Ronald Kyle Whitten, Sr., 74 of Griffithsville, WV, departed this world on Sunday, November 27, 2022, after a long illness. We know that he is free from pain and waiting for us in heaven.

He is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Hazel (Bays) Whitten, In laws Millard and Rebel (Purdy) Toney, granddaughter Katelyn Renea, brothers Barry Whitten, Roger (Lorette) Whitten, and Donald Whitten and Sister Sharon Hope (Denny) Baisden.

Those left to cherish his memory; his wife of 53 years Katherine Toney Whitten, Son, Ronald Whitten, Jr of Griffithsville, Daughter, Renea Christian (Bobby) of Griffithsville, Granddaughter, Kaylee Christian, Grandson, Kyle Christian both of Griffithsville, Great-Grandson, Emmitt Edwards of Griffithsville. Sister-in-laws, Charlotte Whitten of Griffithsville, Chiquita Whitten of Woodville, Pat Toney of Georgia and a host of nieces and nephews.

Ronald was a 1965 Duval High School Graduate where he lettered in basketball, football and baseball. He was a member of Beech Grove Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School teacher for 40 years. He was a Trustee, sang in the choir, youth leader and former member of Beech Grove Four Quartet. He loved that church and always strived to let others see Christ in him.

He was inducted in the United States Army on December 14, 1967, and served his Country 14 months in Vietnam. Sp5 Ronald Whitten’s duties were battery B1/Artillery and USARPAC. He received the following metals National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Campaign Metal, Vietnam Service Metal, Army Commendation Metal and Good Contact Metal. He was a member of the Alum Creek VFW post 4768.

Ronald started his career in 1969 self-employed at R&K grocery in Salt Rock, WV, from there he moved to Montgomery, WV, and owned Tri-Way Exxon stations throughout Kanawha County and a carwash in Smithers WV. In 1980 he moved back to Griffithsville and soon after became co-owner of Whitten’s IGA in Woodville, WV. He was a wonderful businessman and spectacular family man. He retired 25 years ago when he became a grandfather; to spend his time spoiling his granddaughter, Kaylee. Just a few years ago he was blessed with his grandson Kyle and they enjoyed countless hours cuddling. He was blessed to welcome Emmitt, his great-grandson this year, that filled his heart with joy and always brought a smile to his face.

Ronald loved fishing on his Ranger boat and for the past few years spent time at his summer home in Summersville. WV, enjoying the lake and relaxing on the pontoon with Katherine. He loved watching football with his son and talking news and politics with his daughter. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend.

There are not enough kind words that can be spoken about this wonderful man. He was the best and will be missed dearly.

Service will be 2:00pm Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, with Pastors K.D. Bragg and Richard McCallister officiating. Burial with Military Rites will follow at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey, WV. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Home Health, LCOC and Hospice of Charleston for the care they provided through this journey.

Bishop Avis L. Hill, 79, of Barboursville, formerly of Alum Creek born October 5, 1943, departed this life to be with Jesus, Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Saint Mary’s Medical Center.

Bishop Hill is survived by one loving daughter, the apple of his eye, Paula (Joe) Hill Gillenwater of Hollywood, SC and her mother, Linda “Eskew” Bailey, and a special friend of the family Angie Hedrick Brown an undeclared adopted daughter. Angie from childhood looked to Bishop Hill as a mentor and Father figure. Angie is the daughter of Bucky and Carol Hedrick lifetime friends.

He is also survived by 3 stepsons, Joseph Bailey, of Cross Lanes, WV, Robert Bailey, and Timothy Bailey of Morgantown, WV and their mother, Jane Hill of Alum Creek, WV. 2 brothers, Rev. Bill (Paula) Hill of South Charleston, WV & Tim (Brenda) Hill, 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, plus nephews and nieces and a host of cousins and friends from WV to Florida.

Bishop Hill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rev. Sherry McGee-Hill and stepson, Gary Chavann of West Palm Beach, Florida, and also preceded in death by brother, Rev. Randall Hill of Camp Creek, WV, father, Buster Avis Hill and mother, Dollie Mae Linville Hill.

Bishop Hill was pastor of Westgate Tabernacle and Sheltering the Homeless, poor and hurting. Bishop Hill was like a father to over 200 men, women, children, and elderly for 20 years, also feeding over 500 meals per day in Palm Beach County until 2011.

