Published: October 19, 2009 09:03 pm      

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Ruth King Pelfrey - 1932-2009

Ruth King Pelfrey, 76, of Ashland, died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, in King’s Daughters Medical Center.

She was born Dec. 8, 1932, in Ashland, Ky., the daughter of the late Talmadge and Lydia Brown King.

She was a former bookkeeper for Highland Floor Covering and the Smart Shop. She was a Kentucky colonel and a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by two sisters, Lola Dempsey and Juanita Click, and three brothers, Glen King, Joseph King and Hubert King.

Survivors include a daughter, Virginia Diane Nelson King of Westville, Ind.; two sisters, Carolyn Gross and Barbara King of Ashland; two grandchildren, Christina Devericks and Christopher King; and five great-grandchildren, Cassandra, Amanda, Robert, Kaylie and Logan; and several loving nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at St. Paul Lutheran Church by Pastor Mark A. Kloha.

Miller Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1320 Bath Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.



Virginia Eloise Thornbury - 1918-2009

Virginia Eloise Thornbury, 91, of Westwood, Ky., died Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in Oakmont Manor Nursing Home in Flatwoods, Ky.

She was born Jan. 17, 1918, in Carter County, Ky., a daughter of the late Harlen Woods and Martha Riffe Woods.

She was a retired seamstress with Ashland Crafts.

Her husband, Stewart W. Thornbury, died in 1958.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Stewart E. and Paula Thornbury of Westwood; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Virginia and Ronald Hensley and Martha and Sam Hensley, all of Flatwoods, Ky., Phyllis and Lester Yarnell of Steelwater, Pa., and Rebecca Overvy of Ashland, Ky.; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A private service was at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, at the Rose Hill Burial Park Mausoleum Chapel by Pastor Perry Young. Burial was in Rose Hill Burial Park.

Lazear Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.



Steven Holbrook - 1975-2009

Steven Garrett Holbrook, 34, of Catlettsburg, Ky., now stands in the presence of our Saviour after his passing on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009.

Mr. Holbrook was born Aug. 22, 1975, in Ashland, Ky., the son of Gary and Margaret Riffe Holbrook of Catlettsburg.

He was a graduate of Boyd County High School and the University of Kentucky and was a chef with the Chimney Corner Restaurant. His hobbies included music, art and sports.

Along with his parents, he is survived by a sister, Jennifer Horton and her husband, Brandon, of Ashland; his paternal grandmother, Betty Holbrook of Catlettsburg; and the sunshine of his life, a special niece and nephew, Sydney Horton and Dylan Horton, whom he adored. Also surviving is a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, including Rosemary Johnson, Carolyn Bowling, Mary Whetsel, Brenda Wheeler and his cousin, David Johnson, who was like a brother to him and he loved dearly.

Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, Henry and Lockie Riffe, and his paternal grandfather, Arvel Holbrook.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at Neal Funeral Home on Center Street in Catlettsburg. A message of comfort will be offered by Pastor Tom Keelin. Final rest will follow a solemn committal at Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens in Ashland.

Those wishing to call on the Holbrook family may do so between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

In lieu of floral tributes, contributions may be made in Steven’s memory to the Boyd County Sheriff’s Department, Drug Task Force, P.O. Box 558, Catlettsburg, KY 41129.



Gene Raymond Waggoner - 1934-2009

Gene Raymond Waggoner, 75, of Orchard Avenue, Olive Hill, Ky., , passed away, Saturday evening, Oct. 17, 2009, in King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Ky., following a sudden illness.

Mr. Waggoner was born Jan. 19, 1934, in Carter County, Ky., a son of the late Raymond and Mae Elizabeth Ramsey Waggoner.

Gene was of the Christian faith and a graduate of Erie High School in 1952. He also graduated from Chevrolet’s Post Graduate School of Modern Merchandising and Management for Dealers’ Sons.

He was a co-owner, services and parts manager of Olive Hill Motor Sales, a GM Dealership started in 1930 by his father, Raymond Waggoner.

Gene was most noted for his knowledge and expertise in the towing and recovery industry. It’s been said from coal-haulers, “If he can’t get it up that cliff, no on can!” He traveled extensively across the United States during his towing career. He was a member of the Towing and Recovery Association of America and a charter member of the Towing and Recovery Association of Kentucky.

