Frances Irene Hise Cauley, 90, of Covington, Virginia passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at her residence.

She was born December 19, 1927 in Bath County, Virginia, the daughter of the late James Russell Hise and Stella Bly Carpenter Hise.

Mrs. Cauley was a door greeter at the Covington WalMart for many years. Prior to that, she was a housekeeper for many families in Bath County.

She was a member of the Hot Springs Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed cleaning and cooking for her family.

She was married to the late Stanley William Cauley, who preceded her in death in 1963.

She is survived by her children, Mary M. Ryder of Covington, Virginia, David William Cauley and wife, Zameena of Oviedo, Florida, Clara Sue Tennant and husband, Jimbo of Millboro, Virginia; thirteen grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; her companion and special friend of 30 years, Wayne Kicherer of Covington, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Ann Gillispie; a granddaughter, Cindy Crookshanks; a sister, Loraine Suttle; and a brother, James Hise.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 14, 2018 at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home with Pastor David George officiating. Interment will be in Warm Springs Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Regional Hospice, P. O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, Virginia 24422.

Donald Garland Essex, 68, of Hot Springs, Virginia died Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at his residence.

Mr. Essex was born January 2, 1949 in Highland County to the late Eugene B. Essex Sr. and Syble Scott Essex.

Donald retired from the Omni Homestead resort as a fly fishing instructor after 25 years with the hotel. He was member of Life Line Ministries and served with the United States Navy in the Vietnam War.

Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Darlene Scales Essex of Hot Springs; three sons, Chris Essex and his wife, Carlisa, of Warm Springs, Ben Essex of Hot Springs and Eric Essex and Amanda Leonard of Falling Spring; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren; two sisters, Sherba Essex of Yorktown and Barbara Boggs of Newport News; one brother, Eugene B. Essex Jr and wife, Janet of Sun Prairie WI, and several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated.

A Celebration of His Life will be held Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. in the Life Line Ministries Church at Hot Springs with Pastor Zach Royer officiating.

The family will receive their friends following the service on Saturday.

United States Army Captain Andrew Patrick Ross, 29, of Aberdeen, N.C., died November 27, 2018.

He was killed in action while serving with Special Forces in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel in Afghanistan.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Matthew Ross.

He is survived by his wife, Felicia Ross, and their beloved dogs, Bubba and Dolly. He is also survived by his mother, Beth Ross of Richmond (Joseph Gerschick), his father, Stephen Ross of Richmond (Kerry Torres), his sister, Sarah Ross Geisen, her husband, United States Marine Corps Maj. Brian Geisen, Sneads Ferry, N.C., nephews John Geisen and Michael Geisen of Sneads Ferry, N.C., grandparents, Leonard and Margaret Ross of Richmond, and Rowan and Geraldine Jones of Portsmouth.

Drew and Felicia lived a love story written in the constellations built upon their mutual care for each other and those who entered their lives. They considered everyone in their circle to be family. The couple wed on February 17, 2018. He was the very proud uncle and godfather of John and Michael Geisen.

Drew was well-known for his infectious smile, his playful sense of humor and his ever-present passion for fitness. Drew lived by the motto "Never Falter, Never Quit." He was a leader in every sense of the word and now provides "overwatch" for all of his brothers.

He graduated West Point in 2011 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (second award), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, and Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.

In the words of General George S. Patton, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." We all thank God for Andrew Patrick Ross.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 15-16, at Bliley's Funeral Home (Central Location), 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, VA 23230.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, December 17, 2018 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 4491 Springfield Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.

Interment will be at a future date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to APK Charities, apkcharities.org, or Duskin & Stephens Foundation, www.duskinandstephens.org. (under Andrew Patrick Ross in each.)

Phyllis Maxine Taylor, 90, of Buena Vista, Virginia passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Shenandoah Valley Health & Rehab.

Born September 25, 1928 in Rockbridge County, she was the daughter of the late Charles Alfred Taylor Sr. and Hattie Humphries Taylor.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, one sister, and six half-brothers, and three half-sisters.

Phyllis was retired from Burlington Industries after 43 years of service.

Surviving are her nieces, nephews, and special friends.

A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 13 at Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Rick Ramsey officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Special thanks to the Staff at Shenandoah Valley Health Center and Rockbridge Area Hospice. Memorial contributions can be sent to Calvary Brethren Church or Rockbridge Area Hospice.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Josephine Rowe White, age 94, of 205 Vine Avenue, Westgate, Clifton Forge, Virginia went to be with the Lord, her family by her side, on Monday, December 10, 2018 at LewisGale Hospital – Alleghany, Low Moor.

