Wise, VA-Joe Belle Salyer went home to be with the Lord on August 16, 2026, at the age of 93. He
was a man of few words, but every one of them counted — a quiet strength that steadied
his family for a lifetime and a faith that never needed to announce itself to be felt.
Joe spent 39 and a half years as a carman with Norfolk Southern, where decades of
careful, hands-on work taught him the kind of patience and steadiness that carried over
into everything else he did. He was the sort of man who noticed more than he said, who
fixed what needed fixing without being asked, and whose wisdom usually arrived in a
single, well-timed sentence rather than a long speech.
Joe also gave generously of his time to his community. He was a member of The Odd
Fellows, served as a Wise Rescue Squad volunteer, and was a frequent blood donor —
quietly showing up to help, the same way he showed up for everything else.
Joe was a faithful member of The Church of the Good Shepherd, where his quiet
presence in the pew said as much about his faith as any sermon could. He wasn’t one for
long speeches, and his family will tell you there were really only two occasions that
could talk him out of his silence: a favorite story he’d told a hundred times before and
never got tired of telling, and a grandchild who’d earned themselves a lecture. If you
found yourself on the receiving end of the latter, you knew you were in for a while —
turned out the quietest man in the family had been saving up words for exactly that
moment.
For 72 years, Joe was devoted to the love of his life, Thelma Jane Dean Salyer, who
preceded him in death on June 16, 2026. Together they built a home rooted in faith and
filled with grandchildren’s laughter, and their marriage stood as proof that quiet love,
tended faithfully year after year, becomes something unshakeable.
Joe is survived by his eight children: Joe Belle (Nancy) Salyer, Jr., Rebecca (the late
Terry) Powers, Tanya (Eric) McCrite, Randy (the late Donna) Salyer, Tim (Lisa) Salyer,
Jane (Landon) Hunsucker, Anthony Salyer, and Angela (Tim) Cox. His legacy continues
through 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of
his quiet wisdom forward.
Joe didn’t need to be the loudest man in the room to be the steadiest one in it. He led by
example — showing up, working hard, loving faithfully, and trusting God with the rest.
His family will remember him in the small things: a nod that meant more than words, and
a hand on the shoulder.
Joe is now reunited with his beloved Thelma, walking together once more — this time in
the house of the Lord.
Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private service will be held at a later
date.
A toast to a great man, husband, father, and friend — one who lived quietly but left a
lasting mark on everyone who knew him.
Here is what Dad would say:
“Here’s to IT and to IT AGAIN!! If we ever get to IT and DON’T do IT!! We’ll NEVER do IT
AGAIN!! AMEN.”
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Salyer family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Viviana Grace Anderson “Vivi” [06-24-2026] - [08-29-2026]
Age: 2 months and 5 days
Viviana “Vivi” passed away unexpectedly on August 29th, 2026, at Indian Path Community Hospital. Born on June 24, Vivi was a little fighter from her very first breath; she faced challenges that no baby should ever have to endure. Through surgeries, procedures, setbacks, and long days in the hospital, she continued to show strength that amazed everyone who cared for her. She valiantly battled gastroschisis, possessing a fierce amount of strength and determination that inspired everyone around her. Even during her five-week NICU stay, her nurses would always let us know how feisty she was.
Vivi fought so hard to come home with her Mommy, Gracie Gibson, and Daddy, Reyshawn Anderson. Reyshawn and Gracie dreamed of bringing her through their front door, rocking her in Gracie’s late Nan’s rocking chair and playing with toy piggies in honor of Reyshawn’s late Mamaw, watching her crawl for the first time, feeding her real food for the first time, watching her take her first steps, going to her first day of school, and watching her grow into whatever kind of person she wanted to be.
Vivi was so much more than what she battled. She was happy, beautiful, and feisty and was never afraid to let Mommy and Daddy know that she ran the show, and they were perfectly okay with that. Her parents will never forget her vibrant facial expressions, how much she loved to be held and bounced, and no matter how tired Mommy and Daddy’s arms became, they would keep bouncing her until she drifted off to sleep. They will always remember her sweet little fingers and toes, how much she loved to talk and coo, how she always needed her toy cow for car rides, how she did not like stopping at stop signs or red lights when she was in the car, how she expected her spa bath time every single night, and how a warm bottle had to be on standby when it was time to get out of the bath.
There was nothing in this world that her parents loved more than Vivi and caring for her. Her daddy will forever miss their goodnight cuddles and putting her to sleep every night. Daddy had to be the one to put Vivi to sleep because she found a different kind of calm and comfort in her daddy’s arms. Her mommy will forever miss waking up in the middle of the night for diaper changes, making her baby a bottle of milk, and simply looking into Vivi’s eyes while Vivi looked back at her, as if letting her mom know that she loved her and was thankful for everything she did to care for her.
She is survived by her loving parents, Gracie Gibson and Reyshawn Anderson; her grandparents, Angie Gibson, Brent Gibson, and Melissa Gilliam; her great-grandparents, Fran and Larry Hall and Gilford Gibson; and numerous aunts and uncles, Robbie Gibson, Keyshawn Anderson, Bailey Gibson, Carlos Anderson, Tori Gibson, and Ryan Gibson.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandmothers, Mary-Anne Light and Maxine Ratcliff. Her family finds comfort in believing that they welcomed their precious great- granddaughter with open arms and will forever rock her to sleep.
Although Vivi’s time with us was far too short, she faced adversity that some people will never experience in a lifetime. She brought people together, taught us the meaning of courage and showed us a love deeper than words can express. Vivi’s life will not be measured by its length, but by the love she gave and the hearts she changed.
There will be a private graveside service.
The family and friends are asked to meet from 1:00pm – 4:00pm on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the West End Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 509 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA to celebrate the joy that Viviana brought to each who knew her or prayed for her.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Gracie and Reyshawn’s families during this most difficult time.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

