VFDA - Key Persons
Arline Holt Small, 95 of Colonial Heights, passed on to a better life at home on October 12, 2023. Born January 3, 1928 in Matoaca, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Naomi Holt and was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Holt Partin and Mildred Holt Robertson. She met and married the love of her life, Herbert Small on October 14, 1947 in Matoaca. She worked at Tots and Teens in Downtown Petersburg and later on worked part-time for Carter House in Colonial Heights. But mostly she was a loving wife and a wonderful mother to her two daughters. Arline was the best Mee-maw to her grandchildren, always assuring them they had the most fun at her home by making up scavenger hunts, putting up indoor tents, playing restaurant and games. She was a caring woman who was always busy doing for others by visiting, baking, or making a meal. Arline was a founding member of Colonial Christian Church in Colonial Heights where she sang in the choir, became the choir director for over 16 years, was an Elder and taught children in Sunday School and Bible School. She actually started her musical career when she was 6 yrs. old singing on a Petersburg Radio Station. Over her lifetime, she sang with her beautiful voice not only in the choir at church, but also for many weddings, funerals and civic groups. She is survived by her loving husband of 76 years, Herbert S Small, two daughters, Susan Small Belcher (Earl), Nancy Small Barnes (Kris), three grandchildren, Ashley Watkins McSwain (Thomas), Austin Kris Barnes (Holly), Kelsey Paige Barnes (Kerry), and one great grandchild, Brooklyn Faye McSwain. The family would like to thank Crater Community Hospice and our in-home caregivers for the excellent care that was given during her illness. A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2023 at the Colonial Christian Church 295 Dunlop Farms Blvd in Colonial Heights, Va with the Rev. Kathryn Hull officiating. Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park S. Prince George, Virginia. The family will receive friends Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Colonial Christian Church. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
Bob Addington, 71, of Coeburn passed away at his home the morning of April 10, 2020. Bob was born on September 30, 1948 in Fleming Neon, KY to Roy and Ruby Addington. Bob was a licensed Funeral Director since 1969 and the Owner of Estes Funeral Home since 1981. He was a lifelong member of the Coeburn Masonic Lodge # 97, as well as the Odd Fellows and the VFDA. He was and avid HAM radio operator. Bob always had love and compassion for the families that he served, he loved to make people laugh, and loved for people to come by and see him for a laugh and a cup of coffee. He was also very thankful to the friends that stopped by and brought him a meal.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife Janet Sizemore Addington.
Bob is survived by his son Bobby Addington, Jr.of Aldle, VA, his daughter Lisa Addington-Mason and husband Adam of Norton, VA; grandson, Nicholas Mason; granddaughter Adeline Mason; brother, Dr. Jerry Addington of Locust Grove, VA; nephew Drew Addington and wife Stephanie; niece Julie Wishard and husband Terry; great-nephews Bryce Addington and Evan Wishard; as well as a host of friends; special friend Ellie Franks, who was his secretary for 38 years; and all the others that helped him at the funeral home.
I have been a licensed Funeral Director for over 32 years, but it seems like I have been in the funeral business all my life. I literally grew up in the Funeral Home. I was 11 years old when my parents, Bobby L Gardner Sr and Mary Gray Gardner started Gardner Funeral Home. We lived
Buford G. Sturgill, 82, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at his residence. He was a devoted husband, dad and paw to his grandchildren. He dedicated his life to serving the people of Wise County and beyond. Buford was truly a people person.
Buford was a member of The Wise Church of God, President of Buford G. Sturgill Funeral Homes, Inc. of Wise and Coeburn, he started the business in October 1963, a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the State of Virginia and a member of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors Association. He was a 1957 graduate of John I. Burton High School and a 1959 Cumlaude graduate of Cincinnati College of Embalming.
He was organizational Director of the First Commonwealth Bank of Wise, VA. and served as Secretary of the Board. He was a board member and served as Chairman of the Board of Norton Community Hospital for 42 years and in 2003 served on the board of Dickenson County Community Hospital. He served on the Virginia-Kentucky Fair Committee for 25 years. He was Past President of Wise County Chamber of Commerce and received the President Award in 2012.
