Published: December 03, 2009 09:51 pm      

Friday, December 4, 2009

Michael Franklin Johnson (1956-2009)

Michael Franklin Johnson, 53, of Melbourne, Fla., passed away on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at his home in Melbourne.

He was born May 15, 1956, in Ashland, Ky., a son of the late Alonzo Franklin and Helen Brown Johnson.

He is survived by his brother, Jeffrey, and sister-in-law, Barbara Johnson, and his nephew, Sean, and a niece, Blair. He is also survived by his aunt and uncle, Charlotte and Marvyn Siders, and several cousins.

Burial will be at 11 a.m. today, Dec. 4, 2009, at Rose Hill Burial Park in Ashland.



Ronald “G.C.” Boggs (1939-2009)

Ronald “G.C.” Boggs, 70, of Ashland, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, in St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington, W.Va.

He was born Feb. 14, 1939, in Ashland, Ky., the son of the late Arbie Harry and Julia Griffith Boggs.

He was a member of National Roofing Local 307 and retired from Bri-Den Roofing and Sheetmetal in Ashland and spent more than 42 years in the roofing industry.

He was a past member of the Kentucky National Guard, with 11 years of service and a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and Poage Masonic Lodge 350, F&AM. He was a born-again Christian.

After retiring, G.C. sought other avenues of interest at New Hope Baptist Church, where he made many wonderful friends. He was also the caregiver to Miss Pauline Beck, whom he dearly loved.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Dean and Karen Hicks; and four brothers, Eck Boggs, Pug Boggs, Arbie Boggs and Harold Boggs.

Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Phyllis Reliford Boggs; a sister, Allene Skeens of Ashland; a brother, James T. Boggs of Bellefonte, Ky.; many nieces and nephews; a special companion, Sammy, his poodle; and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Miller Funeral Home in Ashland by the Rev. Henry Mosley, the Rev. David Lynch and Rudy Dunnigan. Burial will be in Ashland Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today and from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.



Lois Conklin (1934-2009)

Lois Conklin, 75, of Worthington, Ky., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, in Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital.

Mrs. Conklin was born Sept. 25, 1934, in Rochester, N.Y., a daughter of the late John and Penelope Ingram. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Frank Joseph Cerniglia Conklin Sr.; and a son, Frank Conklin Jr.

She was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Raceland, Ky.

Surviving are three daughters, Denise Veltre of Russell, Ky., Patti Conklin of Cincinnati and Wendi Conklin of Worthington; two sons, Giovanni Cerniglia of Irvine, Calif., and Dean (Anita) Cerniglia of Las Vegas, Nev.; a stepson, Garry (Janet) Cerniglia of Worthington; seven grandchildren, John V. Veltre, Joseph F. Veltre, Jenna M. Veltre, Gianna Conklin, Ayden F. Conklin, Christina Cerniglia and Michael Cerniglia; three great-grandchildren, Dominic Veltre, Dakota Veltre and Isabella Veltre; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Dec. 4, 2009, with funeral services at 8 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home in Raceland by Pastor James Wells.



Gerald “Jerry” Johnston (1939-2009)

Gerald E. Johnston, 70, of Flatwoods, formerly of Hillsboro, Ore., passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, in Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital following an extended illness.

He was born May 13, 1939, in Hillsboro, to the late Lawrence and Amanda Johnston.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother and five sisters.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and Kentucky colonel and worked as an electrician and truck driver. He loved golfing, carpentry and 4-wheeling.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Kathy; two sons, Douglas of Las Vegas, Nev., and Mark of St. Helens, Ore.; two daughters, Loretta of Berkeley, Calif., and Colleen (Roberto) of Texas; and a stepson, Bret (Andrea) of Aurora, Ore.

He will be sorely missed by his three brothers, a sister and many nieces, nephews and friends he left behind.

There will be a memorial service and dinner at 1 p.m. Dec. 13, 2009, at 39th Street Pentecostal Church in Ashland, Ky.

Miller Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements.



Sfc. Billy Gene Austin (1937-2009)

Sfc. Billy Gene Austin, 72, of Rutherfordton, N.C., passed away Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, in Cleveland Medical Center in Shelby, N.C.

He was born July 8, 1937, in Belmont, N.C., a son of the late James Calvin and Ollie Russ Deaton Austin.

