WILLIAM W. (BILL) WILLIAMS
William W. (Bill) Williams, age 85, of Clarksburg, WV, died on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, at River Oaks, Clarksburg, WV, where he had resided since May 2016.
Mr. Williams was born in Masontown, WV, on May 1, 1931, a son of the late Earl and Lillie Lemmons Williams.
He was preceded in death by his wife of over 59 years, Elizabeth “Sue” Williams. He was also preceded in death by three older siblings, Kermit, Christine and Alice Jane. He is survived by one brother, Robert Williams (Verna) of Fairfax, VA.
Mr. Williams is survived by two daughters, Christy Butera (Joe) of Bethel Park, PA; and Nancy Williams Parks of Clarksburg; a son, Preston Williams (Mari-Jane) of Manassas, VA; six grandchildren, Joe Butera (Melissa), Abby Butera, Graham Parks, Amelia Parks, Eli Williams and Audrey Williams; and two great-grandchildren, Samuel Butera and Elise Butera. He also is survived by his sister-in-law, Patty Snyder of Kingwood, WV, and several nieces and nephews.
Bill served as a truck mechanic in the U.S. Army in Korea. After moving to Clarksburg from Preston County, Bill worked as an accountant, retiring from Pardee & Curtin Lumber Company. He performed bookkeeping services for Ace Hardware of Bridgeport and many private clients. After retirement, he became a ham radio enthusiast and was a long-time member and former president of the Stonewall Jackson Amateur Radio Association (K8WWW); even in ill health, he looked forward to checking in on “the net.” Up until a year before his death, he enjoyed meeting with friends from his Sunday school group from the 1960s, the Wesley Crusaders, and attending the annual Valley Alumni Association High School Reunion in Preston County.
Bill was a long-time resident of the Broad Oaks community and had several great neighbors throughout the years. His family, friends and neighbors will remember his love of harmonica playing, corncakes and crossword puzzles, and his favorite yellow tape measure suspenders. Most of all, they will remember his wry sense of humor and quiet generosity. During the last several months, the staff at River Oaks and his roommate, Korean War veteran Chet Ostrowski, became “family,” too.
WATHER D. “BUD” PRITCHARD
Wather D. “Bud” Pritchard, 92, of Brierwood Community in Bridgeport, passed away February 15, 2017, at Ruby Memorial Hospital.
He was born September 25, 1924, in Clarksburg, WV, the only child of the late George Dee and Ida Mae Wallace Pritchard.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen Marie Snider Pritchard, whom he married on September 15, 1947.
He is also survived by a son, James S. Pritchard and his wife Cynthia of Clarksburg; and one granddaughter, Andrea Rae Pritchard of Morgantown.
Bud graduated from Washington Irving High School, where he played football; he went on to graduate from Salem College and received his master’s degree from West Virginia University in education. He was a proud veteran of the “Greatest Generation,” having served in the United States Army during WWII during the D-day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Bud performed assigned duties in the European Theatre of Operations. He assisted in caring for the sick and wounded of the hospital ward, and administered hypodermic injections, recorded pulse and temperature readings, bandaged injuries and prepared patients for preoperative and postoperative care.
He retired from the Harrison County School System, serving as principal of North View School in 1986 with 35 years of service. He also retired in 2005 as an insurance agent, having his own agency with Municipal Mutual Insurance Company for 57 years.
Bud was a member of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church, a member of Hermon Lodge No. 6 AF & AM, 32nd-degree Scottish Rite Mason, Nemesis Temple Shrine of Parkersburg, and the Central West Virginia Shrine Club. He also was a member of the Bridgeport Lions Club, a member of the American Legion Post 31, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 573.
He loved his family and was always there with the tools when something needed to be repaired or fixed. He and his son were always doing projects of improvement together. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
GARY LYNN BAILEY
Gary Lynn Bailey, 59, of Bridgeport, WV, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017, at the United Hospital Center.
He was born in Baltimore, MD, on April 6, 1957, a son of Robert L. Bailey of Jane Lew and Erma P. Pugh Ice of Bridgeport.
Gary is survived by his companion of 17 years, Marjorie Prince.
He is also survived by one son, Gary L. Bailey Jr. and wife Lisa of Grafton; and one daughter, Amber Bailey and companion Darean Soles of Anmoore; two brothers, Larry Bailey and wife Paulette of Philippi and Robert L. Bailey of Albuquerque, New Mexico; three sisters, Donna Smith and husband Edsel of Berlin, Beverly Hatim and husband Matti of Virginia and Sherry Deem of Jane Lew; six grandchildren, Cody Bailey, Noah Bailey, Timothy Bailey, Joslyn Swiger, Madison Swiger and Devin Swiger; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one granddaughter.
Gary worked for Central Concrete Supply Company and enjoyed watching wrestling of all types.