Gene had several hobbies he enjoyed. One of his earlier hobbies and life’s desire included racing. Being raised around a garage, Gene developed a love of racing at a very young age. Having the advantage of a master engine builder, Houston “Wart” Lowe, an employee of the family business, the two traveled along with faithful fans as Gene raced his blue and white Chevy No. 109 in the NASCAR circuit during the early to mid 1950s. He was up in the points standings when he made a life decision to leave the racing industry and concentrate on family and business. With the opening of the Morehead Speedway in the mid 1960s, Gene, alongside engine builder Wart Lowe and sons Raymond and Danny, decided to re-enter racing at the persistent encouragement of close friends and fans. The new car, a red ’55 Chevy, was numbered 48, (Wart’s age at the time). The crew enjoyed several victories, the most memorable being the season finale Labor Day 100 lap race in 1967. Gene continued to be an avid fan and supporter of racing throughout his life, never forgetting his chance to race in the big show of NASCAR. In recent years Gene enjoyed restoring and showing his 1975 Caprice, 1986 El Camino and 1965 Corvair. He was especially intrigued by the Corvair.

He managed throughout his life to follow in the family tradition of Freemasonry. He was a 54-year member of Olive Hill Masonic Lodge 629, a member of Apperson Chapter 81, Ashland Commandry 28, Everett Council 65, Covington Scottish Rite Freemasonry with a 32nd degree, KCCH, York Rite 32nd degree, El Hasa Shrine Temple and many other Shrine units and clubs with Motor Corps as his primary unit, of which he was past president. He served as potentate of the El Hasa Shrine Temple in 1984, past director of Royal Order of Jesters Big Sandy Court 172, past president of Cabiri Ashland Chapter 35 and a life member of Kachina Klub. He was past camaxtli of El Mexa Teocalli 98, Order of Quetzalcoatl. He was also a charter member and past president of Carter County Shrine Club. He was very active in the building and maintaining of the Carter County Shrine Park. He served as Horse Show secretary for many years.

Other civic and philanthropic organizations included past president of the Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce and Olive Hill Rotary Club. He was a member of many car clubs and was a Kentucky colonel.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Samuel L. Waggoner.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dolores Phillips Waggoner; a son and daughter-in-law, William Raymond “Cathair” and Louetta Waggoner of Olive Hill; a daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly Jean and Tim Wilburn of Olive Hill; a grandson, William Adam Raymond Waggoner of New Orleans, La.; two granddaughters, Ashley Jeanine Waggoner Walker and husband Chris of Olive Hill and Gina Larae Wilburn Vanlandingham and husband Chad of Grahn, Ky.; a great-granddaughter, Kendra Grace Vanlandingham, also of Grahn; and a sister and brother-in-law, Betty Sue and Fred Crawford Jr. of Virginia Beach, Va. He also leaves a host of other extended family members, neighbors and friends who will sadly mourn his passing.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009,, at Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill with Brother David Gee, Brother Allen Wells and Brother Gary Sparks officiating. Burial will be in Olive Hill Memorial Park in Olive Hill.

Friends may call after 4 p.m. today and until services Wednesday at the funeral home.

A Scottish Rite service will be at 6:30 p.m. today, followed by a Masonic service conducted by Olive Hill Masonic Lodge 629.

Tex English, Ronnie Fisher, Danny Fitch, Danny Lowe, Sam Lowe, Dane Rayburn, Bill Slone and George Waggoner III will serve as pallbearers.

Wayne Adkins, James E. Barker, Doug Dyer, E.L. “Hank” Hankison, Roger Knipp, Raymond Lowe, Norman Newman, Jim “Tater” Nolan, Paris Porter, Lloyd Reynolds, Gerald Roark, Lee Rodgers, Danny Sparks, John Steagall, Tony Tackett, William E. “Buck” Waggoner, Larry Waggoner, Allen Wells and Bill Wilson will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Shriners Hospital of Lexington, Ky., or a charity of choice.

Condolences may be sent to www.globefc.com.



Dan Espey Jr., M.D. - 1922-2009

Dr. Dan Espey Jr., 87, of Hickory, N.C., passed away on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, at his residence following a period of declining health.

He was born July 11, 1922, in McHenry, Ky., to the late Dan Espey Sr. and May Ingraham Espey. He was a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Espey was diagnosed with tuberculosis while a medical resident in Lexington, Ky., an experience that led to his first practice as a staff physician of the Western North Carolina Sanitorium in Black Mountain, N.C., treating tuberculosis patients and spawning a lifelong interest in pulmonary disease. In 1959, he moved with his family to Hickory and established a private practice in family medicine. During his 40-year career as a physician, he deeply valued his relationships with patients and the opportunity to serve the community. In addition, during the late 1960s and early 1970s he made three tours to Vietnam to treat the civilian population as a volunteer physician with the American Medical Association’s Project Vietnam.