He was the first president of the Wise Business Association, Past President of the Norton, Wise, Coeburn Kiwanis Club, past board member of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association; served as President and member of the Southwest Virginia Funeral Directors Association. He was a 50 year member of the Hoge Masonic Lodge # 8 A.F. & A.M. Wise, VA, a member of the Hurricane Lodge #107 Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a former member of the Gladeville Housing Project Wise, VA. He was avid fan of the Tennessee Volunteers Football and Girls Basketball and the Atlanta Braves Baseball.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow & Alice Brooks Sturgill; his brother, Robert (Bob) Sturgill, and his stepson, Todd Robinson.
Buford leaves behind his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Ann Sturgill; his sons, Richard G. Sturgill and Charlotte Stevens and Mark C. Sturgill and his wife Jane; stepson, Dennis Robinson and his wife Joy; two granddaughters, Natisha Sturgill and Mia Sturgill; step grandchildren, Alex Robinson and Noel Robinson, and his dog, Max; his sisters, Sheila Sturgill and Carolyn Henson and her husband Charles. Leaving many precious loved ones and friends he made as he walked this road of life.
Buford had many special friends, during his illness, he lost his best traveling buddies, Dennis Orr, Ronnie Clark, Doug Fleming and Percy Sturgill a dedicated employee and many others. We cannot forget Pappa Boggs and Glenn Hopkins.
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
- CFSP, Vice Chair
Charles Ramsey Reynolds, 77, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in Fishersville, Virginia. He was born in Bedford, Virginia to Thomas Edwin Reynolds and Marguerite Ramsey Reynolds. He is survived by his loving partner, Frances Arthur Winegar, and two children, Chad Ramsey Reynolds and Dena Renee Reynolds.
Charles began his career as a funeral director in Richmond, Virginia working at Bennett Funeral Home after graduating from Mortuary School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He later moved to Waynesboro, Virginia, managing Reynolds Funeral Homes in Waynesboro and Stuarts Draft for over 30 years. He dedicated much of his life to serving families in the time of their greatest need.
Job Titles:
- President of the Shenandoah Valley Funeral Directors Association
Daniel L. Chapman started his career in funeral service 24 years ago when he joined Johnson Funeral Service in Bridgewater, VA as an apprentice. After graduating from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in February 2002, he rejoined the Johnson family in March of 2003. Daniel currently serves as the manager of the Johnson's Grottoes location.
Daniel has served as President of the Shenandoah Valley Funeral Directors Association and currently holds the office as Treasurer. Daniel also serves the Virginia Funeral Directors Association as a member of the Board of Directors and as the Chairman of the Professional Development Committee.
In his free time, Daniel enjoys boating and fishing the Chesapeake Bay, predator hunting, competing in competition BBQ events, and collecting mid-century modern furniture.
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
- CFSP, Chair
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
Donald Edgar Yonce, 83, of Hillsville, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Commonwealth Senior Living in Hillsville. Mr. Yonce was born in Rural Retreat, Virginia to the late Fred Melvin and Pauline Fulton Yonce. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Glenda Shepherd Yonce.
Survivors include his sons and daughter's-in-law, Gregory and Vickie Yonce and Wesley and Cassie Yonce, niece and spouse, Sabrina and Randy Webb, great-nieces Amanda Webb and Lydia Webb, and great-nephew, Caleb Webb, special cousin, Garry Branscome, and special neighbors, Ann and Montie Largin, and his fur baby Gucci.
Don served the community he loved by working at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel for 50 years and caring for people during their most difficult time of need. He also served on the Hillsville Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a Life Member and past Chief along with other offices. He received numerous firefighter awards within the Twin Counties. Don was a member of First Baptist Church Hillsville, where he served as Deacon and on various committees. Don was a member of the Army Reserves, the Hillsville Jaycees, he served on the Hillsville Town Council, was a member of the Twin County Regional Hospital Board, received the Twin County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, a member of Hillsville Masonic Lodge 193, and most recently was the Grand Marshal of the annual Hillsville/Carroll County Christmas Parade. Don also loved to go to Virginia Tech Hokies Football games. Don never met a stranger.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of Commonwealth Assisted Living and Mountain Valley Hospice. He loved you all.