KATHY VIRGINIA BOLYARD
Kathy Virginia Bolyard, 66, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at the United Hospital Center.
She was born on October 13, 1950, in Clarksburg, a daughter of the late Leroy and Helen Liller.
Kathy is survived by her three children, Tonya J. Weekley, James Donley Weekley and William Daniel Weekley all of Clarksburg; one sister, Ann Whipkey and husband, Boyrd, of Lost Creek; four grandchildren, Savannah Sheets, Skylar Weekley, AyriAnna Weekley and Braxton Weekley; and her neighbors, Robbie and Tammy Jenkins and their children Lindsey and Jessica, who were always kind enough to help watch after Kathy. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by one brother, Roy Liller.
Kathy was a graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School and, in her younger years, worked as a title clerk for Harry Green. She attended New Beginnings Church in Lost Creek and enjoyed reading her Bible daily. Kathy loved to cook for her family and friends, loved animals and her grandchildren were her happiness.
BETTY R. MOORE GILL
Betty R. Moore Gill, 93, of Bridgeport passed away Sunday afternoon, Feb. 9, 2017, in the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center.
She was born in Camden, NJ, on January 24, 1924, a daughter of the late Van Karl and Ruth (Davies) Moore.
On June 5, 1947, she married Armin John “Bud” Gill Sr., who preceded her in death on March 21, 2007.
She is survived by three children, Linda Coleman and husband, Barry, of Miamisburg, OH, Donna Hartley and husband, Warren, of Rivesville, and Armin J. “A.J.” Gill Jr. and wife, Janie, of Bridgeport; seven grandchildren, Courtney Coleman Prang and husband, Jim, of Zanesville, OH; Barry A. Coleman and wife, Megan, of Fairfield, OH; Elizabeth Coleman Abbott and husband, Brandon, of Kettering, OH; Rebecca Hartley and companion, Will Habbershon, of Rivesville; Melissa Jura and husband, Mike, of Fairmont; A. Jacob Gill and fiancé, India Cook, of Fairmont, and Jonathan Gill and wife, Talena, of Bridgeport; great-grandchildren, Kirah, Lillian Betty, Summer Grace, Riley, Jaxson Armin, Kylie, Cole, Seth, Olivia Ruth, Kailyn and Cullen; a brother, Donald W. Moore, Ellensburg, WA; and several nieces and nephews.
Betty was a homemaker and retired secretary. She is a graduate of Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, PA, an artist and an award winning and published author, having received six local, state and international awards. Her poem “Magic World” won first place in Light Verse in the 1987 West Virginia Writers Inc. annual competition. Her visual poem “Secret Place” was published in the Fall 1996 issue of Grab-A-Nickel, and her essay “Stinky” was Honorable Mention in the 1997 Writers’ Digest International Competition. Poetry and short stories have earned her local honors.
She was an active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and Bridgeport Hill C.E.O.S. She held membership in West Virginia Writers Inc. A member of W.R.A.P. (Writers, Readers and Poets) since 1987, she served two years as President. She had been a volunteer at Louis A. Johnson Veterans Hospital since 1991 and a life-time member of Post 68 American Legion Auxiliary.
The family would like to acknowledge the excellent care and wonderful compassion given by the staff at John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center during her stay.
ROBERT LEE RHODES
Robert Lee Rhodes, 79, of Shinnston passed away on Feb. 20, 2017, at home surrounded by his family.
He was born on No. 13, 1937, in Clay County to the late Lee W. and Virginia Holcomb Rhodes.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Eula Mae Rhodes; their children, Carol Morgan and husband, Harold, of Clarksburg, Donna Thomas of Shinnston, Robbie Rhodes of Morgantown, JoAnn Miller and husband, Ed, of Gypsy, Andrew Thomas and wife, Sabrina, of Enterprise, LeRoy Thomas of Enterprise; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; his brothers, Edward Rhodes, Ray Rhodes and wife, Jane, Roy Rhodes and wife, Pat; his sister, Jewel Peterson; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded by two sisters, Lerena Jeffries and Clarice Williams, and his brother, Randall Rhodes.
Robert is retired from the United States Army as a Sergeant First Class in Communication Logistics. He enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and WVU Mountaineers. Robert enjoyed hunting and fishing.
GENEVA “JEAN” ANN HEADLEY
Geneva “Jean” Ann Headley, 72, of Salem passed away Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at United Hospital Center.
She was born May 12, 1944, in Haywood, a daughter of Leonard Franklin Shaw Sr. and Thelma Nuzum Shaw.
Jean is survived by her companion, Larry Lucas of Salem; two sons, Loren “Dusty” Headley of Shinnston and David Headley and companion, Amanda Summers, of Salem; three grandsons, Levi, William and Blake Headley; two granddaughters, Stormy and Autumn Headley; one great- grandson, Maddox Headley; two brothers, Roger Shaw and wife, Frances, and Boyd Shaw, all of Spelter; three sisters, Betty Lewis of Haywood, Wanda Fuller of Grafton, Freda Shingleton and husband, John, of Grafton; several nieces and nephews and one sister-in-law, Kimberly Shaw of Jane Lew.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Leonard Franklin Jr. and George Lynn Shaw; and one sister, Vera Lee Shaw.
