In Loving Memory of David

David Lee Koop was born on May 23, 1952, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Betty (Gelow) Koop and Leonard Koop. He will be remembered and deeply missed by his loving family and friends.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy, whom he loved dearly and missed greatly, as well as his brother, Frederick Koop, and sisters, Kathie Scott and Karen Harrington.

He leaves behind his children, Carol “Amy” (Richard) Graley, Judy “Georgie” Kevin Horne, and William (Maria) Eldridge. He is also survived by his siblings, Leonard Koop II and Kerry Jennings.

David’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Shane (Leigha) Eldridge, Brent (Angela) Eldridge, Haley (David) Frymyer, Nicholas Graley, Jonathan Graley, Logan Koop, Paige (Justin) Harris, Ryan Horne, Abby Horne, and Isaac Horne.

He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Kayden Eldridge, Kaylee Eldridge, Brentlee Eldridge, Rahlee Eldridge, Kenzlee Eldridge, Colton Frymyer and Kaysen Harris.

In addition, David leaves behind several nieces and nephews, along with a host of other loving family members and friends whose lives were touched by knowing him.

Though his passing leaves an emptiness in the hearts of those who loved him, his memory will live on through the family he cherished and the many lives he touched. He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

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

Big Stone Gap, VA - Myrtle Donelson Pippin, 100, passed away on Thursday, October 22 at the Laurels Retirement & Assisted Living in Norton, VA. Myrtle was born in East Stone Gap VA to the late Jerry and Hazel Clasby Donelson. She was a proud graduate of East Stone Gap high school and attended every class reunion possible up until her 80th class reunion at the age of 98. Myrtle was the oldest living member of East Stone Gap Methodist Church where she had attended since childhood. She worked for several years for Westmorland Coal Company in the Safety Department, DMME and Bureau of Mines in Norton, VA before retirement. Myrtle enjoyed bowling, square dancing, camping, traveling, spending time at the beach and most of all spending quality time with her grandchildren. Myrtle and her husband belonged to a camping square dance club where they would travel to different campgrounds around the southern states and square dance as entertainment for the campgrounds.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Robert (Shorty) Pippin; one brother, Jack Donelson, and sisters, Anna Fraley and Mary Lou Donelson.
Surviving is her son, Robert (Bobby) Pippin, Jr. (Debbie); granddaughter, Tracy Fannon (Keith) of Kingsport, TN, and grandson, Travis Pippin (Adrianna) of Tega Cay, SC; and great granddaughters, Rachel and Abby Fannon.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral will begin at 3:00pm with Pastor Michael Williams officiating.
The graveside service will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 11:00am in American Legion Cemetery, 5015 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. Those attending are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home by 10:30am to travel in procession to the cemetery. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the East Stone Gap Tigers Scholarship Fund. Mountain Empire Community College Foundation, Att. Amy Greear, 3441 Mountain Empire Rd, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Myrtle Pippin.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Mary Louise Sampson, 84, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Holston Valley Hospital, Kingsport, TN with her family by her side. She was a lifelong resident of Big Stone Gap, VA. She was a homemaker and loved sewing, quilting, cooking and canning, and took great pride in caring for her home. She attended Cedar Ridge Freewill Baptist Church in the Cracker’s Community of Big Stone Gap.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sammy Sampson, Sr.; parents, Barney and Martha (Wade) Tabor, and sisters, Nancy Jo Dorton and Betty Mabe.
Mary is survived by her children, Bobbie Jo Tyner of Kingsport, TN, Sammy Sampson, Jr. (Andrea) of Red Oak, TX, and Johnny Sampson (Amy) of Norton, VA; five grandchildren, Marcie Gonzales, Lauren Gonzales, Kaila Mathis (Roger), Ty Sampson and Sean Sampson; three great-grandchildren, Payslee, Rowdy and Atticus; sister, Judy Tabor of Big Stone Gap, VA, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 11:00am-1:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 1:00pm with Pastor Sean Bailey officiating.
The graveside service will follow at Glencoe Cemetery, E Spring St., Big Stone Gap, VA. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Mary Sampson.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Ella Mae Whiteaker, 84, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026 at her home. She was born in Cumberland, KY on August 10, 1942 and lived most of her life in the Hamner Hollow Community of Big Stone Gap. She worked for over 30 years as the office manager for Dr. Manoharan. She loved shopping and she loved her grandchildren. She was of the Baptist faith. Ella Mae was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edward Whiteaker, Jr.; her parents, Denver Gilliam and Ruth (Lay) Jackson; three brothers and two sisters.
Ella Mae is survived by her children, Tammy McDaries (Ricky) of Big Stone Gap, VA, Ella Edwards (Jeff) of Spruce Pine, NC and Renee Giles (Michael) of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Jennifer Mayes (Alex), England and Olivia Bray, and Dakota Trammell; great-grandchildren, Katherine Horton and Stormy Trammell; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and a special niece, Betty Jo Sturgill of Cumberland, KY.
Final arrangements will be private.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Ella Mae Whiteaker.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Roy Elmo Hamilton, 95, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his family.
