail.com/Obituaries#sthash.tWN80ip2.dpuf


Ruth Santrock was a resident of Nitro for more than 70 years. She leaves a legacy of caring and support to her family, church and school. She was born October 11, 1921, in Kanawha City, and died in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on August 25, 2012. She became a member of the First Baptist Church of Nitro in 1938 and in the last several years had been its oldest member. For many decades Ruth was a soloist in the choir, singing not only in the choir each Sunday but also for numerous weddings and funerals. She also was an Elsie Kittlitz circle member and a deaconess at the church. She began working as the secretary at Nitro High School in 1944 and retired in 1975 when her husband, John, became superintendant of Kanawha County schools. She is fondly remembered by many people in the Nitro community, including parents and students, for her wide range of contributions to the school. For almost two decades, during summers Ruth also handled the managerial duties for the Pro Shop at the Charleston Tennis Club. In the late 1980s she and her husband, John, began living in Davie, Fla., during the winter months, where their daughter, Shauna, lives, and visiting their son, John, in Plano, Texas, every October, where she enjoyed celebrating her birthday, often with her relatives coming to join her in Texas. Ruth Santrock was a loving wife, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by two children, John W. Santrock (wife, Mary Jo) of Plano, Texas, and Shauna Hampshire (husband, Don) of Davie, Fla.; three grandchildren, Tracy Santrock of Cary, N.C., Jennifer Santrock of San Antonio, Texas, and Stephanie Hampshire of Rockville, Md.; and three great-grandchildren, Jordan Bowles of Dallas, Texas, and Alex and Luke Bellucci of San Antonio, Texas. William Gene Rhodes Sr., 69, of Cross Lanes, passed away at Hubbard Hospice House West on August 12, 2012. He was born in Charleston on March 21, 1943, a son of the late Matt Clair and Maggie Alice Fields Rhodes. He was a former employee of FMC Corp., where he was employed as a fabricator. Mr. Rhodes was a member of the Baptist church, the Moose Lodge and loved to build and race drag cars. He set many world racing records and was a member of the National Hot Rod Association. He is survived by a son and his wife, William "Bill" and Kim Rhodes Jr. of Cross Lanes; brother, Johnny Otmer Rhodes of Cross Lanes; sister, Frances Norene Rhodes of Cross Lanes; and his faithful companion, Thor "Pee Wee," his beloved dog. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Clyde Maford Rhodes and Matt Clair Rhodes Jr.; sister, Irene Rhodes; and nephew, Richard W. Rhodes. Junior Adam Withrow, 88, of Nitro, was called home to be with Jesus on July 30, 2012, after an extended illness. He was a born-again Christian and was a member of West Virginia Home Mission Church, Nitro. After his conversion at age 61, he liked to play bluegrass gospel music at local churches and nursing homes as long as he was able. Junior served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked at the Ohio Apex chemical plant in Nitro, which later became FMC, and retired from there in 1983. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 55 years, Alma Jean Withrow, in 2004. He is survived by son and his wife, Richard Withrow "Ric" and Arleen Withrow; grandson, Jeffery Jividen; nephews, Carroll Withrow, Gary Withrow, Ronald Withrow, James Withrow, Lowell Withrow and Paul Withrow; niece, Bea Asbury; nephews, James Humphreys and Greg Haverty; niece, Ann Smithson; and his sister-in-law, Freda Haverty.

Linda Lee Plumley, 60, of Cross Lanes, was called to her eternal home on July 12, 2012. She was born in Charleston, a daughter of the late William R. and Irene Wallace. She was a 1970 graduate of South Charleston High School and retired from St. Francis Hospital in 1991. Linda was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was extremely proud of her only granddaughter, Samantha Leigh. Linda's life revolved around her family, pets and friends, who cherished her deeply. She was a member of Roxalana Gospel Tabernacle of Dunbar. Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas Tom Plumley; her loving daughter, Shannon Wallace and her companion, Randy Fisher, of Given; cherished granddaughter, Samantha Leigh of Given; sisters and their husbands, Diana and Greg Brown of South Charleston and Phyllis and Roy Wolfe of Dunbar; brother, Dick Wallace of Charlotte, N.C.; her pet "babies," Precious, Daisy Mae and Callie; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who mourn her passing.

Juanita Ruth Williams, 89, of Nitro passed away on Friday, July 13, 2012, at her home.
She was born in Whitesville and was preceded in death by her parents; brothers; sister; and daughter, Deborah Sue Williams Casto. Juanita is survived by her husband, Charles Edward "Eddie" Williams. They would have celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary August 2, 2012. She is also survived by grandsons, Rusty Casto and wife, Bobbie, of Liberty, and Joey Casto and wife, Amber, of Cross Lanes; great-grandsons, Joshua, Dakota, Isaac and Elijah; and a host of other family and friends.

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Slater Miller was born October 16, 1924. On June 27, 2012, she went to be with her Lord and Savior. She was reunited with her beloved husband, Dick; her parents, Bob and Rosie Slater; her baby boy, Willard; and brothers, Sam and Darrel Slater. She is survived by her sons, Olden and Carolyn of Elkview and Kenny and Janet of Nitro; daughters, Linda and Bob Fields of Nitro and Gail and Jerry Bailey of Medina; grandchildren, Greg Miller, Jeanette Mikael, Todd Miller, Chris Miller, Jason Hicks, Josh Bailey and Jeremiah Bailey; and great-grandchildren, Dustan Miller, Chelsie Mikael, Cody Miller, Ivy Miller, Bratch Bailey and Trent Bailey.

Robert "Bob" Louis Dawson was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 23, 2012.
Bob was affectionately known as "Bear" to family, friends and all who loved him. When not wearing his handyman hat for family and friends to fix cars, boats or other projects, Bob enjoyed hunting and woodworking with his son, Mark, and mutual friends. At the end of the day, spending time with family was his most cherished pastime. Bob was born June 10, 1928, in Canton, Ill., to the late Arthur D. Dawson and Edith M. Dawson. He was educated in Beaumont, Texas and Toledo, Ohio, before joining and serving in the Merchant Marines from 1945-1946. Service being important to Bob led him to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1946-1949. After serving his country, Bob moved to Nitro and spent 37 years working for Monsanto Chemical. Survivors include the love of his life and wife of 63 years, Dolly G. Dawson; children, Debra D. Debbie Dawson Houser and husband, Doug, of Scott Depot, Vicki Dawson D.D. Kiner and husband, Clarke, of Galena, Ohio, and Mark J. Dawson and wife, Pamella, of Scott Depot; grandchildren, Brandon Houser, Sierra and Jamison Kiner; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Olivia and Josiah; sisters, Natalie Mitchell of Michigan, and Sally Tittle of Ohio; and brother, Jerry Dawson of Alabama.

Mr. Timothy R. Boothe, 45, of Cross Lanes passed away on May 31, 2012, after a tragic accident at work.
He was born October 10, 1966, and was a 1984 graduate of Nitro High School. He was employed by WVDOH. He loved the outdoors and spending time with family and friends on many hunting trips in Pocahontas County during deer season. He was excellent archer and had recently started a small business "Natures Voice Game Calls," making turkey calls which have been sold and used successfully by hunters in many states across the U.S. and in professional turkey calling contests. Tim is preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Mary Neal and Carl "Chip" and Blanche Boothe; and father and mother-in-law, Dallas and Alice Smith. He is survived by his "high school sweetheart" and wife of 25 years, Beverly Smith Boothe of Cross Lanes; daughter, Jessica Boothe and soon to be husband, Justin Boyd, of Nitro; son, Justin Boothe and Brittany Layton of Cross lanes; parents, Carl and Beverly Boothe of Cross Lanes; sister, Angie and husband, Jody Moore, of Abington, Va.; brother, Mike and wife, Rachael Boothe, of Cross Lanes; grandsons, Jordan and Josiah Boyd of Nitro, and Carter Boothe of Cross Lanes; granddaughter, Jaylynn Boyd of Nitro; a grandson due in June; and a grandbaby due in November. He is also survived by nieces, Kayla Moore, and Kaci Boothe; nephew, Trevor Boothe; plus many aunts, uncles and cousins whom he dearly loved.

Samuel Mike Holleron Sr., 92, of Nitro passed away on Friday, June 1, 2012, at Hubbard Hospice House West in South Charleston. Mike was born in Jackson County on Cavin Fork on August 3, 1919, and was the son of the late Ebert and Elizabeth Craig Holleron. He was retired from American Viscose in Nitro with 36 years of service, was a Navy Veteran of World War II, and a member of Nitro Church of Christ. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Holleron, on March 20, 2011; and by eight brothers and sisters. Mike is survived by his daughter, Linda Holleron of Nitro; sons, Richard Holleron, Robert Holleron, and Samuel Holleron Jr., all of Nitro; granddaughters, Nancy Holleron Massey and Kristin Holleron Booth; grandson, Rich Holleron; and great-grandson, Michael Massey.

William "Bill" Henry Lanham, 77, passed away Monday, May 21, 2012, at Hubbard Hospice House. Originally a West Virginia native and graduate of Nitro High School, Bill spent 38 years in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., working for Pan American World Airways at Kennedy Space Center as an air conditioner and heating mechanic. After retiring, he relocated back to West Virginia, where he was a resident for the last 15 years. Bill was married to Lois Lanham, his "bride" of 55 years. He was a proud father of his son, French (Janet) Lanham of Florida; and daughters, Barbara (Marson) Kay of Clendenin, Delinda Funk and Greg Roboniwitz of Florida and Billie (Larry) Hall of Pennsylvania. He was a proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren, and proud great-grandfather of 11 great-grandchildren. Bill was a devoted Christian, a layman whose life centered around serving God, his church and his community. He fought a good fight, he finished the course and he kept the faith, and he has now received his crown of righteousness.

Mr. James Jimmie W. Dye, 57, of Bancroft passed away May 17, 2012, at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital. Jim was a retired chemical operator from DuPont; a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church; and a member of the Road Riders for Jesus. He was also a former volunteer for Bancroft Fire Department. He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Flora May Dye; and brother, Ronnie Dye. Jim is survived by his girlfriend, Janice Gumm of Winfield; daughters, Kristen Bailey and husband, Kenneth, of Poca, Bethany Adkins and husband, David, of Milton and Melody Bailey and husband, Derek, of Nitro, and their mother, Tena Dye; brothers, Larry Dye and wife, Sharron, of Nitro and David Dye and wife, Cindy, of Dunbar; sister, Sue Dye Belcher and husband, Charlie, of Orlando, Fla.; and a host of nieces and nephews.