Bishop Hill was awarded numerous humanitarian awards, Man of the Year, Brown University. Also, awarded one of the top 10 humanitarians of South Florida, featured in a documentary on YouTube called “Avis vs. Goliath Documentary” Westgate Tabernacle, Pastor advocating in the homeless outreach of Palm Beach County!

Bishop Hill was a conservative Christian voice on behalf of God, family, and country. The great textbook war of 1974, Kanawha Country’s largest citizen uprising, to nearly dwarf the United Mine Worker Blair Mountain Stand, Boone County, WV fighting with John L. Lewis, for union recognition. This textbook war, cultural revolution struggle, backed by NEA and other supporting the removal of prayer from our public schools along with removal of the 10 Commandments. The early days of the cultural revolution that has been responsible for The Secular Humanist (man of god) movement in our educational establishments today, for over 40 years.

Reverend Hill also appeared on numerous TV and radio talk shows. 60 minutes, Maury Povich, where he debated atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair, who in 1963 was responsible for the Supreme Court of the US striking down prayer in our schools! Also, the Phil Donahue Show out of Chicago!

Founder of Dollie Hill Christian Academy, graduating many young Christian leaders, from church pastors, professionals, doctors, and numerous small business leaders to hard working blue collar skilled workers. Working to make America great again! Also, founder and pioneer of a Christian 24/7 cable TV station in Alum Creek, WV, Bishop’s hometown.

Oasis International Ministry, of which Bishop Hill president and has continued even to this day, by Hope, his former wife. Still providing food through “Feeding America” by Feeding South Florida, the West Palm Beach area.

Bishop’s last years, lived in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He and wonderful friend, Peggy Wynock, traveled and Bishop also worked as associate music minister with Rev. Jeff Wood, pastor of Oasis of Mercy and also attending Victory Baptist Church on occasion, great fellowship.

Bishop Avis was limited in the last years, fighting a battle after 2 heart attacks and COPD. His ministry was on Facebook where he had over 5,000 friends, over 3600 following daily on his Facebook page.

His need for a 24-hour caretaker after 2 heart attacks and his battle with COPD was answered by his distant cousin and companion, former student of Dollie Hill Christian Academy! It’s something to see God causing doors to open concerning our needs.

Bishop and his faithful furball companion cock a poo, Biscuit, hosted the A & B hour at 11am daily on Facebook for over 7 years. Music and singing was one of the best ways to deliver the message of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness.

Bishop Hill remarked in his last years that God had allowed him the opportunity to minister to more people by way of the internet than any other time in his life.

Although Bishop Hill never shirked away from the opportunity to speak truth to power. His nearly 50 years of ministry has given him opportunity to be guest on numerous TV and radio stations. From testifying in US Congress Congressional Hearings to actually being a candidate for US Congress of the 3rd Congressional district of WV in 1976.

Bishop Hill’s conservative opinions have been forward and bold. Standing for the Pro-Life Movement since the Roe vs. Wade decision by the US Supreme Court in 1973. His God fearing love for family and country has caused him to be like a lightning rod as he stood proudly for the very things that has made America Great! Even to his strong conservative opinions! And his support of Donald J. Trump in his attempt to make America great again! We can make a difference! Because if we fail to stand up for freedom, silence is acceptable! God bless and keep you until we meet again with our Lord Jesus Christ and our many loved ones in Heaven! In God We Trust.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastors David Bragg & Charles Shelton officiating. Burial will follow at Forks of Coal Cemetery, Alum Creek. Friends and family will gather 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ten Up Ministries, 12646 Coal River Road, St. Albans, WV 25177 or Union Mission, 503 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV 25301.

Bobby Lee (Tuffy) Holstine, 93, of Alum Creek, left this earthly home surrounded by family for his heavenly home on November 21, 2022. He was born on January 2, 1929, in Olcott, WV to Sam and Mavie (Bias) Holstine. Tuffy was always eager to tell everyone that he was “Born Again” in 1967 and became a member of the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church where he worshipped and served on the Trustee board. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Shirley, his brothers Junior and Charles, and sister Maxine Smith. He is survived by his son Tim (Gayla) Holstine of Alum Creek, Grand-daughters Tori Holstine of Poquoson, VA, and Maggie (Brendon) Leaptrot of Kenna and his two precious great-grand-children, Coleman and Haley Leaptrot. Dad is also survived by his three nephews Charles, Gary, and Jerry (Babe) Holstine, whom he treasured so very much.

