Obituaries

Melvena Ann “Sis” Barrett, 74, of Huntington passed away Thursday, November 2, 2023 in Cabell Huntington Hospital. Funeral service will be conducted 1:00 P.M. Monday, November 6, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home with Pastor Marty Gute officiating. Interment will follow in Spring Valley Memory Gardens. Melvena was born April 11, 1949 in Jacksonville, Ohio a daughter of the late Mike and Amelia Sauser Erdy. She was a retired teachers’ aide having worked in the Wayne County School System. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Lewis “Lew” Barrett, Jr. and a brother John Erdy. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law Melissa “Missy” Hardin (Mark); one step-son and step-daughter-in-law William R. “Bill” Barrett (Tina); one brother George Erdy (Nicole): grandchildren Matthew Hardin, Michael Hardin, Olivia Gilliland (Coldan), Leigha Barrett and a special friend Kim who graciously took care of her precious Peanut. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com. Continue reading “Melvena Ann “Sis” Barrett”

Gary Lesley Robinson, 77, of Kenova passed away Monday, October 30, 2023 in St. Mary’s Medical Center. Funeral service will be conducted 1:00 P.M. Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Byard officiating. Interment will follow in Ceredo Crescent Hill Cemetery. Gary was born November 8, 1945 in Wayne Co., WV. a son of the late Oscar Taylor and Marie Maynard Robinson. He was a retired telephone repairman and was a veteran having served in the U.S. Navy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons Gary L. Robinson, II and David Wayne Robinson and one brother Lester G. Robinson. Survivors include one sister Flora Mae
Dalton; one brother and sister-in-law Larry Glenn (Kelly) Robinson and one sister-in-law Mae Robinson; two grandsons Kaleb and Chandler Robinson; two great-grandsons Jayden Robinson and Hunter Pinson; several nieces and nephews and two special nieces Megan Robinson and Jessica McCormick; one uncle and aunt Dallas and Janet Maynard and several other family and
friends. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Robert “Bob” Wellman, 78 of Kenova West Virginia, met Jesus Face to Face on October 24, 2023. He was surrounded by his wife and children, following an extended illness. Bob was born May 22, 1945; at his home place on Upper Gragston near Prichard, West Virginia. He is survived by Carole, his precious wife of 58 wonderful years; their children, Jason (Mary Ann), Amber, (Tim)Carlson of Georgia; Allen (Kathy) Wellman, Michele Wellman, and daughter-in-law Stephanie of Fort Worth, TX. Proud Pops to his grandsons: Isaiah, Elijah and Payne Wellman. Nephews Jeremy, Joey, and Jamison Wellman, and Niece Jill (Wellman) Pike. He was a very special Uncle to Kyle and Chad Bellomy and Missy Smith.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Bud and Louise Wellman, son Jamie Wellman, and brother, Beecher Wellman.
He was a 1963 graduate of Buffalo High School. He retired from AK Steel and as the energy education director for RESA/Wayne County Schools. He coached youth football, basketball and baseball and served many years on the Wayne County board of education. His heart and passion was serving his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. He was a deacon at Oakview Baptist Church and was currently a faithful member and Sunday school teacher at Buffalo Valley Baptist Church, church camp counsellor and youth group leader impacting many young lives. He was a founding member of the Happy Valley Boys gospel group. He never missed an opportunity to spread the gospel through testimony and singing. He sang at churches throughout the Tri-state, revivals and even prison ministries across WV and the southeast.
Bob was a gentle giant who let his light shine. He was well known for his beautiful voice and amazing talent to play the piano. He left a legacy of kindness, integrity, love for his family and a friend to all. He lived his life putting God first and made an impact on countless lives of those he met. He will be missed here on earth, but was greeted in Heaven, with a heroes welcome. Well done, thy good and faithful servant!
Visitation will be Sunday October 29th from 4-7 pm at the Buffalo Valley Baptist Church. Funeral service will be Monday, 1 pm at the church. Pastor Kim Stone and Pastor Tim Jayne officiating. Burial to follow at Bean Cemetery Prichard, WV. Rollins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Charles R. Cantrell, 88, of Kenova, W.Va. passed away October 21, 2023 at his home. He was born June 4, 1935 a son of the late Charles R. Cantrell and Vernie Cantrell Adkins. Growing up in Catlettsburg, KY he graduated from Catlettsburg High School in 1954 and he attended Morehead State University on a football scholarship, after which he served his country in the US Navy. Charles was a life member of American Legion Post #93 Kenova whose Honor Guard will perform graveside rites. After his service he was a member of Iron Workers Union Local 769, Ashland, KY. He was a member of the Kenova Church of God and was a faithful servant to his Lord and had a deep desire to read and understand the Bible. He will be sadly missed by his family but will greet us one day at Heavens Gate. He enjoyed family time and spending Friday mornings with friends in Catlettsburg at The Depot, trading stories and laughter. Charles is survived by his wife of 59 years, Veronica K. Hitchcock Cantrell; one son, Charles R. (Chuck) Cantrell Jr. and his wife, Crystal; two daughters, Sheila Carter Woodyard, his beloved caregiver, and Joy K. Agee and her husband Vince; seven grandchildren, Peyton Cantrell Lee, Maxton Zane Cantrell, Sommer Rachelle Beasley, Chasity Michelle LeMire, Shay Allen Schafer, Walter Vincent Agee, Jr. and Gregory Shannon Agee; 12 great grandchildren, Whitney, Triston, Brandee, Raegan, Autumn, J.D., McKenna, Raegan, Carley, Alison, Jaden and Jamie; two great great grandchildren, Greyson, and Raelyn. Special thanks to family members, Chasity, McKenna and Triston for their special love and assistance. Our family would like to express our deep gratitude to the The Hershel (Woody) Williams VA Medical Center and Hospice of Huntington. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the Cantrell family with the arrangements. Pallbearers will be Max Cantrell, Vincent Agee, Jr., Greg Agee, Triston Agee, Tanner Lee, and Jason LeMire. There will be private family services only. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Jesse (Bud) Lowell Blankenship, Jr. 74, of Boiling Springs, died Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. A native of Kenova, W. VA., he was born on June 27, 1949, a son of the late Jesse Lowell Blankenship and Lois Ilene Conley Blankenship.