Mildred Marie Bockway, 93, of South Charleston passed away Sunday morning, May 6, 2012, at Thomas Memorial Hospital. She was born May 23, 1918, the daughter of Noah and Fairy Miller of Turtle Creek, Boone County. She was a retired teacher from West Virginia public schools, having taught for 24 years, most of it at Nitro High School. Mildred was educated in Boone County public schools and held a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Marshall University. Upon graduating from college she was a home economist for Appalachian Power Company in the early 1940s.
She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of South Charleston, its J.O.Y. Sunday school class, and the American Baptist Women Ministries. Her hobbies and joys included traveling, bowling, crossword puzzles, and participating in the water aerobics class at the South Charleston Recreation Center for over 20 years until her health no longer permitted it. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, William "Bill" Bockway; son, Paul; brother, Shelby Miller; sisters, Elta Abel, Lavely Cook, and Ersie West; and nieces, Patsy Cook McCarty and Carolyn West Lyons.

The late Rose Ellen Ramsey (NHS 66 and sister of deceased Richard Butch Ramsey NHS 68) Cline's husband passed on. James W. "Bill" Cline, 73, of Charleston died on April 23, 2012, at Thomas Memorial Hospital. James was self-employed, and was usually found tinkering around in the garage when he wasn't out visiting his buddies. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Ellen Ramsey; parents, Jesse O. Cline and Mollie Bell Schoonover Cline; and brother, Henry Cline.

April 17, 2012
Nitro Council meets roller girls by Mary Childress, For the Daily Mail
http://dailymail.com/News/201204170249
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The Heart of Appalachia is rolling into Nitro.
Nitro City Council members were introduced to the Heart of Appalachia roller derby team during a meeting Tuesday. The women will compete in the rink starting at 7 p.m. April 28, at the Nitro Community Center. They will have a flat track, not a banked one, but promised to get rough and tumble during the games. The team will play at the community center for several Saturday nights in a row. Tickets are $10 per person and available at the door on competition nights.

Howard R. Cook, 82, of Nitro passed away at home Thursday, April 12, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was a lifelong resident of Nitro; a graduate of Nitro High School; former employee of American Viscose; former employee of Teague and Sons; a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War; and attended Nitro Church of the Nazarene. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Lena Mae Fowler Cook; his wife, Virginia Angell Cook; son, James Cook; brother, Harold Cook; and sisters, Betty Cook Sizemore and Dorothy Cook Buckenheimer. Howard is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Cook Martin and husband, Dana, Debbie Cook Rollyson and husband, Mark, Amy Cook Estep and Kim Cook Miller and husband, Kent; sons, Robert Cook and wife, Lucy, and John Cook and wife, Becky; sister, Viola Long and husband, Jay; 21 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Steve White, Nitro High School, Hall of Fame

"Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2006.


Coach White receives award from Mike Clair, State Chapters Director, National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Steve White -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling".

Coach Steve White wrestled and graduated from Nitro High School. He also earned a BA degree from West Virginia State University. A Vietnam veteran, White was awarded 3 Purple Hearts and 3 Bronze Stars for his valor in the conflict.

As an outstanding official for 25 years, Steve White refereed 11 Regional Tournaments and numerous West Virginia State Championships.

In 1973, White became head wrestling coach at Nitro Junior High School, where his teams never experienced defeat for five years. He then took on the duties of head wrestling coach at Nitro High School. Over 22 years at the helm, Coach White's teams earned six top-10 finishes at the state tournament, including third-place team honors.

During this time, Coach White produced 11 state champions, 4 runner-ups, and 21 state placers. He had three individual state champs in 2001 (Matt Easter, Chris Johnson, and Robbie Ripley) and in 2003 (Anthony Easter, Matt Easter, and Mitch Casto). In fact, Matt Easter was the second 4-time state champion and an All-American. Coach White was named the regional coach of the year 3 times (1990, 1994, and 2000) for his efforts as a highly successful mat mentor.

Steve and his wife, Carole, reside in Winfield. They have two children, Danielle and Steve, along with six grandchildren (another on the way).

Megan Clemons, swim champion, Nitro High School, WV

CONGRATULATIONS!

200 freestyle - 1, Megan Clemens, Nitro 1:56.59. 2, Katie Murto, Morganatown 1:57.04. 3, Abby Hendershot, Parkersburg 1:59.35. 4, Cecelia Jebbia, Wheeling Park 2:00.58. 5, Allison Moore, George Washington 2:05.02. 6, Bekah Shephard, Morgantown 2:05.99. 7, Gacek, Heather M, GWHS, 2:06.54. 8, Holland, Luisa, JEFF, 2:07.64. 9, Caitie Preaskorn, Notre Dame 2:07.93. 10, Christa Varner, Elkins 2:08.65. 11, Perry McGhee, George Washingotn 2:09.73. 12, Claire Coleman, Hurricane 2:10.25.

Continuing Nitro High School WV news, obits, and updates Feb. 2012

Margaret June Lanham Jackson, 84, of Cross Lanes passed away March 14, 2012, at 1:20 a.m. at CAMC General. Margaret was born in Charleston, the daughter of the late Russell and Rev. Oma Parsons Lanham. She was a faithful and longtime member of Fairview Methodist Church, Cross Lanes. She loved the Lord, and lived a life of service to Him. Margaret was an avid reader, and enjoyed cross stitching "art" for each member of her family. Margaret has so many wonderful family and friends who will sorely miss her. She shared her entire life with her childhood friend, Dortha McNeil of Florida. Others who held a special place in her heart are Kathy Turley, Sherry Lucareli and Dr. Sarah Neace, who cared for her many years. Survivors include two sons and their wives, Jim Jackson and Suzan Jackson of Franklin, Tenn., and Eddie Jackson and Pat Jackson of Milton; brother and his wife, Bill and Dean Lanham of Cross Lanes; sister and husband, Doris and Clyde Ash of Greenville, S.C.; brother-in-law and wife, Harold and Dreama Turley of Cross Lanes; grandchildren, Margaret adored, Cindy, Jamie, Joey, David and Angie and their families. Margaret was the proud great-grandmother of eight great-grandchildren. She loved her nieces and nephews, Bev, Chuck, Lisa, Dreama, Bruce, Susan and Jane.

Mabel Louise Sizemore Finney, 87, of Nitro passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at Hubbard Hospice House West, South Charleston. Mabel was a 70-year resident of Nitro, and a former employee of Frankenberger's, Valley Bell and Nitro Church of God. She was a member of Nitro Church of God, the CWC and Friendship Sunday School Class. Mabel was also a member of the Women's Auxiliary of the Nitro Post of the VFW. She was the daughter of the late William and Caroline Riser Sizemore, and was also preceded in death by her sisters and brothers, Margaret Buckley, Virginia Akers, Mattie Jeffers, Owen, Guy, Eli, John, Danny and Bill Sizemore; and granddaughter, Tracy Ann Meadows. Mabel is survived by her daughter, Karen Finney Hartney and husband, Joe, of Scott Depot; son, Ivan Meadows and wife, Sally, of Nitro; grandchildren, Dean Meadows, Doug Meadows, Joe Hartney and Mary Beth Browning; and great-grandchildren, Zach Meadows, Bradley Meadows, Bryson Meadows, Ethan Hartney and Emma Hartney.

Phyllis Nottingham Dawson, 82, of Nitro completed her earthly journey on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at Hubbard Hospice House. She has gone to be with our Lord God in Heaven to suffer no longer on this earth. Born May 13, 1929 in Swandale, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Coleman D. and Victoria Mae Nottingham. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Dennis E. "Tom" Dawson. She was retired from General Electric Credit Corporation, Heck's Inc. and the Poca River Hunting and Fishing Club. She was a 1946 graduate of Clay County High School, often riding to school in the steam engine of a logging train from Swandale to Clay. Phyllis' greatest pleasure in life was her family. Always sacrificing her needs and wants to take care of and provide for them through the good times and those that were sometimes difficult. She thoroughly enjoyed and loved cooking for her immediate family, as well as her extended family, which consisted of many, many people who she loved and cared for greatly. A complete master at culinary improvisation, she would cook any time you were hungry. It was well known by all who had the pleasure of experiencing her home cooking, if you ever left PD's house hungry, it certainly wasn't her fault. She was the consummate big meal specialist, always ready to feed the masses with a come one, come all attitude. Her love for cooking shall live on forever, as she spent many hours putting together and printing PD's Country Cooking Cookbook for her family and friends to enjoy. In her cookbook, one can find most of the ingredients for her top "secret" recipes. She leaves to cherish her memory her three children, Melanie and her husband, Allen Rader, of Eleanor, Dennis E. Jr., "Denny," and his companion, Mara Pauley, of Nitro and Larry and his wife, Debbie, of St. Albans. She also cherished and dearly loved her grandchildren, Carina Ferrell and husband, Thomas, Matt Dawson and wife, Angie, Elizabeth Morgan and husband, Scottie, Michael Dawson, Krysta Dawson and Mauro Medina, Eric Rader and wife, Stephanie, Rebecca and husband, Yonne McHenry, Jason Rader and Travis and Tony Stone. Just as special to her were her great-grandchildren, Cailey, Arika and Bubba Ferrell, Stephen and Norah Rader, Brandon and Jake Dawson and Maurito and Javier Medina.


Bridget Beth Melvin, 27, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2012, after a courageous battle with lupus. She was born September 24, 1984, in Charleston to Paul Robert and Patricia Melvin of Charleston. She was a first grade teacher at Troutman Elementary School, Troutman, N.C. She was a collegiate swimmer with Wingate University, and was also a member of the Nitro High School State Championship Swim Team, Nitro. She was a former member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Nitro, and attended St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her fiance, Jarod William Demmons of Mooresville; sisters, Melissa Melvin of Raleigh, N.C., and Pamela Melvin and husband, Jacob Martin Morris, of Durham, N.C.; and her beloved dogs, Piper and Bailey.

William "Bill" P. Harris, 91, of Cross Lanes departed this life Sunday, February 19, 2012, at his home following a short illness. He was a loving and devoted father who will be greatly missed by family and friends. He was a retired World War II Seabee Navy veteran. Over the years, he had affiliations with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a retired pipefitter, having worked at Union Carbide in South Charleston for over 43 years. Bill faithfully attended Calvary Baptist Church in Hurricane, where his wife is a member.
Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Ruby Harris; and three children, Pamela Harris Radford Anderson of Hurricane, Barbara Harris Jones of Catlettsburg, Ky., and Patrick Harris of Charleston. Bill is also survived by four grandchildren, Sara Austin of Saline, Mich., Missionary Nathan Radford of Kitale, Kenya, East Africa, Christy Reed of Mt. Orab, Ohio, and Michael Jones of Cincinnati, Ohio; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

Eric Douglas, Class of 1985, Nitro High School WV

The following article appeared in the Charleston Gazette, 1/16/2012



Here is a link to the Charleston Gazette article:

http://wvgazette.com/Life/201201160085

January 16, 2012 Diving writer Eric Douglas comes up for air By Bill Lynch

Photo by Lawrence Pierce

Cross Lanes native, scuba diver and aquatic author Eric Douglas has returned home to stay after nearly 15 years away.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The people you meet often can change the course of your life. It happened to Eric Douglas.