PENNY DAWN DAVISSON KING
Penny Dawn Davisson King, 50, of Clarksburg, passed away on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, at her residence. She was born on Sept. 24, 1966, in Washington, D.C., a daughter of the late Paul Short and Elaine Cook King.
Penny is survived by her husband, William Ray “Billy” King; her three children, Aaron Harris of Bridgeport, Richard Davisson of Clarksburg and Haley Winters and husband, Isaiah, of Clarksburg; three grandchildren, Liliana Harris, Aubrey Davisson and Nolan Davisson; and one brother, Paul Short and wife, Brenda, of Charleston.
In addition to her parents, Penny was preceded in death by one infant brother, Adam Short.
Penny was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, especially baking candy, sewing and doing crafts. She was Methodist by faith and most importantly she loved her family.
PHYLLIS LEE DRAIN HELMS
Phyllis Lee Drain Helms, 84, of Shinnston, went to be with her Lord at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at the Genesis Pierpont Center in Fairmont.
She was born in Shinnston on October 7, 1932, a daughter of the late Robert and Opal Sims Drain.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Bernard Helms, whom she married May 29, 1953.
Surviving are one daughter, Vickie Ashcraft and her husband Michael, Haywood; two granddaughters, Aimee Bittinger and Heather Ashcraft, both of Shinnston; great-grandchildren, Hailey Bittinger, Morgantown, and Zachary Bittinger, Shinnston; her former grandson-in-law, Justin Bittinger, Adamsville; three brothers, Robert Drain and his wife Dottie, Jane Lew, Danny Drain and his wife Karen, Terry Michael Drain and his wife Pamela, all of Shinnston; one sister, Joan Tate and her husband Norman, Gypsy; brother-in-law, Donald Helms, NJ; sisters-in-law, Sandra Drain, VA, Bertha Mills, Cottageville; her dear friend, Margaret Ashcraft; and several nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Norma Jean Scritchfield and her husband Edward, Ronald Drain, Loretta Curfman and Jack Curfman; her mother- and father-in-law, Carnie Fay Helms and Mary Emma Ray Helms Pennington; brothers-in-law, Joseph Helms and his wife Sharon, Billy Mills; sisters-in-law, Doris Fay Helms Stutler, Kathleen Jackson McCullough, Ellen Freeman and her husband David, Betty Helms; nieces and nephews, Jerri Stark, Kevin Todd Drain, Delores Jackson Drainer, Fay Jackson, Allen Mills and Joey Drainer.
Phyllis was formerly employed at Hazel Atlas, the United States Post Office and Millie’s Restaurant. She loved being around her friends and family. She babysat both of her granddaughters, great-granddaughter and great-grandson. She enjoyed shopping, country music and going out to eat. The family would like to thank the staff of Genesis Healthcare, Fairmont Regional Medical Center and Amedisys Hospice for their care of our loved one.
ROBERT DAVIDSON FARIS JR.
Robert Davidson Faris Jr., 91, of Bridgeport, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2017, at Salem Center with family by his side.
He was born October 26, 1925, son of the late Robert Davidson Faris Sr. and Eleanor Mayors Faris Hartman in Bridgeport, where he was raised and where he made his home with wife Marjorie Symons Allen Faris, who survives.
Also surviving: His children, David Faris and wife, Tammera, of Bridgeport, Anne Faris Bartlett and Troy of Bridgeport; seven grandchildren, John William Cienawski and wife, Alicia, of Fairmont, David “Scott” Faris of Los Angeles, CA, Tyler Ross Faris of Kaneohe, HI, Amanda Faris Wallace and husband, Alex, of Bridgeport, Robert “Michael” Sabatino, of Portland, OR, Joshua Staats Sabatino of Portland, OR, and Justin and Katy Bartlett of Nutter Fort; four great-grandchildren, Paxton, Gabe, Ella, and Silas; two sisters, Mary Louise Bennett of Rye, NY, and Gretchen Pisano; two brothers, George Thomas Faris of Los Angeles, CA, and John Faris; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his son, Mark Gordon Faris, and one sister, Betty Faris Morgan.
Bob was a graduate of Bridgeport High School, and he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from WVU. He served our country in the United States Army during World War II. Bob was a State Farm Agent for 50 years. He loved his farm and spending time on the gazebo with family and friends and being outdoors. He and his wife were world travelers and covered six of the seven continents. Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he and his wife were very active over the years. He loved driving his mini corvette in the local parades with the Central WV Shrine Club of Nemesis Shriners.