Edward J. Trump, Jr., 67, of Christiansburg, VA went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. He was born in Christiansburg on August 29, 1954. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward J. Trump, Sr., his grandmother Molly McGuyer, his special mentor Hubert Horne and a special friend Kay Young.
Eddie is survived by his wife of 46 years, Paulette Trump; his children, Bobby (April) Trump and Devin Trump; grandson, Guy Trump; mother, Jean Trump; siblings: Kathy Harvey, Debbie Akers, Shelby (Donald) Main, Jerry (Sue Williams) Trump; special family and caretaker, Jennifer Zimmerman; special niece, Brittany (Michael) Lee; numerous nieces , nephews, and great nieces; special family: Angelia (Paul) Savel, Nikki Partin, Josh Savel, Matthew(Cat) Hauschildt, and Taylor (Aaron) Lusk; special friend, Dickie Horne; faithful companion, Cassie, and numerous other family and friends.
Eddie was employed to work at Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg by Hubert Horne in the summer of 1971. Shortly after he was hired as an employee of the then Richardson-Horne Funeral Home in October of 1971. Eddie earned his funeral director's license and embalmer's license and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Embalming in 1975. Hubert Horne purchased the remaining Richardson stock in 1972, and in 1987 he and his son, Dick, gifted several shares of stock of the funeral home to Eddie. In 1996 he was made Vice President of the firm; a position he held until March 31, 2014. In 2013 Eddie, a diabetic, suffered the first of several strokes and soon became unable to work. He retired on March 31, 2014. Eddie was a member of Christiansburg Rescue Squad from 1975 to 2013. During his service, longest active running member and achieved his Life Membership.
Edward Louis Vest, 88, of Pearisburg, VA, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2021. He was born November 15, 1932 in White Gate, VA, the son of the late Edward S. & Sadie Mustard Vest. He was also recently preceded in death by his brother, Carl Vest. There has been many other family members pass as well, but notable, his grandfather, the original creator and beginner of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, Lucian Aurelius Vest, also known as "Uncle Reely."
Louis was drafted and served in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Story, VA. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and a charter member of the White Gate Ruritan Club. He was a lifelong member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church.
The White Gate community is where Louis was born into a family of skill, raised by people with honor and respect, lived a very long life surrounded by a loving family and community that he grew to love and cherish, and passed peacefully away with his loving wife and family members by his side.
As Louis was growing up, he learned the skills of carpentry from his father and grandfather and for many years enjoyed wood crafting work. One of his first jobs in the funeral business was helping his father make caskets. He became a licensed funeral director and continued his journey for 64 years while continuously making improvements to what became the oldest family owned funeral home business in Giles County, VA and loved being able to help the community in their time of loss. His dedication to the families was seen in his work and the care in his heart. Although conditioned to have to do the work, Louis actually loved to garden. He enjoyed the time with his brothers and continued his mother's tradition of one row of dahlias in the front of the garden alongside the vegetables. Even the community came to enjoy these beautiful flowers when passing the funeral home. "Even though there may be a loss of life, we can plant and bloom yet another beautiful soul."
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Marie Vest, Pearisburg, VA; two step-daughters, Velvet (Kevin) Minnick, Blacksburg, VA and Heather Francis, Pearisburg, VA; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two brothers, Nelson Vest and Jimmie Vest of Pearisburg, VA; and two sisters, MayDell (Wayne) McPeak, Pearisburg, VA; and Ann Sutphin, Christiansburg, VA.
Eric Vaughn Wray II is a native of Portsmouth, a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and has over 25 years experience in the Funeral industry and serves as our Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer; holding dual licenses in Virginia & North Carolina.
Eric received his education from the Portsmouth Public School System and holds an Associate's in Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service from John Tyler Community College in Chester, VA. Eric has also matriculated at Norfolk State University and is a graduate of the University of Virginia's historic Thomas C. Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership program.
Eric was appointed in 2011 by Governor Bob McDonnell to serve as the youngest member in the Commonwealth's history, on the Virginia State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. During his tenure, Eric served as Secretary/Treasurer of the board.
Eric Wray also has served our country during the terror attacks on September 11, 2001 in the United States Navy. His service includes duty stations in Great Lakes, IL, Meridian MS, and Newport, RI. Eric is also active in many community and civic organizations.