He recently sat, sipping iced tea in the Bluegrass Kitchen, and explained how things began to change for him after he sat down at an interview, not unlike this one, 20 years ago with Barry Bishop, a renowned mountain climber and writer/editor for National Geographic magazine.

Bishop, the chairman for the National Geographic Society's Committee for Research and Exploration, spoke at West Virginia Tech in 1991.

Back then Douglas was a reporter for the Charleston Newspapers' Metro section. He'd scarcely been out of journalism school more than a year. For an eager young journalist, the chance to talk to someone from a major national magazine was a plum opportunity.

"Dr. Bishop came to give a talk," Douglas said. "And after I'd got what I needed for the interview, I asked him, 'How do you get to work for National Geographic?'" Bishop's answer was blunt. A writer like Douglas didn't have much of a shot. He told Douglas, "We only hire established writers. So go write a couple of books, go write for some magazines and travel."

Bishop didn't promise anything. He just told him where to start.

Douglas grinned broadly: "And that's where my life has been headed the last 20 years."

He has written books, among them three novels and a children's book, "The Sea Turtles," that's being published this spring as a serial through the Newspapers in Education program.

He's written for magazines, most notably Scuba Diving, where he has a regular column called "Lessons for Life." Douglas has also traveled the world, explored the ocean and lived a coastal life that might seem very alien to a kid growing up in the landlocked West Virginia.

"But I got my first 60 dives at Summersville Lake," Douglas added.

Douglas got into diving right out of college.

"It was just something I'd wanted to do for a while," he said.

Douglas grew up in Cross Lanes, graduated from Nitro High School in 1985 then went to Marshall University, where he studied journalism.

He joined the Metro staff in 1990. By the summer, he decided to take some diving lessons at Summersville Lake. It was just a hobby.

When he met Bishop, a spark was lit. He started looking for opportunities. In 1993, he got one.

After the fall of communism in the former Soviet Union, the vast country was trying to put itself back together. The education system was in shambles. A group of educators from West Virginia were part of a team invited to Russia to help them restore their curriculum.

"A friend invited me to go along," he said. "So I took out a loan and went.

"It was my first plane ride."

The first trip was two weeks. Fifteen months later, he went back to Russia. Then that August, he returned again and stayed for three months, writing freelance.

"After that I really needed to get a job," he laughed.

Douglas went back to work. Meanwhile, he developed his writing. In 1998, he decided to take a refresher course on diving. During the course, he met the director of the Professional Association of Dive Instructors. The association published a magazine through their Diving Science and Technology division, and they needed an editor.

The job, however, was in California.

Douglas had recently gotten married. His wife was from Charleston. He asked her, "So what do you think about moving to California?"

He said she told him to go for it. The two of them moved west where Douglas wrote for the magazine and went on hundreds of dives in the Pacific Ocean.

"I learned a lot while I was there," he said. "I learned a lot about underwater photography and even topside photography and design."

Two years later, Douglas took a job with a company in North Carolina that specialized in the production of diving medicine. Douglas continued to write and also worked on his first novel, "Cayman Cowboys," published in 2004. Other books followed, and Douglas wrote for several ocean-related magazines.

Douglas' marriage ended in 2010. His ex-wife and two daughters moved back to West Virginia while he stayed on the coastline of North Carolina, but the biweekly grind of driving back and forth to see his daughters wore him out.

"And it seemed to me that in this day and age you can do a lot of the kind of thing I do from anywhere," he said.

All you need is an Internet connection.

Douglas has been back for a little over two months. He's closer to his children and also to his family. Many of them never left.

"I can't get over how much things have changed," he marveled. "There are a lot of things here that you just didn't see much of 20 years ago."

He motioned to the restaurant in which he was sitting.

"A place like this," he said. "You didn't see that. Everything in Charleston back in the early 1990s was mainly chain places. It was very generic."

There's more character here, he believes. The city and the state are more sophisticated and diverse than he remembers, and part of what he wants to do now is show that.

"I've always been proud to be from West Virginia," he said. "It was very frustrating sometimes. I'd meet people and they'd catch the accent and ask me where I was from."

Certain negative stereotypes, Douglas said, persist and too many people from the outside perpetuate them.

"I don't think West Virginia does a very good job of telling our stories," he said. "So what you end up with is 'The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia.'"

The documentary film, produced in part by daredevil reality show "Jackass" creators Johnny Knoxville and Jeff Tremaine, followed the exploits of the notorious White family in Boone County.

The film is not seen as a positive representation of life in West Virginia.

Douglas said while living in North Carolina, he earned a certificate from the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University.

"It kind of relit those journalism fires," he said.

Among other things, Douglas would like to maybe teach what he's learned to other people, help them tell their stories.

"There's more truth to West Virginia than just the Whites."

Douglas hasn't given up on his dreams of writing for National Geographic. He's still working toward that, but life has a funny way of taking you in odd directions.

After Douglas went to Russia and wrote a few things, he corresponded with Bishop at National Geographic. He sent some of his newspaper and magazine clippings. Bishop was kind enough to critique them and encourage him to keep pushing outward.

Bishop died in 1994.

"He died in a car accident," Douglas said. "He was one of the first Americans to summit Mount Everest. He traveled with Admiral Byrd and died in a car accident near his home."

Reach Bill Lynch at ly...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5195.

Continuing Nitro High School WV news, obits, and updates Jan. 2012

Howard H. Stewart, 82, of Nitro entered into heaven's gate February 10, 2012. Born March 14, 1929, to Homer and Grace Stewart of Whitesville. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Evelyn and Delphia; brother, Roy Stewart; and grandson, Jeffrey Scott Hayes. Howard was a Korean War veteran. He was a Bell Lines driver for many years, and Teamster, before retiring from Smith Transfer. Howard was a former member of the Clown Unit with Beni Kedem Shrine, and a volunteer driver, transporting children to the Shriner's Hospitals. Howard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty; loving father to son, Jeff Stewart of Nitro; son, David Stewart and wife, Sandy, of Nitro; daughter, Robin Stewart and husband, Jeff Hayes, of Scott Depot; granddaughters, Cassie Stewart and Katie Stewart of Nitro and Jennifer Stewart Stephens of Hurricane; and brother, Ronald Lyons of St. Albans. Howard was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Nitro where he enjoyed Sunday school, apple butter days and the men's fellowship breakfast.

Mr. Allen P. Burdette, 81, of Nitro went home to be with the Lord on February 13, 2012, at Hubbard Hospice House West. Allen was the former owner of Burdette Garage, and a member and trustee of Valley Drive Church of God Mission. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Ollie Burdette; brother, Robert Burdette; and sisters, Wilma Fore and Elizabeth Scarberry. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mrs. Loretta Burdette; children, Randall and wife, Linda Burdette, of Fredericksburg, Va., and Sheila and husband, Bill Lewis, of St. Albans; brothers, Henry Burdette of Poca and Ray and wife, Louise Burdette, of Rock Branch; sister, Faye Grady of Rock Branch; two grandchildren, Dr. William K. Lewis IV and wife, Elizabeth, and Brandi Edens and husband, Allen; and three great-grandchildren, Allen Lee Edens, William Lewis V and Abigal Lewis.

http://dailymail.com/News/201202070249

Date of Nitro-St. Albans bridge closure announced by Mary Childress

NITRO, W.Va. -- The Nitro-St. Albans bridge will close Jan. 7, 2013, and the new span should be open by Thanksgiving of that year, Nitro Mayor Rusty Casto announced at Tuesday's city council meeting. Work should begin on shoring up the bridge piers by next week, Casto said. The current bridge will be imploded, but the piers will be kept in place. A new bridge will then be floated down the river and placed on the existing piers.

Rich Hively, Nitro historian, said the West Virginia Department of Transportation has agreed to give the city $20,000 to fund projects and activities associated with the closing of the bridge. "We will have a bridge dedication booklet that we'll share with St. Albans," he said, "and publish a history of the bridge booklet, among other things. "We've been told that the bridge will be imploded in the middle first," he said. "So, we hope to have a contest that would allow someone from Nitro and someone from St. Albans to push the buttons that would blow up the middle from both sides of the river."

Right now, Nitro depends on firefighters from St. Albans to assist in some emergency situations. Fire Chief Ernie Hedrick said he had contacted officials in the Dunbar and Tyler Mountain fire departments to assist the city after the closure of the bridge.

Seven-year-old Evie Hunt was honored as Nitro's citizen of the month. A first grader at Nitro Elementary School, Evie single-handedly raised $1,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The school had set a goal of raising $1,500 and she raised $1,000 on her own.

"I sang a song and my mom put it on Facebook and a whole bunch of people sent money," she said.

Evie is the daughter of Brian and Kimberly Hunt. She received a certificate and a $25 gift card to Dairy Queen.

The West Virginia Department of Highways has awarded Nitro a $25,000 Recreational Trail Grant to complete the walking trail around Ridenour Lake Nitro WV .

Councilman Craig Matthews said the city must also come up with $4,900 as part of the grant agreement. The city will use its own labor force for the work, Matthews said.

Mr. Albert Donn Richardson, 79, of Nitro passed away February 6, 2012, at Thomas Memorial Hospital. He was a retired electrician from Rhone-Poulenc with 38 years of service. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Hattie Richardson. Albert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mrs. Gwendolia Richardson; children, Jim Richardson and wife, Jodi Richardson, Brenda Richardson Davis and fiance, Shannon Ratcliff, Shari Richardson and husband, Mark Wilson, and Roy Richardson; eight grandchildren, Kendra, Bobbie, Jami, Josh, Jimmy, William Keith, Morgan and Jay; and eight great-grandchildren.

Donald R. "Dick" Lewis, or "Nitro," as his friends called him, peacefully passed away from complications due to lung cancer on January 31, 2012. Dick was born December 2, 1938, in Nitro. After serving his country in the Navy for six years, he married his wife, Crystal, and settled in Titusville, Fla., where he retired from Florida Power & Light at the Port St. John Plant in 1994. Dick lovingly leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Crystal Lewis; son, Dana R. Lewis; daughter, Tracy Lewis Mascellino; six grandchildren, Lee Jones, Kyle Jones, Becca Mascellino, Dalton R. Lewis, Abby Mascellino and Danielle R. Lewis; one great-granddaughter, Jordan Jones; as well as his father, Mervin Gibson of Scott Depot; brother, Danny R. Lewis of Scott Depot; sister, Brenda (Ronnie) Matthews of Winfield; and many nieces and nephews who loved him and will miss him dearly. Let us not forget his faithful friend, Maggie, who loved her daddy. Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Gibson; his sister, Carol Lewis Forloine; and his sister-in-law, Donna Lewis, also from Scott Depot.