She was born December 6, 1924 in Mechanic Falls, Maine to the late Linwood and Elsie Strout Rowe.

She was a homemaker throughout her life, and was very active as a pastor's wife, supporting the ministry of her husband, the late Pastor Lloyd Trueman White, at Lone Star Advent Christian Church.

She served with her husband as house parents for the Patrick Henry Boys Home in Brookneal.

She loved the arts, painting and drawing, and played the violin in the Alleghany Orchestra. She was a member of the Red Hat Belles and the Spade and Trowel Club.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, one grandchild, and one great grandchild.

She is survived by two daughters, Joy Nicely and husband, Randy, and Joanne Hayslett and husband, Larry, both of Clifton Forge; a son, Edwin White and wife, Tracey of Troutville; a sister, Madeline Mead of Aurora, IL; nine grandchildren, Jeremy Hayslett, Jared Hayslett, Jessica Tracy, Nelson Travis Nicely, Gretchen Martin, Magnolia Perdue, Mallory White, Olivia White, and Caleb White; eleven great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in Lone Star Advent Christian Church, Nicelytown Road, Clifton Forge, with Reverend Doug Moore officiating. Interment will follow in Central Advent Christian Cemetery, Clifton Forge. The family will receive friends on Thursday afternoon from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church.

Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is handling arrangements. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Patrick Henry Family Services, Boys and Girls Homes, 1621 Enterprise Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Geraldine F. Irvine passed away peacefully at Shenandoah Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center in Buena Vista, Virginia on December 9, 2018.

Born on January 4, 1933, she was the daughter of Charles Philip Fix and Rosa Nicely Morris of Lexington.

A remarkable mother and homemaker, Geraldine was an exceptional cook, especially during the holidays. Her home garden provided many vegetables to share and preserve, most notably her pickled beets. She loved reading, crocheting, collecting dolls, and enjoying the fellowship of close friends.

Geraldine was a member and past treasurer of Poplar Hill Presbyterian Church.

She will be remembered for her loyalty to family and friends.

Geraldine was predeceased by her first husband, Ralph L. Floyd; second husband of 41 years, Walter L. Irvine; her daughter, Wendy F. Serber; and her brother, Charles K. Fix.

She is survived by her son and son-in-law, Phil Floyd and John Ong of Staunton; her son, Jack Floyd of Lexington, and her daughter, Amy McKemy of Lexington; her sister-in-law, Christel Fix of Graham, Ky., and her brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Alice Smiley of Buena Vista.

She was a loving grandmother to three grandchildren, Carl Francis Miller III (Bo) and wife, Lindsey of Salem, Miles McKemy of Richmond, and Graham McKemy of Lexington; and great grandmother to Chase and Carder Miller of Salem. She is also survived by a cousin, Dorcas Richards of Lynchburg, who provided companionship and constant support throughout her stay at Shenandoah Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Her family extends their sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Shenandoah Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center, who made her final years bright, dignified and joyful.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Harrison Funeral Home. A private burial service with family is planned.

A memorial at the goldfish pond has been established in Geraldine's honor at Shenandoah Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials for Geraldine's life be made to the Shenandoah Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center Resident Council Fund at 3737 Catalpa Ave., Buena Vista, Virginia 24416.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.

Samuel Preston (Pete) Richmond, 76, of Hot Springs, Virginia, passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at his residence.

He was born June 28, 1942 in Covington, Virginia, the son of the late Amos Calvin Richmond and Mabel Viola Davis Richmond.

Pete was employed at The Homestead Resort as a spa attendant with 37 years of service.

He was a member of the Hot Springs Baptist Church and a former member of Ashwood United Methodist Church.

He enjoyed fishing. He was a talented musician and could play the harmonica, piano, guitar and was the pianist for the Hot Springs Baptist Church.

He was a loving husband, step-father, step-grandfather and step-great grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Shirley Marie Richmond of Hot Springs; four step children, Donnie Crouse and special friend Janet Elmore of Alleghany County, Virginia, Lygenia Gwin and husband, Kenny of Hot Springs, Steven Crouse and wife, Pamela of Covington, Virginia, Jeff Crouse and special friend, Kristin Gray of Hot Springs; nine step grandchildren; thirteen step great-grandchildren; a sister; Shirley Ann Branson and husband, Fred of Dawsonville, Georgia; and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by a brother, William C. Richmond.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home with Reverend Garland Humphries officiating. Interment will be in Warm Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Cody Crouse, Austin Paxton, Jeff Crouse, Jr., Josh Crouse, Joey Crouse and Steven Crouse.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to services from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home, Hot Springs, Virginia.