He attended Marshall University and retired from Mavrick Engineering in business development and attended First Baptist North.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Carol Wellman Blankenship; daughter, Jessica Evans (Chris); stepson, Chris Evans (Jessica) both of Roebuck and Scott Evans (Tamara) of Murrieta, CA.; grandchildren, Ashley Evans, Dustin Evans, Dyllan Evans, and Marshall Mueller; one great grandchild, Aubree Evans; sister, Lois Eastwood Segers of Wichita Falls, TX.

Visitation will be from 1 to 1:45 pm Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel, 235 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm in the chapel conducted by the Rev. Dr. Michael Hamlet. Burial will follow at a later date in Woodmere Memorial Park, Huntington, W. VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303 or to a Humane Society of one’s choice.

An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com

George Russell (Rusty) Stevens, 80, of Kenova, WV was called into the arms of our Lord and Savior on October 15, 2023. He was born on September 14, 1943 one of 10 children to the late Henry and Nora Bell (Wallace) Stephens. Rusty graduated from Buffalo High School in 1962 then served the US Army as a medic in Germany before returning home to marry his beloved wife. He retired in 2003 after 36 years of employment from AK Steel where he worked in transportation and labor. He lead and sang in his church choir for many years and shared the love of Jesus with others. He was a devoted, loving, Christian husband survived by his wife of 55 years (on October 26), Laura Suzette(Hodge)Stevens. He was the greatest father to two daughters and sons-in-law, Kelly(Stevens) and Lee Ball, Rhonda(Stevens) and Mike Moore. He was the world’s greatest Papaw to Brittany(McDonald) (29) and Andy Slayton(30), Layden Slayton(10), Ryder Slayton(7), Peyton Griffith(21), and Izzy Moore(11). His family resides in Kenova, WV and surrounded him daily with love and care. In addition to his immediate family he is survived by a sister and her husband, Polly and Aca Ramey and sister Mattie Lou Terry (Larry). Rusty is also survived by his loving mother-in-law Aveanell Ruth Hodge (95), Sister in law Sandra Workman (Greg) and sister and brother- in -law Sheila and James Copley. He was preceded in death by sister-in-law Sharon Ball. Rusty has many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. While he lives in his new heavenly body, his earthly body will be cremated. There will be a memorial service held at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova, WV on October 20, 2023 from 6pm to 7pm with Pastor Jody Fortner from Sunshine Freewill Baptist Church speaking. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at 5pm. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Reverend James E. “Jim” Booth, 84, of Galveston was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Saturday, October 7, 2023 at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston. Born February 10, 1939, in Wayne, West Virginia to Elston Garrett Booth and Lois Cole Booth, Jim lived in and around Huntington until he went into the army in 1956. After his time in the service, he moved to Detroit, MI where he met and married the love of his life, RuthAnn. He and RuthAnn were married for 53 years and had six beautiful children.