Dad loved his country; he was a proud veteran having served during the Korean War he spent two years in Germany with the U.S. Army’s 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment on “high alert” in defense of the Fulda Gap. While in Germany he also traveled on a private train and played baseball with the Army’s exhibition team. Dad was a charter member of the VFW Post 4768 where he participated, and occasionally lead, the Honor Guard detail.

Dad enjoyed spending time with family at his camp in Pocahontas County. There he hunted for turkey and deer, dug his share of Ginseng, and fished the streams for native trout. In his later years you could find him sitting on the porch steps enjoying a cup of hot sweet tea, or maybe stretched out on the front porch swing catching a nap. Dad was also always ready to get his cards out for a game of Rummy.

Dad’s true passion had to be operating and maintaining heavy equipment. He was a retired member of the I.U.O.E. Local 132. While working as a mechanic and demonstrating equipment, he purchased his first bulldozer in 1965. He started an excavating business adding more equipment and trucks which he operated until his declining health forced him to “slow down” in 2021. Dad never retired.

Thanks to Hospice workers Jo, Tiffany, Amanda, and Libby that took great care of Dad and the family in his time of need. In lieu of flowers, the family would like for donations to be made to Hospice, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV 25312 or go toward the purchase of Gideon Bibles.

Dad’s former Pastor and long-time friend Dwight McClure will be officiating the funeral service. Funeral service will be on Monday, November 28th, 1:00 p.m., at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, WV. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, with VFW Post 4768 participating.

There will be no visitation.

Kenneth Wayne Hughes, 66, of Sod passed away Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Select Specialty Hospital, Charleston.

Kenneth retired from Taco Bell. He enjoyed being outside and gardening.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Tommy & Franklin Hughes.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Cindy Hughes; sons, Arlynn Hughes & Robert Hughes; daughter, Kaitlynn Hughes; 4 granddaughters, Mackenzie Hughes, Zoey Hughes, April Goff, & Natalie Goff; brother, Roger Hughes; and sisters, Carol Hughes, Barbara Damato, & Donna Pasko.

Kenneth will be cremated, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Connie Lee Johnson, 84, of South Charleston passed away Friday, November 11, 2022, at Stonerise in Charleston. Connie will be laid to rest at Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar.

Barry Todd “Bear” Shirley, 62, of Griffithsville, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2022, at home.

Bear was a 1978 graduate of Duval High School and was a 42-year member of Sprinkler Fitter Local 669. He had a great love for hunting, fishing, & shooting his guns on the Dorsey farm. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his father, Quentin Shirley; sister-in-law, Sharon Shirley.

Barry is survived by his precious mother, Betty Shirley. He was a proud father and loved all of his children; Michael (Carissa) Shirley, Heather Shirley, Brandon Shirley, Sabrina Hill, & Skyler Rizer. He is also survived by brothers, Keith Shirley, Bret (Robin) Shirley, Brian (Beverly) Shirley; 9 grandchildren, Jacob, Evan, Matalee, Jenna, Mason, Maxim, Avery, Mellanie, & Waverley; and several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 13, 2022, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Craig Gillenwater officiating. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. It was Bear’s wish to be cremated and his cremains will be placed at Miller Cemetery, Sweetland at a later date.

Roger Lee Wheeler, age 89, born on May 19, 1933, went home to be with the Lord on November 7, 2022. He fought heart complications and lived through multiple heart attacks before God finally asked him to rest. God gave him to Ira Wheeler and Ettus Banks Wheeler, and a brother Larry Wheeler, who are now deceased.

Roger was born in Logan and moved to Beechie Fork in Alum Creek about five years later. He graduated from Duval High School in 1951 then went into the army, which paid for his way through college at Morris Harvey. He married Patsy Kidd on November 21, 1956. He started a career at Frankenbergers on Capitol St., became a buyer for Stone and Thomas, then a salesman for H.I.S. He won “Salesman of the Year” award. This was the first time it had been given. Patsy worked as his secretary and they traveled together.