In Loving Memory of Alex Camden

It is with a heartbreak that words could never fully explain that we announce the passing of Alex Camden, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

Alex was the husband and best friend of his wife, Michaela Camden. For six years, they built a life and a family together through every high, every low, every crazy moment, and everything in between. To Michaela, Alex wasn’t just her husband—he was her person, her partner in the chaos, and someone she truly believed she would have beside her for the rest of her life.

And if you knew Alex for more than five minutes, chances are you knew about Michaela too. That man was absolutely crazy about his wife. He couldn’t have a conversation with somebody without somehow finding a way to talk about her. Whether he was bragging about something she had accomplished, telling a story about her, showing somebody a picture, or simply saying, “my wife,” Michaela was going to come up. You didn’t have to ask Alex how much he loved her—you could hear it every time he talked about her. He was proud of his wife, proud of the life they had built, and proud to call her his.

One of the greatest parts of Alex’s life was his family. He loved his family fiercely, and being a dad was a huge part of who he was. His family was big, loud, busy, beautifully chaotic, and full of love. He leaves behind his children, Jax, Laylah, Kaiden, Snow, Katie, Dean, Owen, Freya, Alexia, Sam, and Kairi. His absence leaves a space in their family that can never truly be filled. They didn’t just lose their dad; they lost someone who was part of their everyday lives, their memories, their laughter, and their home.

Alex was the beloved son of Carol Camden and the late Tracy Camden Sr. He is also survived by his siblings, Keisha; Tracy Camden II and his wife, Christine; Coty; Bella; and Darren. He was preceded in death by his father, Tracy Camden Sr., and his brother, Kurt.

Alex also leaves behind a very large extended family and so many friends who loved him and were part of his life. There are far too many names to ever fit onto one page. From nieces and nephews to cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, lifelong friends, riding friends, and people who became family along the way, Alex was surrounded by people whose lives were touched simply by knowing him. His loss isn’t felt by just one household or one family—it is felt by an entire circle of people who loved him and will miss him tremendously.

