Big Stone Gap, Va.-Maggie Aretta Rose Balthis, born in Payne Gap, Ky. to the late Bill and Mary Jane (Bentley) Rose on Nov. 16, 1946, passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023, at Holston Valley Medical Center.
Maggie enjoyed quilting, sewing, embroidery, bluegrass music, dancing and painting pictures. She always loved walking back to the old home place in Pound, Va. Her greatest love was gathering with family and friends. She was of Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Robert Earl Balthis; twin grandchildren, Allison and Aaron Franklin; stepmother, Clara Rose Boggs; sisters, Cordelia Sowards, Geraldine Wills, Arlene Pilkenton and Mallie Mae Tibbs; brothers, Owen Rose, Paul Rose, Earl Rose, Billy Rose and Arnold Rose; and a special friend, Charlie Perry.
Surviving are her daughter, Channie Franklin and son-in-law, Jr.; grandsons, Daniel Franklin and Woody Franklin, all of Big Stone Gap; sister, Phyllis Slone (Emil), Pound, Va.; three brothers, Noah Rose (Mary), Gretna, Va., Michael Rose, Pound, Va. and Jeffrey Rose, Lompoc, Calif.; a host of nieces and nephews; close friend, C. O. Lambert and family; her beloved parrot, “Terri Lou,” and “Big Bird,” a Macaw that now resides at Creation Kingdom Zoo in Scott County, Va.
The family would like to express their thanks to everyone who has called, texted, messaged and prayed for Maggie. Special thanks to her caregivers, HVMC ER staff, 3rd floor Stepdown Unit, HVMC Wilcox Palliative Care; Brittany Estep, NP for Ridgecrest Manor, the staff of Ridgecrest Manor, the staff of Fiesenius in Norton, Va., and Dr. Christopher Basham for taking excellent care of Maggie.
The family will receive friends 11:00am – 1:00pm Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave, W., Big Stone Gap. The service will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Rick Phillips officiating.
Burial will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Balthis family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Keokee, Va.-Glenvis “Bo” Tackett, 70, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Holston Valley Medical Center.
He was born in McDowell, Ky. and lived most of his life in Keokee, Va. He graduated from Wheelwright High School, where he began and excelled at basketball. He attended Clinch Valley College, playing basketball for the Highland Cavaliers. Bo was an intense U.K. basketball fan. He was co-founder and owner of 3 Guys Transport, a medical transfer service. He attended Smyth Chapel United Methodist Church in Pennington Gap, Va. Bo loved and was dedicated to his family and the many nieces, nephews and friends that he leaves behind.
Bo was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Jennifer Robin Tackett; his parents, Joseph H. and Anna Elizabeth (Bryant) Tackett; his twin sisters, Diana Kay Tackett and Sandra Faye Tackett, and his brothers with whom he was a triplet with, Clenvis and Denvis Tackett.
Surviving are his daughter, Libby Tackett (Cliff Daly), Keokee, Va.; two grandchildren, Cody Tackett and Willow Grace Tackett; sisters, Wanda Lee Johnson and Nina Ann Whitt (Dennis), both of High Hat, Ky. and Mary Kathleen Newman, Greenup, Ky.; several nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Alan Collier (Ronda), Norton, Va.
The family will receive friends 1:00pm – 3:00pm on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Smyth Chapel Church, Smyth Chapel Road, Pennington Gap, Va. The service will follow at 3:00pm with Pastor Darrell Hensley and Rev. Alan Collier officiating.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Tackett family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Mount Carmel, Tn./Big Stone Gap, Va.-James William Rhoten, 84, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023, at Holston Valley Medical Center.
A native of Wise County, Va., he had lived in the Kingsport/Mount Carmel, Tn. area for the past 50 years. He served his country in the U. S. Army. He was a retired Chemical Process Operator at Tennessee Eastman, with 35 years of service. He played steel guitar professionally, having played with The McGlothlan’s and various artists in Nashville, Tn. He loved the Atlanta Braves. He was a member of State Line Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Etta (Hurd) Rhoten; and sisters, Corena “Sis” Noe, Betty Connelly and Geneva Rhoten.