Elizabeth A. Johnson Stalnaker, 45, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. She was born in Charleston, W.Va., on January 5, 1967, the daughter of the Rev. James L. and Nila Johnson. She was preceded in death by her father.

She is survived by her husband, Timothy Stalnaker of Nashville, Tenn.; her mother of Charleston; two brothers, MSgt. Rob Johnson and wife Keta Johnson of Valley Lee, Md.; MSgt. David Johnson and wife Ginny Johnson of Charleston; six nieces; and two nephews. She leaves behind her beloved Rottweiler, Baron.

Elizabeth was a 1985 graduate of Nitro High School, Nitro, W.Va., attended Concord College, and became a licensed paralegal. Elizabeth was a certified property manager (CPM) for H.G. Hill Realty Company, LLC. in Nashville, Tenn., and an active member and past officer with the Institute of Real Estate Management. She was an accomplished stained glass artist.

http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/120122_8092.shtml

Reported by: Send eMail Kristin Keeling Web Producer: Kristin Keeling Reported: Jan. 22, 2012 6:58 PM EST Updated: Jan. 22, 2012 7:14 PM EST

A woman's murder in Charleston remains a mystery and her family is desperate for answers.

Megan Harrison's body was found in the Elk River last August. Since then, investigators have followed every possible lead that could bring them closer to finding her killer.

"We have some evidence in the case and we hope to obtain more, and we have some witnesses. But we need one more piece to the puzzle," said Chief of Detectives, Lt. Steve Cooper.

One more piece that Megan's parents hope to find by offering a $10,000 reward for anyone who knows how she died.

"I'm just praying like we do several times a day that this ten-thousand dollar reward will help and it will help us in our hearts to know we've done a little bit more for Megan," said Megan's mother, Ginger Harrison.

Roger and Ginger Harrison spent Sunday afternoon posting reward flyers around Charleston's east end and talking to people about their daughter along the way. They chose that area because Megan spent the last month of her life at Sojourner's shelter.

"I always say this about Megan, even though she did make some wrong choices in her life, she had the biggest heart and she would do anything for anybody. But God must have had another plan for her," said Ginger.

No amount of money can bring the Harrisons' daughter back to them. Until then, they will hold her memory close to their heart. In hopes that someone will come forward with information on her murder.

"We just pray that her soul is in Heaven and that someday we'll see her again. That helps us get through each day," said Ginger.

If you have any information of Megan Harrison's death, call the Charleston Detective Unit at 304-348-6480.

Correction: The ad placed on January 16, 2012, in the name of Carolyn Sue Beckner Townsend was unauthorized. It did not come from the funeral home or her husband and companion of 30 years, who knows all the truth. For 4 1/2 months, in two hospitals, fighting for her life, she never got 'Get Well' cards, flowers or visits from 95% of the people named in that ad. The ad did not tell Susie's life, hurts, injuries or all the illnesses she fought since her teens. The ad was specifically designed to boast about people who never cared, and to hurt and degrade her time on earth. It was meant to be cruel, betrayal and outright lies about her hospital abuses and all the medical errors, negligence and mistakes that took my wife's life. Authorized by A.E. Townsend, husband and companion of 30 years. Carolyn Susie Townsend, 64, of Cross Lanes was called to Heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 11, 2012, to stop the enormous pain she suffered for years. She was the daughter of Virginia and James Beckner, born May 22, 1947. Her accomplishments were many, but they did not compare to her love and devotion to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and her husband and constant companion of 30 years, Arnold E. Townsend. She fought a very long battle with many different injuries and illnesses, but it doesn't touch the enormous pain, suffering, mental anguish, worry and loss of sleep, her little body constantly being stabbed with needles, the chemotherapy, the hundreds of X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and on and on. She made me promise I would tell some of her life's story, because she trusted me to do it. In 1985, Susie was hit head on by a drunk driver, who almost killed her. She went through two-and-a-half years of physical therapy to save her left arm. Her husband was there every day, and God protected her. She hated drunk drivers, so she supported MADD. Then, in 2000, she found a breast tumor. She had a lumpectomy, and it was ductal carcinoma in "situ" enclosed and it had never spread. Now, her medical records branded her with a history of breast cancer. One time does not make a history. She wanted all women to know how they can brand you. So then, she joined the American Cancer Society, and we get a magazine called Cure. In 2009, she was sent to get 15 days of radiation. At the end, she was told she was in remission, and the tumor was 98% healed. This was about August 2009. She was told she needed a small dose of Herceptin as a maintenance drug. When she went back to her foreign oncologist, he refused to honor her request for Herceptin. He gave her several chemo drugs she was highly allergic to; the main one was Docetaxel. In January 2010, that started her health downhill, after she was in remission and almost healed. All of 2010, 2011 and 11 days of 2012, she suffered, cried, constant bleeding, fear, worry, nervous breakdown, enormous mental anguish from all the sickness and the mental, physical and medical abuse, tests, errors from some doctors and some nurses - but God protected her. Then, after contracting several UTIs, one caused by a sulfa drug she was highly allergic to and is listed in her medical files. Her little body was worn out. She told me she could no longer stand the pain, even though she loved me more than life. I told her I understand, and God's been good to us. She said, yes He has. Then, a few hours later, she was taken to Heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I was loving and kissing her face at 11:10 p.m. when she took her last breath. Like all the 30 years we were together, at the end, she and I were alone. God gave us that. God gave Susie rest, peace and, most of all, she is now pain free. God again protected her, just in a different way. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Also, at Susie's request, anyone who would have sent flowers, please send a donation to a cancer research organization in their area. Thoughts, prayers and condolences can be sent to P.O. Box 7223, Cross Lanes, WV 25313. She is dearly loved by her husband, best friend, companion, sweetheart of 30 years. By me she is already missed. She cannot be replaced.

Phyllis Jean Burdette, 81, formerly of Nitro and Charleston, passed away Friday, January 13, 2012, at CAMC General Hospital. She was formerly employed by Omaha Insurance Company. Surviving are her sons, William L. Burdette of Rock Cave and Russell Ray Burdette of Raymondville, Texas; grandchildren, William L. Burdette Jr. and Nikki Utt; great-grandchildren, Derek Tucker, Reanna Tucker, Khori Tucker, Warren Tucker, Waylon Utt, Taylor Burdette, Jordan Burdette, Noah Burdette and Colin Burdette.

Guy Dewey Hedrick, 63, of Nitro passed away January 19, 2012, in the VA Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. He was a member of the 15th St. Church of God in Nitro, and an Army veteran. Dewey was preceded in death by his father, Arnie W. Hedrick; and grandmother, Rosa Ellen Hedrick. He is survived by his sisters, Loredda Hedrick Kelley of Austin, Texas, and Ann Hedrick Toms of Nitro; brother, Arnie Hedrick Jr. of Dallas, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Troy D. "Dennie" Stover, 63, of Cross Lanes passed away Saturday, January 14, 2012. He was born October 3, 1948, in Charleston, son of the late Troy and Martha Stover. Troy was employed at West Virginia Steel for nearly 40 years. He was a Vietnam veteran and was a proud Marine. Surviving him are his wife of 20 years, Jodie Stover; son, Bryan (Tonya) Stover of Nitro; daughter, Tina (Charlie) Heffner of Nitro; stepson, Vernon Edens of Charleston; stepdaughter, Heather Edens of Charleston; Matt and Ann McDaniel, who he considered a son and daughter; brothers, Otis (Mary) Stover, Jimmy (Sharon) Stover, Johnny Stover and Rome Stover, all of Charleston, Alan Stover Of Emory, Texas, and Victor (Sharon) Stover of New Concord, Ky.; sisters, Bonnie (Ron) Flowers of Elkview and Barbara (Warren) Keifer of Lady Lake, Fla.; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous family, friends and co-workers.

Avis Sarah Sayre Quickle of Nitro passed away Sunday, January 8, 2012, at her home after a short illness. Avis was born January 7, 1920, and was one of the daughters of the late Floyd G. Sayre and Stella Crandal Sayre. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Quickle; brothers, Stanley Sayre Roosevelt Sayre, Lincoln Sayre, Arnold Sayre and Gilman Sayre; and sisters, Macey Sayre Warner, Glady Sayre, Elsie Sayre Jones and Louise Sayre Pickens. Avis attended Nitro High School, and graduated from Point Pleasant High School in 1938. She was employed by American Viscose Corp. and Goodrich Gulf Rubber Plant until the plant closed. She was co-owner of Nitro Wholesale Electric Supply with her late husband, James F. Quickle. Avis was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Nitro Chapter 153. She attended St. Paul's United Church in her early years. Left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Howard W. Janey Jr., who was her caregiver and was always there when she needed anything. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and great-nephews to cherish her memory.

Mr. William H. "Bill" Jones, 85, of Poca passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston. Bill loved to hunt, fish, golf and go camping. He attended Nitro Senior Citizens Center, where he was known to the kids at day care as The Cookie Man. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold Jones and Violet Smith; stepfather Herbert Smith; sisters, Drema Ferguson and Patty Miller; children, William Jones Jr. and Beverly Ann Jones; and great-grandson, Korey Jones. Bill is survived his wife of 63 years, Jane Tucker Jones; son, William "Jeep" and wife, Cindy Jones, of Rock Branch; daughter, Linda Jones and husband, Tom Adkins, of Cross Lanes; sisters, Wanda Jones of Hopewell, Va., Sharon Jones French of Liberty and Shirley Jones Rucker of Arizona; brothers, Marshall and Lewis Jones, both of Palm Bay, Fla.; stepmother, Charlotte Jones of Palm Bay; grandchildren, Timmy and wife, Valerie Jones, Jason and wife, Jindalay Jones, Tommy and wife, Tiffney Adkins, and Tominda Adkins; great-grandson, Jake Adkins; special friends, Joe Nunley and Clyde Fields; and a host of other family, friends and camping friends.

Quentin L. "Red" Miller, 87, of Nitro passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2012, after a lengthy illness with Alzheimer's. He was a graduate of Spencer High School, and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, Squadron VMF 218, in the Philippines during World War II. Quentin retired from Columbia Gas Transmission with 34 years of service as a dispatcher and senior controller. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Miller; parents, Lemuel and Flora Miller; brothers, Everson, Early, Kermit and Archie Miller; and sisters, Emogene Burdette and Kitty Hannaman. Quentin is survived by sons, Glenn Miller of Hurricane and Orville "Butch" Miller of Nitro; grandchildren, Allen Thaxton of Mashpee, Mass., Eric (Deena) Miller of Poca, Casey (Donetta) Miller of Winfield, Mitzi (Joshua) Vince of Martinsburg and Kati (Steven) Harmon of Nitro; step-grandchildren, Jason (Angie) Dunlap of Eleanor and Heather (Alan) Goderre of Teays Valley; six great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and brother, Newton Miller of Spencer.