Born in Exeter, Va., he joined the U.S. Army early on and made a career serving his country for 26 years. He served in Korea and Vietnam and over his career he was honored with many medals, including the Korean and Vietnam Service Medals and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Silver Star and Bronze Star. In his civilian life he worked as a self-employed contractor and carpenter. He loved making wooded crosses for many in his spare time and anyone who received a cross was honored by his gift. He was a member of the Legion Memorial Methodist Church.
Roy was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Dorothy Lea (Blevins) Hamilton; son, Roy E Hamilton, Jr.; parents, Schuyler and Etta Mae (Beamon) Hamilton and 12 siblings.
Roy is survived by his daughters, Dorothy Hodges (Joseph), and Mary Bellemare, both of Big Stone Gap, Va.; six grandchildren Wayne Floyd (Kathy), Paul Floyd, William Floyd (Ashley), John Bellemare (Bridgette), Amber Cress (Rob), and Roy Hodges; 13 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Gilliam Funeral Home, Big Stone Gap, VA, from 11:00 am to 1:00pm. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Sean Bailey officiating.
Military graveside services, by VA Army National Guard Honors Team and local VFW and DAV posts, will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, Big Stone Gap, Virginia.
Family members will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Roy Hamilton.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Dorothy Ann “Dotty” Anderson Allen passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at her home with her family and friends by her side.
Dotty was born in Brenham, Texas to the late Aubrey and Viola (Sawyer) Anderson. The Anderson family arrived in Bristol, Tennessee at the train station on July 4, 1947. She met the love of her life, Ben, while attending Bristol Tennessee High School and they were married in 1952. She worked for the Social Security Administration while Ben attended ETSU. They moved the family to Big Stone Gap, Virginia in 1959. After raising her children, Dotty worked alongside Ben at Southwest Oil Company and Lonesome Pine International Raceway. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1959. She taught Sunday School, Bible School and was President and Treasurer of the Women’s Circle. She worked diligently within the community and school system on various fund raising and Gala events. Dotty was a loving wife, daughter and mother who always had a smile on her face and touched the lives of all she met. She had a wonderful sense of humor.
Dotty was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Ben Allen; her parents and two brothers.
Dotty is survived by her children, Andy Allen (Jeff) of Nashville, Tennessee, Mike Allen (Mary Beth) of Big Stone Gap, Virginia and Carol Allen of Big Stone Gap, Virginia; five grandchildren, Lauren Mottern (Tyler), Kurt Blanken, John Michael Allen (Toy), T.J. Blanken (Maddie) and Erika Daniels; and six great-grandchildren, Arri Mottern, Becc Mottern, Parker Blanken, Penelope Blanken, Jax Daniels and Ava White.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Big Stone Gap, VA, from 12:30 – 1:30 pm. The funeral service will begin at 1:30 pm with Rev. Ben Harding and Dr. Nick Brewer officiating.
The graveside service will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Those serving as pallbearers will be T.J. Blanken, Kurt Blanken, John Michael Allen, Tyler Mottern, Norman Clifton, Ron Prewitt, Roy Johnson and Kermit Lovell.
The family wishes to express their most sincere appreciation to caregivers, Virginia Caudill and Heather Glover, and also to dear friends and caregivers, Iva Lou Johnson and Amanda Lovell.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church General Operating Fund, 203 E. 1st Street S., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Dotty Allen.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Dorothy Mae Qualls, 80, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.
Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In her younger years, she worked as a beautician before continuing her education and earning her degree in nursing. She went on to become a devoted nurse, serving others through various healthcare services throughout her career. She also spent many years by her husband’s side, ministering together at Keokee Free Pentecostal Church. Outside of her work and ministry, Dorothy enjoyed traveling and shopping and cherished the time she spent with her family. Above all, Dorothy was a devoted Christian whose faith was at the center of her life. She loved the Lord and faithfully served Him throughout her life.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, James Qualls; her parents, Wanda and T.R. Davidson; and her siblings, Linda Huff, Bobbie Burton, Tommie Harding, and T.R. “Peejib” Davidson.
She is survived by her children, Jimmy Qualls (Sheila) of Big Stone Gap, Lisa Hubbard (Wayne) of Kodak, TN, and Kimberly Staudinger (Donald) of Big Stone Gap; her grandchildren, Brandon Qualls (Hailey), Justin Qualls (Kara), Ciara Staudinger, Skyler Hubbard, and Billy Hubbard; her great-grandchildren, Ruby, Axton, and Lucy Qualls; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 7, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W, Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 7:00 p.m., with her son, James Qualls, officiating.
Family and friends are asked to assemble on Thursday, October 8, at 10:20 a.m. to travel in procession to the cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Wayne Hubbard, Billy Hubbard, Skyler Hubbard, Donald Staudinger, Brandon Qualls, Justin Qualls, Bryan Davidson, and Aaron Davidson.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.
Gilliam Funeral Home is honored to serve the Qualls family.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Joyce Mae Page, 86, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, TN.