Surviving are his wife of 62 years, June Rhoten; his son, Pat Rhoten and wife Lisa; two grandchildren, Jake Rhoten and Jessica Rhoten; one sister, Leslie “Button” Winstead (Roy), Mount Carmel, Tn.; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends 1:00pm – 3:00pm Monday, November 27, 2023, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W., Big Stone Gap, Va. The funeral service will follow at 3:00pm with Pastor Wayne Morelock officiating.
Entombment service will be conducted 11:00am Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery by 10:50am.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Rhoten family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Keokee, Va.-William Howard “Willie” Maggard, 54, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at his home.
He was born in Ohio and lived most of life in Keokee, Va. He was a graduate of Keokee High School, where he enjoyed participating in athletics. He loved sports, motorcycles and billiards. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Judith Ann (Hash) Maggard; and a twin brother.
Surviving are his son, Cody Maggard, Johnson City, Tn.; father, Denny Ray Maggard, Keokee; brother, Denny Ray “Dino” Maggard (Deonna), Keokee; sisters, Karen Lynn Maggard, Keokee and Kelley Adkins (Timothy), Appalachia, Va.; four special nephews, Tommy Adkins, Brad Adkins and Anthony Maggard and Travis Snodgrass, who were like brothers to Willie; three great nieces and two great nephews.
The family will receive friends to celebrate Willie’s life from 2:00pm – 4:00pm Sunday, November 26, 2023, at the Keokee School Building.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Maggard family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Dorothy L. Hamilton, 90, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Lonesome Pine Hospital.
Born in Wise County, Va., she lived in many states and Germany while her husband was serving in the U. S. Army. She was a true military wife and was dedicated to caring for her children while her husband Roy was serving in Vietnam. She loved to crochet and cook. Dorothy was a member of Legion Memorial Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her son, Roy E. Hamilton, Jr.; her parents, Harrison and Georgia Blevins; and siblings, Jerry Blevins, Jimmy Blevins, Benny Blevins, Marilyn Caudill, Anita Purdy, Phyllis Jose and an infant brother.
Surviving are her husband of 73 years, Roy E. Hamilton; two daughters, Mary Bellemare and Dorothy Hodges (Joseph), both of Big Stone Gap; six grandchildren, Wayne Floyd (Kathy), Paul Floyd, William Floyd, John Bellemare (Bridgette), Amber Fannon and Roy Hodges; eleven great grandchildren; three brothers, Michael Blevins (Linda), Seattle, Wash., Steve Blevins (Phyllis), Big Stone Gap and Johnny Blevins of Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends 11:00am – 1:00pm Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave, W., Big Stone Gap, Va. The funeral service will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Sean Bailey officiating.
Burial will follow in Powell Valley Memorial Gardens.
Family will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Hamilton family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Norton, Va.-Lester Dennis Stacy, 71, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Holston Valley Medical Center.
Born and raised in Appalachia, Va., he had lived most of his adult life in Norton, Va. He was a former employee of Wise Concrete. Lester loved building and sharing cabins that he constructed out of popsicle sticks. He loved watching professional wrestling.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Frances (Collins) Stacy; and siblings, Freddie Joe Stacy and Mary Ann Miller.
Surviving are sisters, Judy Huffman, Flora Huff (Wayne) and Susan Stacy, all of Big Stone Gap, Angie Stacy, Appalachia, Va. and Linda Allen, Isom, Ky.; brothers, Frank Stacy (Alaine), Donald Stacy and Ronald Stacy, all of Appalachia, Va.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are private.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Stacy family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Betty Hurd Cline, 99, passed away Monday, October 30, 2023, at Norton Community Hospital.
She was born and raised in East Stone Gap, Va. and lived in Big Stone Gap for the past 80 years. Betty was a floral designer for over 40 years. She was a founding member of the Dogwood Garden Club in Big Stone Gap. She enjoyed playing bridge, and an avid fan of UT football and UK basketball. She was well known in the community for her pecan pies. Betty was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for 80 years. She was loved by her community and she was to have been grand marshal of the Big Stone Gap Christmas Parade to celebrate her 100th birthday, which would have been December 2nd.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George A. Cline; daughter, Nancy Cline Toney and son-in-law, Joe Toney; granddaughter, Kelly Toney; parents, James W. and Bess (Tate) Hurd; sister, Ann Hunter; and brother, Jack W. Hurd.