Richard A. "Dick" Wilson, 83, of Charleston passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at CAMC General Hospital after a long illness. His one desire was to hear his Lord say to him, "Well done thy good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter unto the joy of your Lord." Matthew: 25:21. Dick served his country with the U.S. Army, and was a veteran of the Korean War. He became a Christian at the age of 33, and his purpose in life became winning people to the Lord, which he did through his street and tract ministry in our area. He always saw the good in everyone. He was a longtime resident of Charleston, and attended Woodrow Wilson Junior High. Richard was self-employed as a dry cleaning salesman, and worked for many years. He was a member of the Covenant Christian Fellowship. Preceding him in death were both parents and a sister. He is survived by sons, Richard (Buddy) Miller of Cross Lanes and Doug Miller and Edra of Terra Haute, Ind.; daughter, RuthAnne Miller and Terry Payne of Cross Lanes; grandchildren, Jessica Gross, Dr. Zachary Wilson, Douglas Wilson II, Brandi Edwards, Cathi Sparks and Terri Davis; nine great-grandchildren; and cousin, Margie Kidd. As per his wishes, the body will be cremated. The family would like to express their special thanks to Sonny Campbell, Art Williamson, Ed Thomas, Chris and Lora Sands, Jim Loftis and many others who meant so much to our Dad.

Troy Lilly, Cross Lanes WV photographer hitting big time!

West Virginia Photography in National Geographic Contest >PRWEB.COM Newswire<="" div="">

Charleston, West Virginia (PRWEB) January 03, 2012

ForestWander - The National Geographic "Stories Without Words Photo Competition" sponsored by Hilton Honors received thousands of entries from all over the world. Senior editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine Dan Westergren chose the category finalists. Summarizing his story without words, "Alluring Cascade Pirouette" by Troy Lilly (nature photographer from Cross Lanes, West Virginia) is a travel photograph of Elakala Falls which was picked as a finalist in the "Spaces You Discover" category.

The chosen finalist entry from West Virginia features the waterfalls captured in a long exposure digital photograph. This photographic technique blurs the water fall motion for an extended amount of time while the small whirlpool spins below the cascades creating a stunning effect. Lilly has the opportunity to win the grand prize of a trip on a National Geographic Expedition to Galápagos and other runner up prizes including Nikon Camera if online voting favors the Elakala Falls image. The website to cast votes is http://www.nationalgeographic.com/photostories.

Located in Blackwater Falls State Park near a small mountain village named Davis, Elakala waterfalls are a hidden wonder revealed to those who take a 30 minute stroll from the state park’s lodge. The waterfall name originates from a Native American legend about a young princess who cast herself over the falls when scorned by her lover.

The exposure generated by placing first in this competition could certainly increase the notoriety and popularity for the natural beauty found in many West Virginia travel destinations, having a positive impact on the state’s economy.

To cast a vote free registration is required at the National Geographic website, which is a standard practice by many online competitions. Registered website visitors will vote for the winners beginning December 19th ending January 15th, 2012. Voters may return on January 25th, 2012 to see the winners.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/west-virginia/travel-photography/prweb9071833.html

Nitro High School WV News, Updates, Obits, Notable

Shelba Childers, 75, of Nitro went to be with her Lord and Savior January 10, 2012, at Hubbard Hospice West following a short illness. Shelba was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., June 13, 1936, a daughter of the late Samuel and Lillian Reed. Mrs. Childers and her husband owned Shelba's Dress Shops of Dunbar, Parkersburg, Beckley and Madison. Shelba's Dress Shops were the first fashion shop for plus-sized women established in West Virginia. Shelba was a longtime and faithful member of Cross Lanes Bible Church. She loved spending time with her family and friends, whether it was having lunch together or singing her favorite hymns. Shelba attended Tennessee Temple, University of Georgia and Radford College, and received her bachelor's degree in accounting from West Virginia State College. Shelba is survived by her son and his wife, Todd Childers and Carol Childers of Cross Lanes; and two granddaughters, Sydni Brooke Childers and Courtni Paige Childers. Preceding her in death are her husband, Dr. Robert D. Childers Sr.; son, Robert D. Childers Jr.; and infant brother, Mitchell Reed.

Cecil M. Spence, 74, of Cross Lanes passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2012, after a courageous nine-year battle with cancer. Cecil was born April 3, 1937, and spent his whole life in Cross Lanes. He was a proud U.S. Army Reserves veteran with 28 years of service. He was retired from the Federal Government, U.S. Army maintenance, where he worked as a supervisor at the Cross Lanes Army Maintenance Shop. He was a Christian and attended Cross Lanes United Methodist Church. Cecil loved to spend his Saturdays attending auctions and met many good friends this way. He was preceded in death by his parents, Goldie and Herbert Spence; sisters, Emilee Spence Denkins and Bessie Spence Schoolcraft; and brothers, Ronald Spence and Charles Spence. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Roberta M. Spence; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Betty Lou Harrison, 80, of Nitro went home to be with the Lord on January 6, 2012, in Hubbard Hospice House West. Betty was a Christian and a member of Rock Branch Independent Church. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Mr. Robert E. Lee Harrison; children, Connie Harrison Chambers of Nitro and Bobby Harrison of Virginia; grandchildren, Nathaniel Chambers and Cody Harrison; and great-grandchildren, Alexxis, Brogan and Alden.

Mr. Robert L. "Bob" Summers, 95, of Cross Lanes passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2012, after a short illness. He was born May 9, 1916, in Fayette County. He attended Charleston High School and the University of Charleston, then Morris Harvey College. He served in the United States Army, and was a decorated World War II veteran. Bob was retired from the West Virginia Department of Highways, where he was a drafting supervisor. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Bob was an avid bowler, once bowling a perfect 300 game. He was also an avid golfer, once making a hole-in-one at the age of 79. He bowled and golfed until he was 89. One of Bob's greatest passions was used car shopping while taking his daily drive. Earlier in his life, other hobbies included tennis, ping pong, pool, semi-pro league baseball, basketball, softball, repairing stereo equipment and automobiles and collecting 78 RPM records. He loved music, and played the organ, piano, violin and ukulele. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Emma Summers; and brother, William Summers. He is survived by his wife, Eva Mae Summers; daughters, Barbara Summers Barnes of Cross Lanes and Pam Summers of South Charleston; grandchildren, Robert Summers Barnes and wife, Annemarie, of Dunbar and Malinda Barnes Kyrkos and husband, Vassili, of New York City, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Alice Legg of Cross Lanes; and great-grandchildren, Althea Maria and Robert Francis Barnes.

Joyce Ann Nickelson Cunningham, 59, of Flagler Beach, Fla., originally of Cross Lanes, died Dec. 17, 2011. She is survived by three children, Craig and Shawn Cunningham of Palm Coast, Fla., and Kristy Phillips of Covington, La.; one special nephew, Tim McDaniel of Palm Coast; and sister, Joan Nickelson Fulwider of Flagler Beach, Fla. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Dolly Nickelson of Cross Lanes.

The following article published by Kate White

http://wvgazette.com/News/201112240082

Bill Fortune, 67, places a frozen turkey into a grocery cart with other food that was distributed at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Nitro. He said they'd like to be able to provide for everyone but keeps their services more manageable by staying in Nitro.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- While many are inspired to help others who are less fortunate during the Christmas season, a Nitro couple has the holiday spirit of giving year-round.

Bill and Fran Fortune took over operation of the Nitro food pantry in 2007 and formed the Nitro Mission Team, where they are on-call 24 hours a day.

"I think this is our calling," said Bill Fortune, 67. "We've always liked to help people out in difficult situations, and we've always been organizers in anything we get into."

Fran Fortune, 68, said she remembers getting a call one snowy night last year from a lady who was stranded and didn't have anywhere to stay.

"It was so bad out there that we couldn't get out, so we called the local motel here in town and set up a room for her to stay," she said.

People around Nitro knew who to tell the woman to call.

"People know us around here, even the police and the churches tell people to call us," she said.

Bill Fortune was a teacher in the Nitro area for 33 years and still works as a substitute from time to time. Fran Fortune has lived in Nitro all of her life.

"We know about everybody in town," he said.

That knowledge allowed the couple to break the boundaries of church denominations and bring congregations in Nitro together for a good cause.

"In the whole town there are 19 churches, and we get a good amount of them participating financially or volunteering in different ways," Bill Fortune said.

To be able to make an impact where they live, the Fortune's focus on helping people in the Nitro area.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Mary Frances Crawford Bailey, age 87, died Monday, Dec. 19, 2011, at the Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. She was born Jan. 17, 1924, in Charleston, W.Va., the eldest daughter of James Ernest Crawford Jr., and Frances Nash Crawford. She graduated from Nitro High School, in Nitro, W.Va., in the class of 1942. Mary Frances was a member of First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack L. Bailey, a former WWII Prisoner-of War, who died on Jan. 4, 2003; and a sister, Carol Ernestine Crawford Frye, who died in June 1998. Jack and Mary Frances were married for 60 years. They moved to Oak Ridge with their young children in 1951 from Nitro, W.Va. At one time she was a very active bridge player and always enjoyed hosting their many friends in their home. After retirement, they enjoyed travelling and visited 48 of the 50 states. Their favorite vacation spot was Long Boat Key, Fla. After raising her children, Mary Frances entered the work force and spent 24 years at Y-12 Federal Credit Union, retiring as loan services manager in 1986. She thoroughly enjoyed her career and the people she worked with during her time at Y-12 Credit Union. She was also a member of Altrusa International for a number of years. She is survived by her son, Jack l. Bailey Jr. (Pat), of Oak Ridge; and a daughter, Julia Ann “Judy” Bailey, also of Oak Ridge; sister, Patricia Crawford Logan (Tom) of Escondido, Calif.; three grandchildren, Kenneth H. Self Jr. (Carol) of Oak Ridge, Katherine Bailey Price (Todd) of Aiken, S.C., and Darrell Scott Bailey of Dallas, Texas; and three great-grandchildren, Madison Self of Oak Ridge and Charlie and Claire Price of Aiken, S.C.; and very special friend, Clifford Smith. Source http://www.oakridger.com/obituaries/x1658263762/Mary-Frances-Bailey

Thelma A. Harris Bailey, 79, of Cross Lanes passed away on Friday December 16, 2011, at Valley Health Center following a long illness. Born July 28, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Howard and Rachael Harris. Thelma was a retired office clerk for the WV Department of Highways, a homemaker and a lifelong resident of Cross Lanes. Also preceding her in death was her husband, Ray Bailey; and son-in-law, Mark Christian. Survivors include sons, Larry (Marsha) Bailey of Cross Lanes, and Garland (Janet) Bailey of Cross Lanes; "adopted" son, Robert (Jennifer) Harden of North Carolina; daughters, Karen Bailey (Bill Lemon) Lemon of Cross Lanes, Brenda Bailey (Larry) Miller of Cross Lanes, Glenda Bailey of Nitro, and Jeannie Bailey Christian of Cross Lanes; brother, Howard Denvil Harris of Ripley; sister, Talma "Dee" Turpin of Dunbar; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Ellawe Rebecca "Becky" Holmes, 87, of Nitro passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Thomas Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was a 57 year resident of Nitro; a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; and a member of the Nitro Church of God, where she had lead a ladies exercise class for many years. Becky is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Eugene C. Holmes; her son, Gary Holmes and wife, Carol, of Eleanor; grandsons, Scott Holmes and wife, Amie, and Jeremy Holmes and girlfriend, Kim; and great-grandchildren, Jacob Holmes and Emma Holmes. A service to celebrate Becky's life will be held at noon Friday, December 16, 2011 at Cooke Funeral Home Chapel, 2002 20th St., Nitro, with Pastor Rob VanFossen and Pastor David McCormick officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar.