He was a sergeant first class and retired from the U.S. Army. He was a member of J.F. Swartsel Lodge 251, F&AM. He was a veteran of the Korean and the Vietnam wars with the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal (medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Good Conduct Medal (6th Awards), Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, two Overseas Service Bars; Presidential Unit Citation, Expert (M-16), Air Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, B/S/Master Parachute 1954, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Expert (Carbine Rifle), Sharpshooter (M-1) and seven Service Stripes. He was a member of the 1st Calvary Division Association.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Bridgette Austin, and a brother, James Boyd Austin.

Survivors include his loving wife of 15 years, Carol Skaggs Austin of Rutherfordton; a son, Billy Gene Austin Jr. of Arlington, Va.; a stepson, Robert (Kay) Ison of Louisa, Ky.; a stepdaughter, Kandy Skaggs Austin of Chesnee, S.C.; two sisters, Pauline (Fred) Chapman of Taylor, Mich., and Joanne Austin of Belmont; a stepgrandson, Travis Ison; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Skaggs Cemetery in Martha, Ky., with Elder Paul E. Keaton.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Young Funeral Home in Louisa.



Ernest Yates (1924-2009)

Ernest E. Yates, 85, of Ashland, died Wednesday in Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland.

He was born May 6, 1924, in Johnson County.

His wife, Louise Yates, preceded him in death.

Lazear Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements, which are pending.



Hazel Dye

Hazel Dye, 94, of Ashland, died Thursday in Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland.

Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland is in charge of arrangements, which are pending.



Joshua John

Joshua John, 21, of Raceland, died Wednesday at his residence.

Evans Funeral Home in Raceland is in charge of arrangements, which are pending.



Dangel “Dan” Binion (1950-2009)

Dangel Phillip “Dan” Binion, 59, of Olive Hill, died Tuesday at his residence.

He was born April 8, 1950, in Carter County.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill. Burial will be in Binion Cemetery in Elliott County.

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

Condolences may be made to www.globefc.com.



Lynn Hale

Lynn Hale, 37, of Rush, died Thursday in the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington.

Sparks Funeral Home in Grayson is in charge of arrangements, which are pending.



Vermal Gallion

Vermal Gallion, 79, of Grayson, died Thursday in Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland.

Sparks Funeral Home in Grayson is in charge of arrangements, which are pending.



Marlene Neal (1934-2009)

Marlene Compton Neal, 74, of Jeffersonville, died Wednesday at her residence.

She was born Dec. 26, 1934. Her husband, Kenneth Neal, preceded her in death.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Jeffersonville Baptist Church. Burial will be in Lovely Cemetery in Jeffersonville.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the church.

Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to www.northcuttandson.com.



Ralph “Hank” Smith (1956-2009)

Ralph Dewayne “Hank” Smith, 53, of Sandy Hook, died Tuesday in Appalachian Regional Hospital in West Liberty.

He was born May 28, 1956, in Elliott County.

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

Friends may call at the funeral home.



Virginia Blair (1919-2009)

Virginia Evans Frederick Blair, 90, of Paintsville, died Wednesday in Mountain Manor Nursing Home in Paintsville.

She was born Nov. 12, 1919, in Fayette County.

Her husband, Dr. William D. “Doc” Blair, preceded her in death.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Paintsville. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park in Staffordsville.

Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Jones-Preston Funeral Home in Paintsville.



Villis Stepp (1926-2009)

Villis Clayton Stepp, 83, of Paintsville, died Tuesday in Paul B. Hall Medical Center in Paintsville.

He was born Nov. 22, 1926, in Mingo County, W.Va.

His wife, Eula Penix Robinson Stepp, survives.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at Middle Fork United Baptist Church in Inez. Burial will be in Family Cemetery in Inez.

Friends may call after 10 a.m. today at the church.

Jones-Preston Funeral Home in Paintsville is in charge of arrangements.



David Allen (1965-2009)

David Curtis Allen, 44, of West Liberty, died Wednesday in Morgan County Appalachian Regional Hospital in West Liberty.

He was born March 29, 1965, in West Liberty.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Potter Funeral Home in West Liberty. Burial will be in West Liberty Memorial Gardens.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to www.potterfuneralhomeinc.com.