He helped build the Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Alum Creek. He was a charter member and taught the Youth Sunday School class. He was a great member of the community and the first president of the Alum Creek Lions Club. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy, of 65 years and his “little girl”, Nancy Matthews (John). He loved his nieces and nephews: Robbie Wheeler, Connie Wheeler, Jon Matthews (Anna), Michelle Means (Derrick), Larry Wheeler Jr, Dawn Miller, Denita Kayyali (Ammar), Danielle Wheeler (Rod), Ja Kidd, Jill Kidd, and Janai Kidd. And a special friend, Larry Pauley.

Funeral will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 12, at Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Alum Creek with Pastor Daniel Dent. Visitation will be from 11:00 – 1:00 at the church. Burial will follow at Forks of Coal Memorial Park, Alum Creek.

Homer Harwood Cash, 75, of Danville passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at Hillcrest Health Care Center, Danville.

Homer was a former employee of Black Rock Construction. He was a member of Nitro Moose Lodge and loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, dirt track, & Nascar.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Nancy Parsons Cash; parents, Homer E. Cash, Jr. & Elizabeth Hissom Cash; sons, Gregory Allen Cash, Matthew Homer Cash; brothers, Charles E. Cash, John Wesley Cash, & James Franklin Cash.

Homer is survived by son, Robert (Samantha) Cash; granddaughters, Bethany Lynn (Ryan) Dawson, Haley Elizabeth Cash; grandsons, Brandon Matthew Cash, Landon Franchini, & Liam Franchini; great granddaughter, Emelia Dawson.

Private services are scheduled for Saturday, November 12, 2022, and Homer will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Milton.

In lieu of flowers, donations toward funeral expenses would be appreciated to
Curry Funeral Home, PO Box 9, Alum Creek, WV 25003.

Deloris Sue “Dee” Messer, 78, of Julian passed away Monday, November 7, 2022, at home.

Dee was a homemaker and loved taking care of her family and friends. She enjoyed gardening and baking.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund & Maggie Hager; brothers, William, Lowell Gene, Sike, & Roger Hager; sisters, Alberta Smith, Geraldine Miller, Lucille Tully, Hazel Reynolds, & Cat Bird Bays.

Dee is survived by her husband of 53 years, Zeke; daughters, Rhonda (Shorty) Sutphin & Sandy Messer (Randy Blethen); son, Joe Messer; sister, Joy Sadler; grandson, Charles Sutphin, II; and was Nana to Kendal Maynard.

Service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 10, 2022, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Chuck Gillispie officiating. Burial will follow at Hill Cemetery, Julian. Friends and family will gather one hour before the service at the funeral home.

Special thanks to Vivian Daniels and Adrian Gillispie for their love and care of Dee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hill Cemetery, C/O Olive Baptist Church, PO Box 152, Julian, WV 25529.

Brian Atlee Griffith, 59, of South Charleston, born on August 17, 1963, passed away on November 6, 2022.

Brian lived his life with no regrets. He had a love for music from the 70’s and liked it loud (to the dismay of his neighbors). He never pretended to be something he wasn’t and loved his family to no end.

Brian was an extremely skilled carpenter and made some beautiful pieces of woodwork over the years. He also had an amazing talent for writing poetry. If you were lucky enough to receive one of his poems, you know he had the most eloquent handwriting and poured his heart into those words.

Brian was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Lee Griffith, in 1999. He was truly a lost soul after she passed. He was also preceded by infant brother, Kevin Lee Griffith, maternal grand-parents, Burton and Bertye Hedrick and paternal grandparents, Charles and Clara Griffith.

Brian is survived by his father, Paul Griffith, and sisters, Kem Griffith, Paula Belcher and Hope Griffith. Nephew and nieces, Nathan, Morgan and Natalie; and one great-niece, Kynzie. Brian was also blessed with a half-sister, Michelle Carter, and 2 half-brothers, Troy and Lenny Taylor, and their children, as well as host of cousins and a few close friends.

Brian did not want a service as he wanted to the see the people he loved while he “was on this side of the dirt”, as he called it. He requested to be cremated and to have his ashes scattered at his childhood home on Griffith Lane, the family camp in Pocahontas County and his mother’s grave at Forks of Coal Cemetery.

A very special thank you to the staff at Meadowbrook Acres for the care they provided for Brian the last 6 months, as well as putting up with all of his shenanigans; the staff were not only his caretakers, but became his friends, which meant the world to him.