Christina Spanos, 80, of Nitro passed away early Friday morning on December 9, 2011, at Thomas Memorial Hospital following complications of a short, but hard fought, illness. She was born January 24, 1931, in Detroit, Mich., to her loving Greek immigrant parents, George Dallakouras and Katina Argiropoulos. Shortly after graduating from Wayne State University, where she played violin in the school orchestra, she met and later married Dr. Michael G. Spanos, the one and only love of her life, and eventually they settled in West Virginia as their permanent home. After his untimely death in 1964, she returned to school and earned her degree in education from West Virginia State College and later her master's at WVU. She taught in the Kanawha County school system at West Sattes Elementary and Nitro Elementary until her retirement in 1989. She continued to work after retirement, tutoring students in math and English and volunteered as an IRS tax return preparer through the 1990s. She is survived by her loving son, George Michael, and now peacefully resides in the house of the Lord, reunited after 47 devoted years with the one and only love of her life for all eternity.

Madaline Virginia Barnett Jones of Hurricane passed away on December 7, 2011. Born December 8, 1929 in Nitro, she was a daughter of the late Charles O. and Orpha Barnett. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ernest K. "Kenneth" Jones; her brothers, Grover Cleveland Barnett, Harold Barnett and Charles Barnett; sisters, Iva Mae Barnett Thomas, Genevieve Barnett Cottrill and Mary Jane Barnett Hill. Educated in Nitro schools, she was a former employee of W.W. Mack Company and Kroger, both of Nitro. In her later years, she was a dedicated homemaker and mother. She was a Girl Scout den mother and was a past president of the PTA at Rock Branch Elementary School during her daughters' school years. She was reborn March 18, 1959, and was a member of the WV Home Mission Church, East Nitro, where she was a former Sunday school teacher and sang in the choir. Surviving are her daughters, Linda Hoffman (John) of Winfield, and Sue Bailey (Stephen King) of Houston, Texas; a grandson, Ryan Hoffman (Emily) of Hurricane; brother-in-law, Dennis H. Jones of Hurricane; brothers, Franklin R. Barnett, Dempsey Barnett and Gene Barnett, all of Hometown; and several nieces and nephews.

Jo Ann Payne Hammond, 80, of Big Tyler went home to be with the Lord on December 8, 2011 surrounded by her loving family. She was a member of Perrow Presbyterian Church and was attending Nitro Presbyterian. Jo Ann retired from Kanawha Valley Radiologists in 1986 to care for her mother. In later years, she cared for her great-granddaughter while living in Florida with her daughter and family for months at a time. She was an avid bowler and a former West Virginia State Singles Champion. She shared her love of bowling as an instructor at Towne & Country Lanes. She was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack H. Hammond; her parents, John T. and Martha Turner Payne; her infant twin daughter, Helen Jan; her sister, Maxine Payne West; and her brother, John R. "Jack" Payne. Jo Ann is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Nan Hammond and Randy Milholen; granddaughter, Nikki and husband, Don Heaton; and great granddaughter, Makenzi, all of Port Orange, Fla. Jo Ann is also survived by her brother, Ralph Payne and wife, Ginnie, of Pensacola, Fla.; and a host of nieces and nephews.

William L. "Bill" Cummings, 62, of Nitro died December 4, 2011 at Hospice West, South Charleston. He was born August 9, 1949 and was preceded in death by his son, William Jr. Bill was a former employee of the City of Nitro and Cunningham Memorial Park, and was a member of Nitro Moose. He is survived by his companion, Peggy Belcher; daughter, Tammy Cummings Harris; brother, Mike Cummings; sisters, Brenda Cummings Jeffers, Lizetta Cummings Withrow and Carolyn Cummings Taylor; four grandchildren; and many friends.

Dorothy Hill Shamblin passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Born on June 10, 1910, She was a lifelong resident of Nitro. She was predeceased by her children, James 'Sonny' Jefferies of Nitro and Jacqueline Dayhaw of Tampa, Fla. She is survived by her grandchildren, Jeff Harbour of East Lynn, Janellen Knof of Oldsmar, Fla., John Harbour of Middleton, Wis., Donna Landan of Hurricane, and Michael Jefferies of Rock Hill, S.C.; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

NHS WV News, Updates, Obits, Interesting stuff, November 2011

Henry David Harrison of Nitro passed away on November 28, 2011. Mr. Harrison served in the U.S. Navy and was a retiree of Union Carbide, South Charleston, with 38 years of service. He was a member of South Charleston Masonic Lodge 168. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Darlena Harrison; brothers, Dallas and Edgar; and granddaughter, Megan Kathleen Harrison. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Evelyn Harrison; three sons, Roger Harrison and his wife, Ginger, of Cross Lanes, Philip Harrison and his wife, Vickie, of Winfield and Mark Harrison of Nitro. Also surviving are grandchildren, Adam, Amber, Kendra, Tara, Monica and Eric; and great-grandchildren, Tyler, Braelyn and Landon.

Frances Roberta Knight, 88, of Nitro left her earthly body on November 26, 2011, and is now rejoicing in Heaven after her long battle with cancer. She was the daughter of the late Carl and Alice McDonald Thomas of Nitro. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Harold M. Knight; infant son, Eddie Ray; and sister, Genevive Asbury, all of Nitro. Frances is survived by eight children, Brenda Knight (Darrell) Sheets of Lynch Station, Va., Diana Knight Gillispie of Nitro, Sharon Knight (her primary caregiver) of Nitro, Phil Knight of Grandview, Ind., Jeanette Knight (Eddie) Casto of Cross Lanes, Stephen Knight of Culloden, Greg Knight of Nitro and Glenn Knight of Eleanor. She was also blessed with 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her only brother, Gene Thomas of Nitro; and sister, Pat (Gordon) Trainer of Bear, Del. In addition, she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Frances was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, and grandmother, beloved by all for her love of God and family. She was well known for her cooking and baking skills and her quilting and sewing expertise. She was a founding member of Cross Lanes Bible Church and loved reading her Bible.

Mr. Patrick Jason Brown, 34, of Nitro passed away November 25, 2011. Patrick is a graduate of Nitro High School, attended Ben Franklin Career Center and served in the Air Force. He is survived by his parents, Tammy and Patrick Brown of Nitro; brother, Travis Michael Brown of St. Albans; and grandmother, Sarah Eloise Griffith of St. Albans.

Charles David "Charlie" Cobb, 60, of New Bern, N.C., died Thursday, November 24, 2011, at his home. Charlie was born on May 25, 1951, in Charleston, W.Va. He graduated from Nitro High School, Nitro, W.Va., in 1969. He served his country in the U.S. Navy for eight years and, most recently, worked at Mazda Kia of New Bern in both sales and service. He is survived by his wife, Janet G. Cobb; and son, Brian E. Cobb, both of New Bern; his father, James Robert Cobb; his mother, Georgia Persinger; two brothers, Robert "Ed" Cobb, all of Poca, W.Va., and Scott Cobb of Jacksonville, Fla. The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Glen Lesser, the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and friends of the North Carolina Anglers Association. A very special thanks goes to the Leslie Jones family for their care over the past five years.

One of NHS WV 1968 stars has died. Richard was always friendly, funny, and one of our academic stand-outs. Appears as though he led a wonderful and fulfilling life. Godspeed, Richard. You will be missed.

Richard G. Uglow, 60, of Leland, Mich., passed away Sunday, November 20, 2011, after a one-year battle with ALS.

He was born December 14, 1950. Rich grew up in Cross Lanes and was a 1968 graduate of Nitro High School. He graduated from West Virginia Institute of Technology and had an MBA from the University of Michigan. He retired in 2005 after a 33-year career in the auto industry.

After retirement he moved from the Detroit area to Leland, where he enjoyed restoring his 1972 Mustang, walks along the shore of Lake Michigan and hiking in the sand dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes, National Lakeshore. The last few years he was especially happy to have renewed friendships with six of his best high school friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert "Bob" Uglow. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Uglow of Buckhannon; sister and brother in law, Lora Uglow and John Mathias of Buckhannon; nieces, Lisa Mathias of Gainesville, Va., and Paula Mathias of Durango, Colo.; and nephews, Jay Mathias of Washington, D.C., and Alex Rueckert of Gainesville. He is also survived by his life partner, Arlene Janks of Clarkston, Mich.

Reward Offered In Woman's Murder Reported by: Kallie Cart http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/111123_7474.shtml Reported: Nov. 23, 2011 5:23 PM EST

Eyewitness News Photo Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

Police in Charleston are shining new light on a murder investigation. After several months, they're hoping someone will come forward with information that will lead to an arrest and the victim's family is now offering a reward.

Megan Harrison's body was pulled from the Elk River in Charleston back in August. Police have yet to make an arrest in the case.

http://wvgazette.com/News/201108290747

"Obviously the family is left without closure, there's a suspect at large who's capable of committing a crime like that and of course we take it personally we work as hard as we can on it," Charleston Chief of Detectives Lt. Steve Cooper says.

Megan, who was 28 and from Cross Lanes, was staying at the Sojourners Shelter in Charleston prior to her death. Police do say they have a strong lead in her murder, but they need more information.

"The last person who saw her, someone who may have spoken to the suspect, we just ask that person come forward and give us what they have," Lt. Cooper says. Megan's parents say as the holidays approach, her murder is even more difficult to handle. They are now offering a $1,000 reward for any information that will lead to an arrest and conviction in her murder. Police say they want the case to be closed before the end of the year. Charleston has had only five murders in 2011. Arrests have been made in all of them, except Megan's.

"We're fortunate this year that the numbers are way down than before, that comes from the pattern of these types of crimes, peaks and valleys and the stepped up efforts on the part of the police department," Lt. Cooper says. "We're hoping if anyone knows anything they'll come forward during this holiday season to try and bring justice for Megan and her family."