In his community service, Eric has been able to bring pastors, community, faith, civic, and labor leaders together with National, State, and Local elected officials. He has joined with various political campaigns, who desired to improve the lives of working families, on issues and helped organize a majority in Virginia across race, class, and political lines.
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Queens. Gary lived over a funeral home when he was 10 and then went to school to pursue his career. Gary has worked at funeral homes in NY and Portsmouth, VA , before settling in Northern, VA. He worked in Manassas for 6 years, Fairfax for 15 years, and has been with the Cunningham Turch and Mountcastle Turch for the last 7 years.
He enjoys watching NY Rangers Hockey, NHRA Drag Racing, and NASCAR. A Past President and current member of Fairfax Host Lions Club, Member of Knights of Columbus, John Paul 1 Council.
He enjoys spending time with family and going on vacation.
Gregg Faulkner, Sr. is co-owner and president of Faulkner Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, with the Foster-Faulkner Chapel in Mathews, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel in Saluda, and Marks-Bristow Chapel in Tappahannock. Gregg is also co-owner and vice-president of Tri-County Vault Company, which serves funeral homes on the Peninsula, Middle Peninsula, and Northern Neck with high quality Eagle Vault products and services. In July of 2021, Gregg and his brother Billy also opened River Country Pet Loss & Cremation Center in an effort to provide pet families in their area the same dignity, care, and excellent service they strive to provide at their other businesses. Gregg is an ordained Minister and loves the opportunity to fill in when needed at several local churches. His hobbies are boating and fishing in the beautiful Piankatank River and Chesapeake Bay, and doing yardwork at his home. He and his wife Valerie, live in Cobbs Creek, Virginia.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Events Committee
- Member Services & Retention Committee
James P. Wilkerson, III, 65, of Lynchburg, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021, unexpectedly at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the husband of Patricia W. Wilkerson.
Born May 13, 1955 in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late James "Jimmy" P. Wilkerson, Jr. and Nancy W. Wilkerson. He was a retired funeral director from Diuguid Funeral Service & Crematory and a member of the former Rivermont Ave. Baptist Church. He loved to travel, especially to Alaska, where there was so much wildlife that he enjoyed, not to mention the beautiful scenery. He also loved to ride trains, again, especially in Alaska. Jim loved woodworking and made many pieces of gorgeous furniture for his family.
In addition to his wife, Pat, he is survived by his son, James Matthew "Matt" Wilkerson (Stephanie) of Culpeper, VA; his daughter, Megan Danielle Wilkerson, of Lynchburg; two grandchildren, Abigail Sophia and Emma Grace Wilkerson, also of Culpeper, VA. He was predeceased in death by his sister, Kay W. White.
Job Titles:
- Generation Funeral Director
- Member of the Buena Vista Volunteer Fire Department
Jeff Wright is a third-generation funeral director, with his grandfather and two uncles as role models. He began his funeral career at an early age, carrying flowers as soon as he was big enough and he never looked back. Jeff grew up in Clifton Forge and graduated from Clifton Forge High School in 1977.
Currently a roving manager with Oakey's, he started his funeral service career with an apprenticeship at Oakey's. Jeff graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science, Atlanta, GA in August 1981. After graduation, he worked for funeral homes in Strasburg, Winchester and Buena Vista, VA returning to Oakey's in 2007.
Jeff is a lifetime member of the Buena Vista Volunteer Fire Department, an active member of the Buena Vista Rotary Club where he served as president and currently serving as secretary/treasurer and a Paul Harris Fellow. Jeff is also a member of the Buena Vista Baptist Church, serving as an usher and greeter. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and fishing in the Outer Banks, NC.
Jeff and his wife, Cindy, reside in Buena Vista and have two children, Eric Wright and Allison Clark, Allison's husband Jonathan and three precious grandchildren, Abel, Axton and Ainsley.
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
As a lifelong resident of Virginia, Jonathan was born and raised in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. Jonathan's career in funeral service began stationed at the piano in the chapel of the Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA, where following his high school graduation in 2014, he served his internship. Jonathan attained his Associates of Science in Funeral Service from the Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia in 2017.
He joined the staff of the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, VA, in January of 2018. Since that time, opportunities for self-growth and gainful self-knowledge led him to the Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association where he is the current president of the association.