Surviving are her daughter, Jane Higgins (George), Lexington, Ky.; son, Gary Cline (Connie), Star, Idaho; grandson, Adam Toney (Miranda); great granddaughter, Addison Toney; and two nephews, Mark Hurd (Claudia), Triangle, Va. and Eric Hurd (Pam), Lewisville, NC.
The family will receive friends from 11:00am – 1:00pm Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 203 E 1st St. S., Big Stone Gap, Va. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 1:00pm with the Rev. Timothy Robinson officiating.
Burial will follow at Glencoe Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be: Ked Meade, Wes Polly, Dennis Ashley, Gary Hall, Colby Fleming, David Goodman and Brownie Polly, III.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Trinity United Methodist Church, 203 E. 1st St., S., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 or the Dogwood Garden Club, c/o Martha Spurlock, 4707 Wilson Road, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Cline family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va. - John Wendell Messer, 80, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 19, 2023.
Mr. Messer was born in Big Stone Gap, and spent most of his life here, although he traveled to many places. He was a master craftsman who built houses. His true passion was singing, having sang with ‘The Nightbeats’ in the ‘60s and ‘The Paradice Band’ in the ‘80s in Wise County, and most recently ‘Radio Sam’.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bascom and Roberta (Cole) Messer; one granddaughter, Liliana Harcourt; one brother and two sisters.
Surviving are five sisters, Shirley Horne of Albany, Ga., Delores Bushong of Bristol, Tenn., Charlotte Gatley and husband, Bob, of Big Stone Gap, Va., Lana Bailey and husband, Les, of Big Stone Gap, Va., and Lynn Simmons and husband, Lucky, of Culpepper, Va.; two brothers, Gerald Messer and wife, Wilma, of Careyville, Tenn., and Larry Messer of Bristol, Va.; one daughter, Sara Harcourt and husband James Harcourt of Birmingham, England; and son Matthew Messer of Big Stone Gap, VA; two grandchildren, Clayton Messer and Chloe Harcourt; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends 1-5 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the pavilion of the Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground, 900 Wood Ave., W. in Big Stone Gap, Va. All are welcome.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Messer family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Daniel Lee Palmer, Sr., 70, passed away Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Norton Community Hospital.
Born May 27, 1953 in Martinsburg, W. Va., he was the son of the late Paul V. Palmer and Louise Catherine (Mahoney) Palmer. He was a farmer for most of his life. He loved to work on vehicles, tell stories and spend quality time with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James A. Palmer; sister, Dorothy L. Palmer Huffman; a great grandson, William Bow Vanover and twin baby Vanover; son-in-law, Terry W. Huff; and brothers-in-law, Melvin Rankin, Mason McCarty, Norman Murray and Bill Huffman.
Surviving are his fiancé, Sharon J. Ingle, Big Stone Gap; three daughters, JoAnn Palmer Huff, Big Stone Gap, Belinda G. Palmer Mitchell (Scott), Summit Point, W. Va. and Valerie J. Palmer Hott (Chris), Martinsburg, W. Va.; two sons, Ryan L. Palmer (Annette), Big Stone Gap and Daniel L. Palmer, Jr. (Amanda), Ranson, W. Va.; four brothers, Paul V. Palmer (Myra), Tucson, Ariz., Carrol D. Palmer, Martinsburg, W. Va., Nelson E. Palmer (Sandra), Inwood, W. Va. and Vernon W. Palmer (Kathy), Summit Point, W. Va.; three sisters, Catherine L. Palmer Rankin, Charles Town, W. Va., Doris A. Palmer Murray, Bunker Hill, W. Va. and Mary E. McCarty, Upperville, Va.; and a number of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6:00pm – 7:00pm Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., E., Big Stone Gap, Va. The Celebration of Life Service will follow at 7:00pm with Pastor Charles Mitchell officiating.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Palmer family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-William Douglas Shupe, 79, known to many as Doug or Inky, passed away on October 13, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of intelligence, kindness, and unwavering faith. Born on April 10, 1944, Doug's journey was marked by numerous accomplishments and a genuine dedication to helping others.
Doug's pursuit of education led him to graduate from Powell Valley High School in 1962, proudly served in the U. S. Air Force during the Vietnam era, followed by his graduation from Clinch Valley College in 1970. His passion for learning and commitment to excellence served as a foundation for his future endeavors and interests.