Mark E. Reed, 58, of St. Albans passed away November 19, 2011, at his home. Born October 1, 1953, in South Charleston, Mark was a son of the late Samuel Everett Reed. Mark was a groundskeeper for the Nitro Moose Lodge Park and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose No. 565, Nitro. Mark is survived by his loving wife, Kay Reed; mother, Dorothy Virginia Whittington Reed of Nitro; children, Missi Reed and husband, Chris Saunders of Red House, and Crystal Reed Ward of South Charleston; stepchildren, John Harbert and wife Tina of St. Albans, Joshua Harbert of Nitro and James Harbert of Nitro; grandchildren, Jessie and husband, Trey Hedrick, Hannah and Isaac Saunders, Bailey Ward and Jayden and Tyler Green; step-grandson, Dakota Matthew; sisters, Linda McDaniels of Nitro, and Patty Cogar of Frame; and brothers, Raymond L. Reed of Madison, Thomas Reed of Buffalo, Robert Reed of Buffalo and James Reed of Huntington.

Ruby Mae Brown, 80, of St. Albans, formerly of Nitro, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 19, 2011, after a short illness. Ruby was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and was known to all her family as "Mom." She will be greatly missed. Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Charles S. Brown; son, Charles M. Brown; and parents, Charles M. Stanley and Mary Kathryn Stanley. Surviving are children, Connie Brown Santucci of Garden Grove, Calif., Cecil E. Brown and wife, Lana, of Apollo Beach, Fla., Michael D. Brown of High Point, N.C., Ray Brown and wife, Kathy, of Kansas City, Mo., John Brown and wife, Trena, of South Charleston, and Jim Brown of St. Albans; sisters, Josephine L. "Aunt Jo" Stanley and Barbara Jane Stanley Webb; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Juanita Pearl Smith, 79, of Cross Lanes passed away November 14, 2011, at CAMC Memorial Hospital. Juanita was born April 18, 1932, in Clendenin and was a daughter of the late William A. and Nettie Hively Withrow. She was a teacher's aide with the Kanawha County school system and loved to raise flowers, garden and was happiest helping and doing favors for others. Survivors include her husband, Benjamin Smith; sons, Terry D. Cavender of Atlanta, Benjie Smith of Nitro and Jeffery Smith of Fraziers Bottom; sisters, Virginia Arrington of Alum Creek and Doris Abbott of Wills Creek; grandchildren, David Smith and Kailyn Smith; and many nieces and nephews

A. Hugh Burton Jr., 82, of Cross Lanes passed away Friday, November 11, 2011, at Thomas Memorial Hospital following a short illness. Born February 10, 1929, he was a son of the late A. Hugh Burton Sr. and Georgia Ward Burton. Also preceding him in death were his wife, Geraldine "Jerry" I. Burton; and one sister, Lois Jean Burton Johnson. Hugh was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the Korean War, and a retired schoolteacher for the Kanawha County Board of Education. Survivors include two sons, Stephen Burton (Christie) of Cross Lanes, and Michael Burton of Charleston; one daughter, Sonja Burton Hempstead (David) of Raleigh, N.C.; one brother, Jake Burton of Texas; one sister, Ruth Ann Burton Simms of Charleston; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a special nephew, Roger Lewis (Drema) of Poca

Donald W. Bowling, 82, of Cross Lanes went to be with the Lord on November 9, 2011, at Hubbard Hospice House after a long illness, leaving his beloved wife of 61 years, Frances Null Bowling. He was born on October 26, 1929, in Nitro. He was the son of Lottie and W. Ernest Bowling of Cross Lanes and, along with his parents, joins his infant son, Daniel Bowling; brothers, W.E. "Junior Bowling," Hershel Gail Bowling, Charles Delbert Bowling and Ronald Howard Bowling, with his Creator in Heaven. Besides his wife, Don, affectionately known as G-Dad, is survived by sisters, Phyllis Bowling Karnes, Mary Bowling Adams, Beulah Bowling (Ralph) Page, and Ethel Bowling (Rex) Parsons; children, Anita Bowling (Greg) Stonestreet and David Bowling; grandchildren, Andrew Stonestreet, Lauren Stonestreet, Stephen Stonestreet and Caitlin Stonestreet; and many nieces and nephews. Don was a veteran of the Korean War, worked at Kroger as a manager, at FMC Chemical Company, and retired from Monsanto Chemical Company in Nitro. He served as a church officer and treasurer for Main Street Church of God, now Southridge Church of God, as a treasurer, deacon and elder at Perrow Presbyterian Church, and was a friend to many neighbors, relatives, and fellow Christians. Don loved everything outdoors, hunting, camping, gardening, woodworking, and keeping up his beautiful five-acre home. He also thoroughly enjoyed being with his family, passing ball, vacationing at the beach, taking the grandchildren on mower rides and passing on his knowledge of life. He loved to sing and worship the Lord. He was an affectionate, humorous, loving and kind man, and will be remembered with gratefulness and joy.

http://www.wvgazette.com/Sports/201110310217

Lawrence Pierce (photographer)

Charleston Gazette, November 1, 2011, October 31, 2011 Full circle for Nitro? Seniors were freshmen in 2008 state title run By Tommy R. Atkinson

Emily Ross, one of three seniors who started as freshmen on Nitro's state championship team in 2008, has five goals in three postseason games this season.

Nitro seniors Ashley Bowyer, Kaitlyn Gilham and Emily Ross are hoping the slipper fits one more time. Those three are the only players still holding down starting positions from the Wildcats' run to the 2008 state championship, the school's first and only girls soccer title to date.

Bowyer, Gilham and Ross find themselves back at the ball this week and are looking to close out their high school careers the same way it all began as freshmen four years ago when Nitro takes on Winfield at approximately 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Class AAA semifinals at the YMCA Youth Sports Complex in Beckley. ....

Nitro finds itself just two victories away from another improbable title. "This year from the very first game we were fantastic,'' said Nitro coach Kim Aurelio, who guided the Wildcats to the championship in 2008 during her first season. "I was like, 'We're going to do this. We can go back and we can go all the way.' Then we started falling apart.

"We tried to decide with our captains what could be done to change things and we worked together as a team and put this team first. Finally they put it together and we're heading back. We have fought all the way to this. Every year I tell the girls every game leading up to tournament play is practice.'

There are several parallels between this year's Wildcats and the 2008 squad that played its best over the last three weeks of the season.

In 2008, Nitro entered states as the lowest-ranked team (No. 18) in the final state coaches association rankings, had the fewest victories (10) and was tied for the most losses among state tournament qualifiers.

The 2011 edition of the Wildcats (14-7-1) is again the lowest-ranked squad (No. 19), tied for the fewest victories and has the most losses. And both years saw Nitro pull out overtime victories in the sectional tournament. "We haven't been a unit like we were my freshman year, but this year we've gotten that back and I think that's really taken us far,'' said Gilham. "We had a lot of injuries and we learned how to get past them together. That's really brought us together as a team this year.

"You have to have a special group of girls to get the feeling we do, the camaraderie. The seniors were really our big sisters [in 2008] and I feel like that's how our underclassmen look up to our seniors this year. I just feel like this is our year and this is what we've been working for the past few years. I really think we have it this year.'

Ross said the family atmosphere has returned to the sideline. "Throughout the season we've all gotten to be really close as a team,'' said Ross, who has scored five goals in three postseason games and is the Wildcats second-leading scorer with 12 goals. "We're like a family and in that way we're the same [as 2008]. The past several games, we just think soccer now. It's really helped us.'

Bowyer said the nine seniors on this year's roster struck the right tone at the beginning of the season, which has been a mirror image of 2008. The other six seniors for the Wildcats this season are Samantha Gaten, Emilee Hrtyanski, Tiffany Newland, Megan Popp, Devin Randolph and Allison Scarbro, who started in the '08 title game.

"Our seniors were a big part of the team my freshman year,'' said the defender. "We expected we wouldn't be the same after they left. At the beginning of the season we all made [the underclassmen] feel like they're welcome and they're part of the team and help them at practice.

"We had a team sleepover. We do a lot of different activities, we go to movies, we go out to eat and we eat together at lunch. It's really helped to get to know each other, especially the freshmen. We're all really good friends and we try 100 percent at practice and every game. We do it for each other.'

Bowyer said she didn't think much about winning it all in 2008, but now that she is a senior the journey has meant more.

"As a freshman it really wasn't a big deal to me then, but now that I'm a senior the last game, it's a big deal,'' she smiled. "It's definitely more exciting. Hopefully we'll go out the same way we came in.'' "I think it's cool to start with states and end with states,'' added Ross. "It's an awesome feeling.'

Reach Tommy R. Atkinson at tatkin...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-4811.

Here's an update and video at WCHS http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/sports/bbs/bbs111103_799.shtml

Hilda O'Dell Linville, 92, of Nitro went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, October 28, 2011. She was a 1937 graduate of Nitro High School and also a graduate of Charleston School of Commerce. She was employed over 40 years with American Viscose, Nitro, in the Personnel Department, and a lifelong member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Nitro, having been received there on the cradle roll. Hilda served in many capacities at the church, which included: Sunday school teacher of many ages, and choir member, in which she received special recognition of having sung in the church choir for over 70 years. Hilda was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Garnet O'Dell; brother, Jake O'Dell, sisters, Ruby O'Dell, Ruth O'Dell, Garnie O'Dell, Florence O'Dell, and Hazel O'Dell; her husband, Ralph; and son, Bernard Linville. Left to cherish her memory are her sister JoAnn O'Dell Jividen of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; daughters, Mary Linville Church of Austin, Texas, and Beverly Linville Bailey of Willis, Texas; daughter-in-law, Patty Linville of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Jody (Diane) Young of Brownsville, Texas, Eric Young of Austin, Texas, Matthew Dorsen and Kim, Tammy, and Scott Linville; and great-grandchildren Gracie, Annie and Jack Young of Brownsville, Texas. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Timothy Pollitt article.... Here is a quote of the article written by Julie Robinson, Charleston Gazette, November 2, 2011: "CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A neon "Open" sign glowing on the newly renovated historic Quarrier Diner excites both local residents who remember the restaurant's heyday and passers-by who look forward to a new downtown dining option. The restaurant's opening last week was bittersweet for Anna Pollitt, who owns the restaurant with her husband, David.