Anyone who knew Alex knew the big, bearded, tattooed biker with his glasses, but the people closest to him knew just how big his heart was. Alex was truly a gentle person. He loved deeply, cared deeply, and there was nothing more important to him than the people he called family.

Alex loved his family, his bike, and his Hot Wheels collection. His motorcycle was a part of who he was, and there was nothing quite like seeing him on his bike. And then there were the Hot Wheels—something so simple that brought him so much happiness. Whether he was finding another one he just had to add to his collection or showing off one of his favorites, it was one of those little things that made Alex, Alex.

Those are the things his family will hold onto now—the little pieces of him that are everywhere. A motorcycle going down the road, a Hot Wheels car sitting on a store shelf, a family memory that makes everyone laugh, or one of those ordinary moments when you suddenly expect him to walk through the door.

Six years was nowhere near enough.

There were supposed to be more birthdays, more football games and cheer days, more family chaos, more motorcycle rides, more Hot Wheels added to the collection, more laughter, more pictures, more ordinary days, and so many more years.

Alex leaves behind a wife who will love him for the rest of her life, children who will forever carry pieces of their dad with them, and countless family members and friends who will never forget him. The world is going to feel a whole lot different without Alex in it.

He will live on through his children, through the stories that will be told over and over, through the pictures that will always be treasured, through the things he loved, and through every memory made during the life he shared with the people who loved him.

Alex, you were loved more than you probably ever realized. You were my husband, my best friend, my person, and the dad to our babies. Our family will never be the same without you. Six years with you could never have been enough, but I will carry every one of those years, every memory, and every piece of you with me for the rest of my life.

Ride free, Alex. Until we meet again.

Final arrangements will be private.

Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Alex Camden.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Eddie Lee Carter, 60, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Big Stone Gap and East Stone Gap. He was an auto mechanic, having worked at Dotson Chevrolet, Auto World and most recently, Valley Performance. He loved hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed being a HAM radio operator, riding his four-wheeler and motorcycle, and playing the guitar. He was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Glenna (Mulllins) Carter.
Eddie is survived by his fiancé and the love of his life, Victoria Chestnut; his children, Alissa Hatfield (Jason) of Big Stone Gap, VA, Amanda Hopson (Tim) of Big Stone Gap, VA, and Sierra Neeley (Don) of Appalachia, VA; siblings, Jeanne Harwood (Kevin) of Vero Beach, FL, Cathy Neeley of Big Stone Gap, VA and Trish Meredith (Wally) of Big Stone Gap, VA; grandchildren, Paityn Hatfield, Oaklee Hatfield, Katelyn Hopson, Zoey Hopson, Alexis Neeley and Brantley Chestnut, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Eddie Carter.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Rhonda Gayle Barnett, 61, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at her home. She was born in Norton, VA and was raised in the Baum Hollow community of Big Stone Gap. She lived for 15 years in North Carolina before returning to Big Stone Gap in 2008. She was an LPN during her working career, and then dedicated her life to her children and their upbringing. She was an avid reader.
She was a loving mother, daughter, sister and aunt. She was a Christian and attended Red Hill Memorial Church in Pattonsville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Kathleen Lane and an uncle, Mark Light.
Rhonda is survived by her children, Seth Barnett of Big Stone Gap, VA and Kati Murphy (Doug) of Raleigh, NC; siblings, Tracy Lane of Big Stone Gap, VA, Cedric “Duck” Lane of Big Stone Gap, VA and Shawna Hicks (Vance) of Youngsville, NC; grandchildren, Luke Barnett, Jaxon Barnett, Oliver Murphy and Aubrie Collins and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by an inseparable aunt, Lisa Williams, whom Rhonda lived with for the last several years.
Rhonda requested a private ceremony with family.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Rhonda Barnett.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Willard Harold Thompson, 84, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport, TN. Born in Blackwater, VA, he lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap. He was in the first graduating class at Powell Valley High School, where he was a member of the basketball team. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, achieving rank of Sergeant and was a drill instructor at Fort Hood, TX. “Stoney” as he was affectionately known, worked in a few different fields following his army commitment. Ultimately, he began a career as a coal miner with Westmoreland Coal Co. and was a member of the U.M.W.A.
He was a loving father, son, brother, grandfather and friend to many. He enjoyed pitching horseshoes at Bullitt Park, back in the day. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Mary Ellen (Bates) Thompson; parents, Jess and Vonnie Vertie (Goins) Thompson and siblings, Oscar Thompson, Reva Bledsoe, Ray Thompson and Barbara Clark.
He is survived by his children, Rebecca Ellison (Clayton) of Newport, TN and Wesley Thompson (Annie-Pier) of Big Stone Gap, VA; brother, Jimmy Thompson of Big Stone Gap, VA; grandchildren, Jessica Wines (Brandon), Jonathan Bowman (Destiny) and Jacob Sunny Thompson; great-grandchildren, Tyler Wines and Lacey Bell Bowman and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 11:00am-1:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap. A UMWA Service by the Subdistrict Chaplain Corp. will begin at 1:00pm. The funeral service will follow with Rev. Tom Williams officiating.
Military rites will be accorded by the Virginia National Guard Honors Team and Local VFW & DAV Posts at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5560 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA following the funeral service. Family members will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Willard Thompson.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Donald Rufus Lane, age 69, of Duffield, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on August 21, 2026, surrounded by family after an extended illness. He was born July 28, 1957, at home in Duffield, Virginia, to Wiley and Rettie Lane. He worked for twenty-six years at Cumberland Glove Factory until its closure and then worked for Joy Mining Machinery (Komatsu) until his retirement.
Donald was a man of many interests and talents. Those who knew him knew how much he loved fixing up old vehicles, painting nature scenes, or meeting new people, playing music, and praising God. Donald had an ear for music and could pick up just about any instrument; one of his favorite pastimes was playing music and singing with his children and grandchildren, especially at church.
Cooking was another of his great labors of love. He believed in feeding the people he cared about whether it was a pot of soup beans with cornbread or his famous pasta salad he took particular pride in making. Food was never just food to Donald; it was one of the ways he showed love.
Above everything else, Donald loved his family. He was a loving husband, protective father, and proud Grandpoppy. Being Poppy always brought a smile to his face, his joy evident.