His "enjoyments" in life aside from serving his community, are growing his in-home recording studio, waking his neighbors up in the dead of night by playing a piece from Rachmaninoff, and perfecting his Banna Pudding recipe, lastly, he is always prepared to crack the latest joke or pun circulating on Tik-Tok. He resides in Salem with his fur-children, Beau and Sophie.
Josh Arbogast has over 14 years of Graphic Design and marketing experience. He has a vast array of skills and has put those skills to work in many industries ranging from the fitness, power monitoring, medical, mortgage and banking industries. He says, "joining the VFDA is an amazing opportunity to help bring a refresh to the association, and help to drive the association to bigger and better things." The new VFDA logo was a creation design of his, and we look forward to him helping us going forward.
Josh is a life-long native of the Shenandoah Valley, grew up in Bridgewater, VA, and lives in Harrisonburg, VA. When not working, Josh likes to spend time with Trex, his Bernese mountain dog. He enjoys cycling and being outdoors exploring new places and sights. He also likes to build and restore furniture. "Designing, building, and being creative is something that drives me, and are just a few things that I am passionate about."
Krystina is native of Baltimore, Maryland and after joining the U.S. Army she relocated to Fort Lee, Virginia where she served as a Mortuary Affairs Specialist. In 2007, she deployed to Mosul, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While oversees, Krystina discovered her desire to comfort the families that had experienced the loss of a loved one. This calling in addition to having suffered the loss of her sister early in life, she decided to dedicate her career to guiding families through the challenging times associated with bereavement.
Following her military service Krystina matriculated her degree in mortuary science from John Tyler Community College and has spent the past 15 years serving families in central Virginia. During this time Krystina has earned many coveted certifications to include the prestigious title of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner. Krystina is a member of the National, Virginia, and Central District Funeral Directors Associations and currently serves on the LifeNet and Leadership Advisory Committees. She is also currently the committee chairperson for membership and outreach for the Virginia Funeral Directors Association.
Krystina and her husband, Joseph, have two young sons and in her off time enjoys camping and going to the beach. She enjoys crafting, gardening, baking and enjoying life's adventures with her family. Krystina is passionate about education and community involvement in addition to honoring veterans for their service to this country and educating families about childhood grief.
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
Larry was born and raised in Chilhowie, Virginia. In 1976, he started working at Barnett's Marion Funeral Home as a parttime job working after school. After graduating from Chilhowie High School in 1978, he attended the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and graduated in September, 1979. At that time, he went back to work at Barnett's Marion Funeral Home, served his apprenticeship and became a funeral service licensee in 1980. He remained there until 1985 when he moved to Abingdon, Virginia and started working for Farris Funeral Service as the manager. Being a member of the Southwest Virginia Funeral Director's Association, he served as the treasurer for several years and later served as President. Later he became involved with the Virginia Funeral Director's Association serving on the Board of Directors for many years along with serving on several committees. In 2010, he moved to Bassett, Virginia where he began working at Bassett Funeral Service. In 2011, he was promoted to manager of the funeral home and continues to work as the manager along with serving families. Larry continued serving on the Virginia Funeral Director's Association as a member of the Board of Directors and working his way through the chairs to become President of the Association 2016-2017. After serving as President, he has continued to serve on the Board of Directors in various capacities.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
Margaret Adair Edie was born in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania she and her family settled in Stafford, Virginia in 1991. After she graduated from high school, Margaret continued with her education by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked on the Palliative Care Unit at Mary Washington Hospital. Wanting to further her education, Margaret enrolled in the Mortuary Science Program at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama. She relocated back to Virginia and graduated in 2008 from John Tyler Community College. Margaret served her internship under the mentorship of Barry Murphy at Murphy Funeral Home in Arlington, Virginia. Once she completed her internship, she continued working with Murphy Funeral Home and grew as a director with high profile funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery and followed contract instructions from the US Army regarding services for active-duty soldiers and the repatriation of remains found from past wars. She was also involved with multicultural services and community outreach, becoming a licensed funeral director in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia.