The Pollitts purchased the dilapidated restaurant in September 2010 at the urging of their son Tim, who worked at Murad's in Kanawha City. "He told us that if we would purchase a restaurant, he would make it work," she said.Here is a nice photo from the Charleston Gazette story of his Mother and included photo of Tim:

Gary W. Botkins, 64, of Nitro passed away Sunday, October 30, 2011, at Thomas Memorial Hospital following a long illness. He was born May 18, 1947, in Kanawha County. He was the son of Glenn Botkins Sr. and Shirley Spaulding Massey. Gary was a truck driver for Corey Brothers Wholesale Company. He attended Maranatha Fellowship for years. His greatest love was his wife and family and his Lord. He was an avid outdoorsmen and loved to fish. Surviving are his loving wife of 46 years, Mary Redman Botkins; two sons, Christopher Wayne Botkins and wife, Jeanine, of Nitro and David Alan Botkins of Nitro; daughter, Kimberly Botkins Doss and husband, Herb, of Nitro; brothers, Mike Botkins of North Charleston and Glen Botkins Jr. of Florida; sister, Christine Botkins Cunningham of Nitro; grandchildren, Matthew, Brianne and Nikki Toler and Christian and Joey Botkins; and two great-grandchildren.

Deanna Kay Landers Johnson, 66, of Nitro left this world to begin her journey with Jesus after a short battle with brain cancer. Deanna was a childcare provider for many children in her home. She was a Christian and was a member of the Nitro Church of God for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, John F. Johnson Jr.; her mother, Mildred Landers; grandmother, Vina Arthurs; and niece, Karen Smith. Those left to cherish her memories are her children, Kimberly Johnson(Anthony) Loveday of South Charleston and Stephanie Johnson (Alex) Bennett and Jay (Samantha) Johnson, all of Hurricane; four grandsons, Trey Mattox of Hurricane, and Patrick, Michael and John Loveday of South Charleston; three granddaughters, Kinslie (Devin) Knicely of Georgia and Lily Jo and Emma Jean Johnson of Hurricane; sisters, Rhonda Landers Stewart of Cross Lanes and Debbie Landers Metten of Dunbar; brothers, Jerry Priestly of Georgia, Norman Fowler of Charleston and Craig Landers of Charleston; best friend and sister-in-law, Betty Jo Johnson of South Charleston; and brother-in-law, David Johnson of Florida.

Nitro High School, WV, News, Obituaries, Noteworthy, October 2011 update

Franklin Reed Gibeaut, 77, of Nitro went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Frank was retired from Republic Container Company, Nitro, and was a member of the United Steel Workers of America Local 5712, Nitro Masonic Lodge 170 AF&AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, and Beni Kedem Shrine. He was an active member of the Nitro Church of God, where he taught Sunday school, was a visitation minister, and a member of the Mission Team. Frank loved to sing gospel music and had sung in the Gospel Light Quartet. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Gibeaut; parents, Richard Dana and Flora Hill Gibeaut; sisters, Macil Gibeaut Morgan, Jean Gibeaut Lett and Lula Gibeaut; and brother, James Gibeaut. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Wanda Boggess Gibeaut; daughters, Gail Gibeaut Ball of Fraziers Bottom, Cathy Gibeaut Keene and husband, Bill, of Pinch, Hollis Gibeaut Claypool and husband, Loren, of Mequon, Wis., and Amy Gibeaut of Charleston; son, Robert Reed Gibeaut of Nitro; sisters, Mary Spears of Bancroft and Josie Warner of Red House; and brother, Charles "Shark" Gibeaut of Poca. Frank is also survived by his grandson, whom they raised, Jamie Layne; grandchildren, Ann Lockard, David Gibeaut, Jared Layne, Jason Ball, Sarah Cox, Stefan Claypool, Kathleen Claypool, Justin Wright and Dillon Wright; and great-grandchildren, Kerrigan Lockard, Samuel Lockard, Joshua Ball, Bailey Layne, Alana Cox and Seth Layne.

Johnny Bill Goodall, 88, of Nitro passed away Friday, October 14, 2011, at Thomas Memorial Hospital. Johnny was born April 10, 1923, and was the son of the late Cecil and Beulah Goodall. Johnny retired from Monsanto Chemical Company with 35 years of service. He was a Navy veteran of WWII. Johnny was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Nitro, where he had served as a trustee. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Franceline Goodall; son, Scott Goodall and Dee Goodall; son, Mark Goodall and wife, Suzy Goodall; grandchildren, Loren Goodall, Blake Goodall, Blair Goodall and Bryce Ritter; sister, Maryann and husband, Gene Brightwell; and brother-in-law, Walt and wife, Dee Showen.

Denvil Glassco "Plum" Plumley, 88, of Cross Lanes went home to be with his Lord on Oct. 11, 2011, at Hubbard Hospice House West after a four-month battle with illnesses. Denvil was born Jan. 5, 1923, in Pear, Raleigh County. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Tyler Mountain, where he served as a trustee and worked hard in his church. His mission was visiting the sick and you could always count on him when in need. He also worked for many years with Tyler Mountain/Cross Lanes Community Service, collecting and distributing food to those in need. He retired from Union Carbide, South Charleston, in 1985 with 46 years of service as a heavy equipment operator. You could see him from long off, running the largest crane in the plant. He and his wife were 50-year charter members of the Nitro Antique Car Club. This was the love of his life; he had many cars and was always gathering with the fellows to work on somebody's. He took his family on lots of rides, picnics, camping and trips in those cars. Denvil served in the CCC camps as a young man. He went straight into the Army as a sergeant. He served his country, building lots of things. One he talked about was working on the Boulder Dam in Colorado. Denvil was a 52-year Master Mason of Nitro Lodge 170. He also was a 50-year 32nd degree Scottish Rite Shriner in the Beni Kedem Shrine, Charleston. Denvil was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Anna Summers Plumley; parents, Marion and Dora Kincaid Plumley; a brother, Olden; and a sister, Doleta "Tootsie." He is survived by his four children: daughter, Virginia Plumley NHS 1968 Martin and husband, David; and sons, Freddie Plumley and Thomas Tom Plumley and wife, Linda, all of Cross Lanes, and David Wayne Plumley and wife, Libby, of Poca. Also surviving are grandchildren, Annette Good and husband, Raymond, and David Martin and wife, Rebekah, all of Cross Lanes, Anna Church and husband, Wesley, of Morgantown and David Plumley II of Poca; stepgrandchild, Shannon Wallace of Sissonville; great-grandchildren, Joshua, Rachel, Matthew and Joseph Good and Zachary Martin; and stepgreat-grandchildren, Lillian O'Dell and Samantha Wallace.

Toby Jon Buel Jr., 26, of Cross Lanes passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 8, 2011 Our beautiful son went home to be with God. We are crying for ourselves, while we know he is safe and cared for in the arms of Jesus. We will see him again when we depart this world. Please remember Toby as a truly good and kind person. He had compassion for people who were less fortunate than himself. He was never content, he always pushed for bettering the lives of others around him. Toby will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. Toby was born in St. Petersburg, Fla., son of Toby and Tamara Knox Buel Sr. of Cross Lanes. He was a member of Cross Lanes Baptist Church. He was a 2003 graduate of Nitro High School, 2007 graduate of West Virginia University with an undergraduate degree in political science and a 2010 graduate of WVU College of Law with JD and MBA degrees. He practiced law in Charleston. In addition to his devoted parents, he is survived by his brother, Sean Michael Buel; and sister, Rachel Kathleen Buel.

Charles Leonard Murphy, 84, of Nitro, formerly of Cottle, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Hubbard Hospice House after a long illness. Leonard was born October 29, 1926 in Morris (Braxton County) to the late Edmund and Lucy Adkins Murphy. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Herald Murphy, Bernard Murphy, Herman Murphy and Buren Murphy; sister, Evelyene Murphy Long; and grandsons, David Southall and Barry Southall. Leonard proudly served in the Army during World War II. He was a coal miner for 40 years and a member of the UMWA. He had a love for gospel music and genealogy. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lucille Johnston Murphy of Nitro; daughter, Joyce Murphy Southall and husband, David Southall, of Nitro; son, Charles Murphy and wife, Patricia, of Charleston; sister, Margie Murphy Crislip and husband, Terry, of Burnsville; grandchildren, Jason and wife, Erin Southall, of Barboursville and Bennett Murphy and Mikalyn Murphy of Charleston; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Jaxon and Ryanne Southall, all of Barboursville; and eight step-great-grandchildren.

Ronald Foster, 45, of Cross Lanes died Tuesday, September 13, in Huntington. He was a graduate of Nitro High School and was formerly employed by Fletcher Enamel, in Dunbar, and Wendy's. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Sylvia Foster of Rocky Fork. He is survived by his children, Vaylena Foster of Akron, Ohio, Billy Foster of Nitro and Crystal Foster of North Carolina. He is also survived by his sisters, Geraldine Foster Legg of St. Albans, Virginia Foster Bailey of Ashland, Ky., and Michael Foster of Charleston. He is also survived by a host of friends in the Rocky Fork/Cross Lanes area.

Loretta M. "Dumpy" Halley Westfall went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 29. She was born December 14, 1930, to Jesse Walden and Marie Martin Halley in Nitro. Loretta graduated from Nitro High School in 1948 and went to work at the telephone company in Nitro until her marriage to John T. "Buddy" Westfall in 1950. Loretta was active in several groups at Poca Methodist Church, including serving as Girl Scout leader for many years. She was school secretary at Rock Branch Elementary and a teacher's aide at Poca High School before going to work full-time with John in his State Farm Insurance office. Loretta attended Judson Baptist Church, Nitro Church of the Nazarene and, most recently, Rock Branch Independent Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Buddy. Survivors include: brother, Bill Halley of Colleyville, Texas; children, Linda Halliday of Winfield, Larry and Kathy Westfall of Nitro and Cheryl Farrington of Winston-Salem, N.C.; grandchildren, Lori Farrington and Stephen Surrell of Pilot Mountain, N.C., Chad and Carol Westfall of Winfield, Niki Farrington of Pilot Mountain, N.C., and Nathan Westfall of Poca; and great-grandchildren, Maci, Amee, Michael, Carly and Connor. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

O.E. "Jack " Russell Jr., 86, of Nitro finished his race September 29, 2011, at his home, surrounded by his family. Jack was a decorated U.S. Army veteran who served in Europe during WWII and was a member of the VFW. He worked as a general contractor until he retired at 82 years old. Jack was a faithful member of Victory Baptist Church in Cross Lanes, where he was a member of the Board of Trustees and served as Sunday school superintendent for many years. He also faithfully ministered in the Visitation Program of the church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ode Russell and Nancy; his brothers, Joe Harry Russell, Willard Russell, Miles Russell, Donald Russell and RobertRussell; and his sisters, Margaret Russell, Betty Jean Russell and Lillian Russell. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mona Russell; his brother, James Russell and spouse, Edra, of Spring Hill; his five children and their spouses, Barbara Russell and Ben Alt of Louisville, Ky., Elaine Russell and Roger Harrison of Nitro, Jack and Suzie Russell of Nitro, Julie Russell and Terry Slater of Cross Lanes and Jennifer Russell of Nitro; his nine grandchildren, Jeff, Jessica, Jason, Lisa, Emily, Joshua, Breanna, Bethany and Caleb; and six great-grandchildren.