Lewis Carson Franklin, 77, of Staunton, Virginia, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the Springs Nursing Center.

He was born May 7, 1941 in Bath County, Virginia, the son of the late Roy Hughes Franklin and Mary Claudine Reynolds Franklin.

Mr. Franklin was employed as a General Contractor and carpenter.

He is survived by two children, Lewis Carson Southern of Winchester, Virginia and Cathy Marie Ard of Thompson, Georgia; four grandchildren, Carson Southern, Camden Southern, Christopher Ard, Taylor Ard; a sister, Barbara Leweller of Southern Pines, NC; special niece and caregiver, Tammy Byer and special great niece and caregiver, Olivia Byer, both from Covington, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, John Carl Franklin and Roy Franklin, Jr.; a sister, Phyllis June Ferrell; a nephew, "Tinker" Ferrell.

A funeral service will be conducted at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Foundation.

Arrangements are being handled by McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.mclaughlinandyoung.com.

Russell Lambert Belton, age 70, of 800 W. Ridgeway Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia died Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke.

He was born in Clifton Forge, on September 3, 1948.

He was a retired laborer with Adams Construction Company, a former member of the Clifton Forge Moose Lodge, and a veteran of the United States Army serving in the Vietnam War.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Phillips Belton, and his friends at Scott Hill.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated and a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date at Scott Hill.

Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.

To send a condolence to the family online please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.

Horace (Bud) Argyle Teass Jr., beloved husband of Ruth Garnette Saunders, passed away in Natural Bridge on December 3, 2018 at the age of 82.

He was born on June 20, 1936 in New York, N.Y., to Horace Argyle Teass Sr. and Lettie Louise Whitt.

He grew up in Bronxville, N.Y., and graduated in 1955 from Bronxville High School. In the fall of that year, he started at Parson School of Design, where he pursued an interest in fine arts. Later, he transferred to Columbia University, where he received a joint degree in history and mathematics in 1961.

Immediately upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and entered the Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. Upon receiving his commission as Lieutenant Junior Grade in 1963, he was stationed in Norfolk, serving as a communications officer aboard the USS Cambria until 1964. His tour in the Navy took him throughout the Mediterranean, with the Cambria acting as the Flagship of the Amphibious Striking Force of the Sixth Fleet, and later in the South Atlantic in connection with the Cuban Missile Crisis. He qualified as Officer of the Deck Underway and was awarded medals for U.S. Exploratory and Armed Service in Cyprus and Cuba.

While in Norfolk, he met and later married Jean E. Widener on September 13, 1963, but later divorced.

After his service, he studied law and received a juris doctor from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary in 1967. He served as the magister of the Jefferson Inn of Phi Delta Phi, a legal fraternity. He returned to New York City to practice law with his father and was admitted to the New York bar in 1969. He married his second wife, Ruth Garnette Saunders, on May 12, 1973 in Chase City.

His association with McNab Inc., a manufacturer of precision instrumentation for marine and industrial processes, began in 1955 as a series of summer jobs. Ultimately, he rose to become president and chairman of the board. During his time at McNab, he was awarded at least 14 patents, published numerous technical papers and frequently spoke at industry conferences. In 2009, he and his wife relocated to Natural Bridge and moved the business to nearby Buena Vista.

Bud was an avid and lifelong amateur radio enthusiast (call sign W2SLC). He also embraced the role of gentlemen farmer with farmland and livestock, both in Armonk, N.Y., and Natural Bridge. He was dedicated to genealogy, and traced family roots back to origins in Europe. Travel was another passion, and he visited numerous countries on five of the seven continents. In 2018, he led three generations on a family heritage trip to Teasses in Fife County, Scotland, where the Teass name originates.

He was preceded in death by his father, Horace, and his mother, Lettie, his first wife, Jean (nee Widener) and son, Thomas Neavil.