In 2011, Margaret met her husband, Brion Edie who was stationed at Fort Myer Army Base as a medical with the Presidential Guard. They were married in the spring of 2013, and in October 2014 they welcomed their only child, Mea Marie. Wanting to establish roots, Margaret and Brion decided to relocate their family to the Richmond area and moved to Chesterfield, Virginia in 2018. Margaret gained employment at Morrissett Funeral & Cremation Service and over time became the General Manager. In 2022, Margaret had the opportunity to purchase Morrissett Funeral & Cremation Service, where she plans to continue the vision and legacy of the previous owners.
Margaret enjoys spending time with her family and their new dog, Grace, who is training to be an additional comfort dog at Morrissett. The Edie family enjoys cookouts, spending time with friends and family, working in the flower garden, creating unique arts and crafts, and international travel. They are members of Meadowbrook Country Club where Mea Marie has joined the swim team and has plans to go to the Olympics when she grows up. Margaret is the current President of the CDFDA and a member of the VFDA and NFDA. She is the President of the Shepherd's Center of Chesterfield, where she has an active role with planning for and assisting the 60+ community of Chesterfield.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Events Committee
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
For over 3 decades, Paul Whitten has been honored to serve families in the greater Lynchburg area through the funeral home that bears his name. Paul is a 3rd generation funeral director and from a very young age knew he wanted to follow his grandfather and firm founder, W.C. "Red" Whitten. He is a 1988 graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral service, a certified cremation arranger, a member of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association and a past president of the Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Paul and his wife, Marnie, are members of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg. They enjoy traveling and RVing with their two sons.
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the VFDA Foundation Board of Trustees
I graduated from John Tyler Community College in 2003 and served part of my apprenticeship at Bliley Funeral Homes, Richmond, VA. I am the co-owner of Combs - Hess Funeral Service in Lebanon, VA., a credentialed Church of God minister, and a member of the Abingdon, VA Masonic Lodge. I am also very proud to be a former underground coal miner.
I have been married to Vickie Hess for over 20 years and we have one daughter, Macie Hess.
Terrie Dean, Certified Business Etiquette, and International Protocol Consultant, has been active for over 40 years in marketing management and special event planning for the travel and tourism industry. She received certification at the Protocol School of Washington under the direction of Ms. Dorothea Johnson; a world recognized authority in business and social etiquette. She received International Protocol certification under the direction of Jonathan Moeller, Protocol Advisor to the President of the United States.
Ms. Dean, a life-long native of the Shenandoah Valley, opened The Wishing Well over 14 years ago in Harrisonburg, VA and currently serves as the Owner and General Manager. The Wishing Well brings a unique business model to Central Virginia that encompasses; full-service travel, event planning, and floral design, all located under a single roof. The Wishing Well's travel division is aligned with Virtuoso - the world's largest luxury network of by-invitation-only travel agency members.
Ms. Dean has also held positions as Marketing Director and Public Information Officer for the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport and Manager of Franchise Development for Carlson Companies, Inc., a $33 billion dollar privately held Fortune 500 Company. She also has held management positions with offices of American Express and served as the travel and events coordinator for GE Fanuc (a global joint venture of General Electric and Fanuc USA). While at GE Fanuc, Ms. Dean received the "Outstanding Customer Service Award" and became the first outside vendor ever to receive this recognition.
Some of Ms. Dean's more recognizable clients have included: Sissy Spacek, Jessica Lange, Sam Sheppard, Dave Matthews, John Grisham, and the legendary Mohammad Ali.
Ms. Dean has functioned in the capacity of public relations liaison and served as an officer on numerous community service boards and committees. She has accepted public speaking engagements ranging from the topic of tourism to motivational topics, customer service and conducted classes for self-help.
Wayne is a lifelong resident of the Roanoke Valley. He graduated from Andrew Lewis High School and has a Mortuary Science degree from John Tyler Community College. Before joining Lotz in April 2007, Wayne was previously employed with the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem for 18 years and as a Communications Officer with the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office. He served as Location Manager at the Lotz Downtown Location and took over as Managing Partner of the Lotz Vinton location in April 2012. Wayne has served as President of the Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association and has served several terms on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association. He is also a member of the Salem Kiwanis Club and the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club. He has been married to his wife, Brenda, since 1974 and has three grown children. He spends most of his spare time with his six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.