After retirement from private practice in 1989, he continued to work part time as physician on staff at the Cardiac Rehab Center of Frye Hospital, where he enjoyed working with many new and former patients.

Dr. Espey was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Hickory. He enjoyed foreign travel, especially to Asia, collecting antiques and clocks and had an appreciation for old cars and sports cars. He was an avid reader and spent much of his later years relaxing at his farm/retreat outside Hickory.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Martha King; and five children, Joel of Hickory, Edward “Ned” and daughter-in-law Josephine of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Mary and son-in-law Anthony of Chappaqua, N.Y., Daniel and daughter-in-law Debra of Hickory and David and daughter-in-law Eve of Albuquerque, N.M. He had nine grandchildren, Lee, Emily, James, Eric, Samuel, Zeke, Nigel, Paul and Nathan and many special nieces and nephews.

The Espey family is deeply grateful to the caring services of Hospice of Catawba County, particularly Jean Rowe and Gail Jonas.

A memorial service will be at noon Wednesday, Oct. 21 at First Presbyterian Church in Hickory by Associate Pastor Deborah A. McEachran.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Hospice of Catawba County and Habitat for Humanity.

Allen Mitchell Funeral Homes of Hickory is in charge of arrangements.



Vivian Burke - 1920-2009

Vivian Olive Cole Burke, 89, formerly of Catlettsburg, died Saturday in Richmond.

She was born March 24, 1920, in Mount Vernon, Mo.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Neal Funeral Home in Catlettsburg. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Geraldine Plummer

Geraldine Plummer, 93, of South Shore, died Monday in Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland.

Roberson Funeral Home in South Shore is in charge of arrangements, which are pending.



Denise Willis

Denise Ann Long Hicks Willis, 53, of Flatwoods, died Sunday in King’s Daughters Medical Center.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Crum Chapel in Ashland.

Carman Funeral Home in Flatwoods is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to help with burial expenses may be made to Chris Long, 536 44th St., Ashland, KY 41101.



Jack Whitt - 1938-2009

Emry Jackson “Jack” Whitt, 71, of Sandy Hook, died Sunday in Elliott County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sandy Hook.

He was born Aug. 15, 1938, in Elliott County.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Waddell & Whitt Funeral Home in Sandy Hook. Burial will be in Elliott County Memory Gardens in Sandy Hook.

Friends may call after 6 p.m. today and until services Wednesday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to www.waddellandwhitt.com.



Linda Buckland - 1948-2009

Linda Anderson Buckland, 60, of Troy, Ala., died Friday in Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, Ala.

A memorial service will be at a later date.



Lois Ousley

Lois Compton Ousley, 65, of Prestonsburg, widow of Virgil Ousley, died Sunday in Highlands Regional Medical Center in Prestonsburg.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hall Funeral Home in Martin. Burial will be in Gethsemane Gardens in Prestonsburg.



Melvin Hall

Melvin Ray Hall, 71, of Prestonsburg, husband of Mabel Hall, died Sunday in Highlands Regional Medical Center in Prestonsburg.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at Hall Funeral Home in Martin. Burial will be in Lucy Hall Cemetery at McDowell.



Willodene Irwin

Willodene Irwin, 82, of Huntington, W.Va., formerly of McDowell, died Saturday in Huntington Health Care Center in Huntington, W.Va.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Lucy Hall Cemetery in McDowell.

Hall Funeral Home in Martin is in charge of arrangements.



Reva Helton

Reva Jean Meade Helton, 80, of Salyersville, died Sunday.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bloomington United Baptist Church.

Friends may call at the church.

Magoffin County Funeral Home in Salyersville is in charge of arrangements.



Mary Wilson - 1920-2009

Mary Louise Wilson, 89, of Maytown, died Sunday in Edgewood Estates in Frenchburg.

She was born June 6, 1920, in Morgan County.

Her husband, Wilbur Wilson, preceded her in death.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Ezel Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Ezel Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Potter Funeral Home in West Liberty.

Condolences may be sent to www.potterfuneralhomeinc.com.



Jimmy Salyers

Jimmy Dean Salyers, 52, of Staffordsville, died Monday in Louisville.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Jones-Preston Funeral Home in Paintsville. Burial will be in Johnson County Memorial Cemetery in Staffordsville.

Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and after 9 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.



Eleanor Smith

Eleanor Smith, 70, of Ironton, died Sunday in King’s Daughters Medical Center.

Tracy Brammer Funeral Home in Ironton is in charge of arrangements, which are pending.