Donald will be remembered for his fix-it skills, his guitar-playing, competitiveness, and the way he never met a stranger. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his three daughters and their spouses, Jennifer & Bobby Whiteaker, Cindy and Jon Coleman, Emily and Chad Price; his grandchildren, Eryn, Benji, Elan, Rand, Julian, and baby Esther; his siblings, David Lane, Judy Sergent, Dennis Lane, Phyllis Bishop, Alan Lane; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley Lane and Rettie Virginia Phillips Lane, and his older brother, Danny Lane.
Donald was a member of Living Waters Ministries in Jasper, Virginia where he taught Sunday school and led the music.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 PM at Living Waters Ministries in Jasper, Virginia with Pastor Billy Wells. Family and friends are invited to come together to share stories, good old fashioned Southern food, fellowship, and celebrate a one-of-a-kind man who was deeply loved. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all feel free to bring a favorite family dessert to share.
Donald leaves behind a lifetime of stories and memories in the people who loved him. He will be deeply missed and carried in the hearts of his family every day.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Donald Lane.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.- Howard Edward “Snookem” Sloan Sr., 83, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at his residence.
He was born and raised in Derby, Va. and lived in Big Stone Gap most of his life. He was a Section Foreman for Westmoreland Coal Company for several years. Howard loved woodcrafting, planting flowers, and especially watching his grandchildren grow up. He was a member of Cedar Ridge Freewill Baptist Church.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Betty (Falin) Sloan; siblings, Garland “Monk” Sloan, Hubert Sloan, Kenneth Sloan, Pearl McCart, and Freda “Teen” Kemp.
Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Patti Sloan of the home; son, Howard Sloan, Jr. of Dryden, Va. and Pamela Vanover of Wise, Va.; grandchildren, Melinda Miller (Jerry), Joey Grizzle, Jody Grizzle, Sara Clark, Elisabeth Vanover, Dylan Grizzle, Evie Grizzle and Eric Sloan; great grandchildren Hunter Miller, Ashley Miller, Jazmin Miller, Matthew Miller, Jaylynn Miller, Nora Grizzle, Derek Grizzle, Lakota Clark, Lakelynn Clark and Walker Clark and several nieces and nephews. Howard is also survived by special friends, Pam Skeen and Teresa Clark; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws who loved him deeply and his church friends.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave West, Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will follow with Pastor James Holcomb officiating.
The graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:00 am in American Legion Cemetery, Big Stone Gap with Cotton Gardner ministering. Family and friends are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home at 10:20 to go in procession to the cemetery.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Sloan family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Dalton Spaulding, a cherished son, grandson, brother, nephew cousin and friend, was unexpectedly taken from us on August 14, 2026, just shy of his 25th birthday. Born on August 17, 2001, in Chesapeake, Virginia, Dalton's life was a tapestry of kindness, laughter, and a spirit that connected deeply with everyone he met.
Dalton was the beloved son of Leslie Spaulding and the late Derek Spaulding. He is survived by his loving mother, Leslie; his sisters, Tara Spaulding and Anna Williams; his brothers, Gabriel Barclay and Izziah Roark; and his devoted grandparents, Jay and Beverly Grubb. He also leaves behind aunts Robin Johnson, Melanie Davidson, Katie Spaulding, and Julie Grubb; uncles Danny Spalding, Scott Grubb, and Ricky Grubb; and a host of cousins, including Lauren Thomas, Maddox Grubb, Amelia Grubb, Phoenix Wear, and Lily. His circle of close friends, Dylan Lion, Xander Shipley, Nick and Tiffany Dalton, Whitney Deskins, Hannah Trembaly, Manny Jaramillo, and JD Williamson, will forever cherish the memories they created with him.
Dalton spent his formative years in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, graduating from Union High School. He furthered his education at Northeast State Community College, where he continued to cultivate his love for learning. Professionally, Dalton dedicated himself to helping others as an Acute Recovery Care Tech at Turning Point in Johnson City. His commitment to supporting those in recovery extended beyond his work, as he was also a Recovery Resource Sponsor, offering guidance and hope to many who needed it.
A man of many passions, Dalton found joy in music, art, and history. He was learning to play the guitar and often immersed himself in the world of video games. Horror movies were a particular favorite, providing countless hours of entertainment and discussion with friends. Dalton's ability to make those around him laugh was a gift he shared generously, and his infectious smile could light up the darkest of days. He was known for his old soul and a heart that reached out to people of all ages, always eager to lend a helping hand.
On August 21, 2026 the family will be taking visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a following service to honor Dalton's Life from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Gilliam Funeral Home, located at 618 Wood Ave West, Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating the life of a remarkable young man who touched the hearts of many. The graveside service will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Nick Dalton, Xander Shipley, JD Williamson, Gabriel Barclay, Manny Jaramillo and Dylan Lion will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dalton's memory to Recovery Resources or Frontier Health Turning Point, an organization that reflects his passion for helping others on their journey to healing.