He is survived by his second wife, Ruth Garnette, and children, Sarah Vanderberry Teass, William Garner Teass, Ann Carter (nee Hubbard), and Gwynne Whitaker Teass, and eight grandchildren, Henry Teass Hubbard, Austen Walker Teass, Rosemary Ruth Teass, Margaret Claiborne Hubbard, Fletcher Teass Simmons, Catherine Carter Hubbard, Cole Dixon Teass and Keaton Whitaker Simmons, and sister, Nancy Burke (nee James), nephew Stuart Woodward James and niece, Payton Leigh (nee Amberg), as well as numerous cousins.

A memorial service is planned at High Bridge Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 8. His cremated remains will be interred at the Middle Patent Rural Cemetery in Bedford, N.Y., at a later date.

Donations may be made to the Friends of New London Society, P. O. Box 777, Bedford, VA 24523. The Society is dedicated to local historical and genealogical research, a subject close to Bud's heart. Some of the original settlers of the New London area were ancestors of the current Teass family. Bud and Garnette recently purchased and then donated a historic church structure to serve as the permanent home of the Society.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.

Gene Ernest Chambers, age 90, of 917 Acacia Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia died Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Lewis Gale Hospital Alleghany.

He was born April 3, 1928 in Russell, Kentucky to the late John Merritt Chambers and Carley Sheets Chambers.

He served in the United States Navy and was a retired carman for the Car Department of CSX Railway Transportation. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen and enjoyed working with his hands in his garage.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Rayma Clark Chambers; a son, Thomas William Chambers; and a sister, Dreama Chambers.

He is survived by his two sons, David Chambers and wife, Darlene of Covington, Robert Chambers and wife, Lorie of Clifton Forge; a brother, Jim Chambers of Clifton Forge; seven grandchildren, Nathaniel, Hannah, Merritt Scott, Bobbie Ann, Brianna and Gabrielle Chambers, Kelly Chapman; two step grandchildren, Austin Smith and Sarah Chambers; a great grandson, Zayden Dickson; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday evening, December 11, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge. A private interment will be held in Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form contributions to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

Joseph Warren Davis, Sr., age 78, of 919 Old County Road, Clifton Forge, Virginia died Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at his residence.

He was born March 3, 1940 in Clifton Forge to the late James Beauford Davis and Mable Barnette Davis.

He served in the United States Army, was a retired feeder driver for UPS, and was a member, deacon and trustee for First Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Janice Lewis, and a brother, Jerome Davis.

He is survived by five daughters, Joanna Miller and husband, Jaun of Covington, Jaynell Davis of Clifton Forge, Tereva Blake and fiance, Chris Montgomery of Selma, Tyra Williams and husband, Chauncey of Covington, and Rhonda Coles of Maryland; five sons, Joseph Warren Davis, Jr., Jason Davis, James Davis, and Jeffrey Davis, Sr., all of Clifton Forge, and Kevin Cash and wife, Nikki of Florida; five sisters, June Mansfield and husband, Wayland, Gloria Davis, Jennifer Dearing and husband, Alfred, and Jacqueline, all of Clifton Forge, and Joyce Pierce of Hampton; one brother, James Beauford Davis Jr. of Roanoke; twenty-four grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in First Baptist Church, Clifton Forge, with Reverend Roslyn Thomas officiating.

Interment will follow in Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.

Michael Ray May, 70, of 5711 Johnson Creek Road, Covington, Virginia died Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at his residence.

He was born October 19, 1948 in Alleghany County, a son of the late Lonnie Glenn May and Mary Meadows May.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Southall and a brother, Preston B. May.

Mr. May served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Michael retired as a heavy equipment operator with Branch Highways, Inc.

He was affiliated with Johnson Creek ARP Church.

He was an avid outdoorsman and loved teaching the outdoors to the youth.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Alice Guajardo May of Covington; a daughter, Melissa May of Covington; a sister, Christine Martin and husband, Donald of Paint Bank; a brother, John May of Covington; a special grandchild, Maria Rodriguez; a host of great family friends to include James "Bubby" Ward and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Saturday December 8, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home.

The family will receive their friends Friday from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Arritt Funeral Home.

The interment will be held at Johnson Creek ARP Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be James "Bubby" Ward, Arnold Meadows Jr., Jerry Lee Meadows Jr., Melvin Campbell, Casey Bradberry Sr., and Melissa May. Alternate Pallbearers will be Casey Bradberry Jr., Cody O'Conner, and David Wiley.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made in Mr. May's name to the Dunlap Fire and Rescue Department at P. O. Box 218, Covington, VA 24426.