After living in many different cities and states, God called them to Galveston, Texas, in 1984. Jim was a tireless servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a faithful pastor at Island Community Church from 1987 until he retired in 2015. After his retirement, he served as a mission pastor for six months at Stow Baptist in England. Jim loved to tell anyone and everyone about Jesus and would do so within a few minutes of meeting them. He had a passion for studying the bible, preparing sermons, and listening to other pastors until his passing. Jim’s most treasured love in his life next to the Lord Jesus Christ was his family.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, RuthAnn Booth; brothers Charles Warren Booth and Wannie Frazier and daughter in law, Stephanie D. Booth; survivors include daughter Emily Booth Burnette and husband Dodd of Galveston; sons James E. Booth, II and wife Krista of Myrtle Beach, SC, Stephen M. Booth and wife Lori of Myrtle Beach, SC, Jeffrey S. Booth of Rock Hill, SC, Mark E. Booth of Webster, TX and Bryan D. Booth and wife Cathy of Mount Pleasant, SC, daughter in law, Julie Booth of Rock Hill, SC; sister Annette Akers of Huntington, WV, brothers, Wallace E Booth and wife Denise of Bloomfield Hills, MI, and Ronald L. Booth and wife Priscilla of Springhill, TN; sister in law Imogene Booth; special cousin David Boothe; grandchildren James E. Booth III and wife Alisha, Alex Booth and wife Kara, Mark Booth and Tori, Ashley Streetman and husband Steven, Alicia Booth, Hannah Booth and Hunter, Kathryn Booth, Leah Booth, Austin Booth and Paige, Beka Booth Petillo and husband Patrick, Christopher Booth, Allison Booth, Elijah Booth, Benjamin Booth, and Price Burnette; great grandchildren, Braydon, Jeremiah, Jackson, Macayla, Peyton, Damon, Michael and Eliza; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and 2 special caregivers, Jose Navarro and Melanie Brewer.

Thank you to the loving and caring staff at Cascades at Galveston for the care they gave him over the last year.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the funeral home with David Akers and James E. Booth III officiating. Burial will follow at Dock’s Creek Cemetery in Kenova, WV.

Pallbearers will be Alexander J. Booth, Mark E. Booth, II, Austin B. Booth, Christopher D. Booth, Elijah B. Booth, Benjamin S. Booth, J. Price Brunette, Braydon M. Booth, Jeremiah J. Booth and Jackson M. Booth.

Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Timothy Ray Heck, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and child of God went home on Friday, September, 29, 2023. Tim was born July 6, 1959 a son of the late Frank and Carol Hodge Heck. Having grown up in the CK area Tim graduated in 1977 from Ceredo-Kenova High School. He continued his education and received his Bachelor Degree from Marshall University. In the early years he worked for Diamond & Sutherland as a certified CPA. He then worked for Allied Food Industries and finished his career with Restaurant Enterprises. Tim married Karol McDonough and together they raised four sons who are the joy of their lives. He was a active member of the Twentieth Street Baptist Church in Kenova and liked to encourage others to believe and trust in Jesus Christ. From the very beginning of Spring Valley High School Tim has been the public address announcer for the Wolves Football Team where he will be greatly missed. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing with his father and sons. While he was involved in church, work and his community, Tim was a dedicated family man who loved his family. Everyone who knew him would tell you what a great guy he was. Tim is survived by his wife, Karol; sons Christopher Heck, Aaron Heck, Tyler (Ashley) Heck and Caleb (Maria) Heck; grandchildren, Jailey, Joseph, James, Jensen, Bryce and Claire; one sister, Christi (Greg) Hay; one brother, Shawn (Sheila) Heck; his father and mother-in-law, Norman and Toqualee McDonough and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the 20th Street Baptist Church in Kenova. A celebration of his life will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 4, 2023 with Pastor Matthew Christian officiating. Burial will be in Spring Valley Memory Gardens. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

David Allen Workman, 67, of Prichard passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at his residence. He was born March 18, 1956 in Shoals, WV. a son of the late Arthur and Elsie Louise Thompson Workman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother Gary Workman; two sisters Linda Flowers, Rebecca Collins and nephew Michael Flowers. Survivors include his beloved wife Carla Lewis Workman; two daughters Lisa Weston (Chuck) and Amanda Shaw (Brent); grandchildren Brooklynn, Haylie and Brennlie; one great-granddaughter Willow; two sisters Joan Chambers and Katie Perry; two brothers Doug Workman and Paul Workman; a host of nieces, nephews, friends and his three dogs Ruger, Oscar and Smoke. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. Memorial service will follow at 2:00 P.M. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Continue reading “David Allen Workman”

Henrietta Ruth Smith, 76, of Orange Park, Fl. passed away Friday, September 8, 2023 at Saint Vincent Riverside. She was born May 27, 1947 in Logansport, Indiana. She was the daughter of the late Norman and Edna May Williamson. Memorial service will be conducted 1:00 P.M., Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow in the Smith Riggs Cemetery. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ronald K. Smith; son Larry Williamson and daughters Cathy Young and Becky Gillette. She is survived by three sons, Eric Smith, Rick Williamson and Ronald Smith, II and a daughter Janice Pruitt. Friends may call one hour prior to the service Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.