Andrew Eugene Basham, Sr., 90, of 5614 Johnson Creek Road, Covington, Virginia, died Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at his residence.

He was born June 1, 1919 at Laurel Branch, West Virginia, a son of the late James D. and Addie Carter Basham.

Mr. Basham served with the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater.

He retired in 1981 from MeadWestvaco in the Boiler House after 37 years of service.

He was a member of the Hoke Chapel United Methodist Church where he served as a Board member, usher and member of the Hoke Chapel Men's Club. He was a member of the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Viola Sartain Basham in 1991; a daughter, Kathy Basham in 1970, and also by two sisters and one brother.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, the Rev. Andrew E. Basham, Jr. and his wife, Beverly of Sumter, SC; three daughters, Shelia White and Francine Basham, both of Covington and Mary Mullins and her husband, Carl, of Hot Springs; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Elroy and Christine Basham of Covington and Otmer and Ann Basham of High Point, NC and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. in the Arritt Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jim Rodden officiating, assisted by the Rev. Lynn Wright.

The interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery with graveside rites being conducted by the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033, VFW.

Friends may pay their respects at any time at Arritt Funeral Home and the family will receive their friends Thursday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. at the funeral

home. Memorials: Memorials may be made ot either Dunlap Fire & Rescue Dept., 4115 Midland Trail, Covington, VA 24426 or Mountain Regional Hospice, P.O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.