On September 13, 2026 the family invites you to join in on a Celebration of life for Dalton to be held September 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at Warrior Path State Park with a Candlelight Vigil to follow.
The Spaulding family extends their deepest gratitude to the community for the overwhelming support and love shown during this difficult time. Dalton's legacy of kindness and compassion will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Spaulding family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Duffield, VA-Richard Dean “Tom” Phillips, 56, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at his residence.
A lifelong resident of the Jasper Community of Lee County, VA, he was a truck driver for a majority of his life. “Tom,” as he was affectionately known by many, loved fishing, farming and the Dallas Cowboys. He was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. He loved spending time with his family, especially being with his grandchildren. He was a Christian.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Randy and Mary Phillips; sister, Tammy Giles and a niece, Jessica Carroll.
Surviving are his son, Austin Phillips (Carissa) of Big Stone Gap, VA; daughter, Courtney Hamilton (Landon) of Wise, VA; grandchildren, Hudson Hamilton, Hallie Hamilton, Josie Phillips and Octavia “June Bug” Phillips; siblings, Randall “Wheel” Phillips (Vicki) of Jenkins, KY, Jennifer Carroll of Appalachia, VA and Connie Pleasant, of the home; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Friday, August 28, 2026 at Thee Church, 713 W. Main St., Appalachia, VA. A memorial service will follow at 7:00pm.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Phillips family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Calvin Coalage Ramsey, 57 of Jonesville, VA, formerly of Ripley, WV passed away peacefully at home after a hard-fought battle with kidney cancer. Calvin was born August 20, 1968, the son of the late Arthur Eugene Ramsey, Sr. and Shirley Mae Bowman Ramsey. In addition to his parents, he was preceeded in death by his brother, John E. Bowman of Ripley, WV.
Calvin is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Sabrina M. Ramsey “Squirrel”, two sons, Justin Frazier of Mount Alto, WV and Chad “Booger” Stevens of Jonesville, VA, one daughter, Tyanna Milanese of Honaker, VA, and three grandchildren, Gabriel Tuttle, Remi Stiltner, and Parker Stevens. Calvin is also survived by two brothers, Arthur “Timmy” Ramsey, II (Gina), William “Willie” Ramsey (Ramona Sue), both of Sissonville, WV and three sisters, Ona Elmore (Charles) of Ripley, WV, Ruby Kay of Spencer, WV, and Ada Arlene Ramsey of Ripley, WV. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Calvin was previously employed as a driller for Performance Drilling, a job that he took great pride in. He loved to fish, hunt, dig ginseng, and spend time with his family. But nothing brought him more joy than being with his grandchildren and time spent with his soul mate, Squirrel.
In keeping with his wishes, Calvin will be cremated and there will be no funeral service.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory in Big Stone Gap, VA is honored to serve the Ramsey family.
Condolences may be sent to the family at calvinsgirl1968@icloud.com or on the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Charles “Charlie” Baxter Morris, 91, of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2026.
Born at home on September 14, 1934, to the late Patton and June (Hamilton) Morris, Charlie lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap. He graduated from East Stone Gap High School in 1954, where he starred in both basketball and football. He briefly attended Bluefield College before serving his country in the United States Army for two years. After being honorably discharged, he began working for Piedmont Airlines where he retired after more than 40 years of service.
Charlie was married to his wife Sheila for 35 years. She preceded him in death in 2019.
He was a longtime member of East Stone Gap Baptist Church where he faithfully attended the early service each week. More importantly, he lived his faith each day in the kind, generous, and humble way he treated others.
An avid farmer, he enjoyed taking care of his cows, putting out a garden, making applebutter, and working in his flower beds. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Char”.
In addition to his wife, Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Pat Morris and Bill Morris; his sisters, Annis Burke and Sandy Dorton; his brother-in-law, Bill Burke; and his nephews, Ronnie Morris and John Morris Slagle.
Left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory are his sister, Connie Slagle (Johnny); brother-in-law, Ray Dorton; sister-in-law, Ruth Morris; step-daughter, Teresa Marshall (Donnie); step-grandchildren, Donnie Marshall and Daniel Marshall; step-great-grandchild, Caden Marshall; nieces, Paige Schoolcraft (John), Leslie Grigsby (Freddie) and Kellie Smith (Les); nephews, Patrick Dorton (Stacey) and John Wesley Slagle (Amy); several great nieces and nephews and their children; several cousins, including a special cousin, Nancy Cassell; and special friends, Bobbie Jean Cooper, Ruth Ann Price, and Keith Bevins.
A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at East Stone Gap Baptist Church with Dr. Lonnie Brooks officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm, with a brief service immediately following.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 am at Glencoe Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the East Stone Gap Baptist Church Youth Group, PO Box 100, East Stone Gap, VA 24246.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Charlie Morris.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page. Jim