In the 1970s, Doug was an integral part of the award-winning Westmoreland Coal Company Mine Rescue Team. His bravery and expertise were instrumental in ensuring the safety of his fellow miners. Throughout his career, he worked diligently at Penn Virginia Resources, Southern Well Service (which he started and owned in the 1980s and 1990s), and concluded his professional journey at A&G Coal Company in 2010. Doug's dedication and professionalism were evident in all his endeavors.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Doug was a man of strong faith, embracing the principles of the Sovereign Grace belief system. His Christian values guided his actions and interactions with others. Known for his kindness, Doug lived by the Golden Rule, embodying the true meaning of compassion and empathy. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, even going as far as giving someone the shirt off his back if they were in need.
Doug's memory will be cherished by all those whose lives he touched. His intelligence, diligence, and unwavering commitment to doing what was right left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by his loved ones, friends, and community.
In honoring the life of William Douglas Shupe, let us remember his remarkable journey, his unwavering faith, and the kindness he extended to all. May his memory forever be a source of inspiration and may his legacy live on through the lives he touched.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, William F. and Mamie A. (Lane) Shupe; a sister, Lois Marie Shupe; and a brother, Gary Huston Shupe.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Sandy Lawson Shupe; two sons, Brian Shupe (Bronwyn), Knoxville, Tn. and Patrick Shupe (Rebecca), Big Stone Gap; six grandchildren, Hunter Shupe, Alexis Shupe, Aleah Shupe, Nathaniel Shupe, Sara Shupe and Emily Shupe; sister, Jeanette Quillin, Big Stone Gap; several nieces, nephews and cousins; sister-in-law, Carolyn Wilson (Wayne); and brother-in-law, Billy Lawson (Deanie.)
The family will receive friends 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W., Big Stone Gap.
Military honors by U. S. Air Force Honor Team, Shaw AFB, SC and local VFW and DAV posts, will be accorded 1:00pm Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Riverview Cemetery, East Stone Gap, Va. Pastor Enos Gingrich will follow with words of comfort. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home by 12:20pm Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Shupe family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Big Stone Gap, Va.-Burita Lorene “Rita” Taylor, 58, passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport, Tn.
She was a lifelong resident of Big Stone Gap. Rita loved her family and enjoyed playing solitaire.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Sue Mullins; and siblings, Sheryl Durham, Donna Lawson and Charlie Mullins.
Surviving are her husband, Roy Lytle; children, Kelly Lytle (Faith) and Natasha Lytle, both of Big Stone Gap, Brittany Cooper (Franklin), Dryden, Va. and Sean Lytle (Angela), Pennington Gap, Va.; five grandchildren, Chloe Lytle, Dalton Isom, Hayden Isom, Addison Cooper and Jase Cooper; step-son, Brian Lytle, Bristol, Va. and several nieces and nephews.
The family will gather to celebrate her life at her home, 4700 Lytle Lane, Big Stone Gap, Va., on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Lytle/Taylor family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Dandridge, TN - Kathie Darlene Phillips, 73, entered into the loving arms of Jesus, with her family by her side, on Saturday, October 7, 2023. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a devoted Christian and a member of Muddy Creek Baptist Church in Dandridge, TN.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Phillips; grandson, Robbie Phillips; her parents, A.R and Lucy Blevins and her father and mother-in-law, Paul and Lucille Phillips.
Kathie is survived by her daughters, Paula Welch (William) of Jonesville, VA, Robin Collins (Tim) of Big Stone Gap, VA and Shawna Swiney (Greg) of Big Stone Gap, VA; her siblings, Carol Self (Ken) of Jonesville, VA, Connie Curtis of Lexington, KY, Darrell Blevins (Glenna) of Harrodsburg, KY and Donna Lewis (Charles) of Kingsport, TN; her grandchildren, Cera Roberts (Clinton), Sydnie Cothron (Bryson), Emily Collins, Hannah Collins, Hunter Swiney (Meaghan), Madison Rines (Dillon) and Joe Welch (Cece); her great grandchildren, Chloe Roberts, Jameson Roberts, Josiah Walker and Kayson Hobbs; and a special friend, Janice Jones.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The service will begin at 12:00 noon with Bryson Cothron ministering. Graveside services will be private.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Kathie Phillips.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.