Joyce was a lifelong resident of Big Stone Gap and served as the Big Stone Gap Town Clerk/Treasurer for over 35 years. She was active in the community, a member of the Virginia Retired Town Clerk’s Association, and a member of the Red Hat Society. She was a Weight Watchers Instructor and was physically active. She could often be seen walking the Big Stone Gap Greenbelt and the Danberry Heights subdivision. She enjoyed Country/Bluegrass Music and watching NASCAR on TV with her fiancé, Jim. Family was important to Joyce, and she loved spending time with them. She was a Sunday School Teacher at Oak Grove Baptist Church for many years. In most recent years, she attended Zion Family Ministries in Wise, VA where her daughter, Sharon, and son-in-law, Wayne, lead the congregation. All three of her daughters married ministers, of which she was very proud.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, George Miller Page; her parents, Earnest and America (Crawford) Maxfield, and her sisters, Janice Duncan and Lenora Knox.
Joyce is survived by her fiancé, James Chafin; her daughters, Sharon Hager (Wayne) of Wise, VA, Karen Friday (Mike) of Johnson City, TN and Wendi Rose (David) of Big Stone Gap, VA; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Doris McDaniel of Big Stone Gap, VA and Patricia Clifton of Gray, TN, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA from 5:00-7:00pm. The funeral service will begin at 7:00pm with Pastor Wayne Hager and Pastor David Rose officiating.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 11:00am at Glencoe Cemetery, 225 E. Spring St. S., Big Stone Gap, VA. Luke Spurlock, Todd Horner, Tim Duncan, Brayden Rose, Charlie Johnson and Mike McConnell will serve as pallbearers. Those attending are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home to leave in procession at 10:30am.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Joyce Page.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Dwight Andrew Ward, Jr., 56, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026 at his home. He was born in Norton, VA and raised on Sandy Ridge in Coeburn, VA. He had lived in Big Stone Gap, VA for the past 5 years. He worked as a mechanic and ship welder at the Navy Ship Yard in Newport News, VA for several years. He loved fishing and hunting, and enjoyed fishing in B.A.S.S. tournaments. He would give a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a Christian.
He is preceded in death by parents, Dwight and Daisy Ward, Sr. and sister, Loretha Ward.
Dwight is survived by two daughters; sister, Yolanda Moore (James R.) of Coeburn, VA; four nephews, and special caring cousins, Danny L. Sluss, Danny B. Sluss and Sophia A. Sluss.
Final arrangements will be private.
To assist the family for the cremation, please make payments to Gilliam Funeral Home, P. O. Box 886, Big Stone Gap, VA. 24219 or in person at the funeral home. The family appreciates your gifts, kindness and prayers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Dwight Ward, Jr.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Keokee, VA – Gary Wayne “Wayne-O” Davis, 66, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, TN.
Gary was born in Big Stone Gap, VA, but lived most of his life in Keokee, VA. He was a former coal miner with Westmoreland Coal Co. at the Wentz Mine. He was a truck driver and mechanic with Bresee Trucking for many years. He loved fishing at Norris Lake and working on trucks and cars. Wayne-O loved helping other people. He attended Keokee Free Pentecostal Church. He loved to sing “I’m Changing Houses” and now he is no longer suffering as he has “changed” his home.
He is preceded in death by a daughter, Tabitha Marie Davis; parents, Carl Enis Davis and Maude Smith; and brothers, Larry Davis and Carl “Chig” Davis.
Gary is survived by his wife, Robin Davis; children, Brandi Gordon of Hillsville, VA, Mahlia Presley of Big Stone Gap, VA and Donald Wayne “Junebug” Davis (Kendra) of Rogersville, TN; step-daughter, Amanda Lancaster of Big Stone Gap, VA; siblings, Patsy Miller (Dale) of Keokee, VA and Stevie “Tootie” Davis (Michele) of Jonesville, VA; grandson, Jacob Gordon; step-father, Joe Smith of Keokee, VA and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 12:00 noon-2:00 pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm with Phillip Earnis evangelizing.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Gary Davis.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Jonathan Paul Hunsaker, 42, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026 at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Big Stone Gap. He was a 2002 graduate of Powell Valley High School, where he played football, and he attended VA Tech. He was a pharmacy tech for a few years with his brother, Jay, a foreman for the family business with his father, Doug, and then worked for G2K Games in Norton, VA, until his passing. He loved to collect records, gaming memorabilia and comic books.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Via Hunsaker.
Jonathan is survived by his father, Doug Hunsaker; brother, Jay Hunsaker (Jen); niece, Lexi Hunsaker; aunt, Ginny Vanderberg (James) and uncles, James Hunsaker, Richard Hunsaker and Mark Via (Pamela).
The family will receive friends Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 12:00 noon-2:00 pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 2:00 pm.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Jonathan Hunsaker.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA-James D. “Jimmy” Wade, 55, passed away Monday, September 21, 2026, at Johnson City Medical Center, following a brief illness.
Born in Hopewell, VA, he lived In Keokee, VA, where he graduated from Keokee High School. Jimmy was a self-employed landscaper, serving many families in the Wise and Lee County area.
He and Kristy, his companion for 22 years. Cherished one another. He will be sorely missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Verlin Wade and Nancy Russell; and by a step-sister, Tammy Russell.
Surviving are his longtime companion, Kristy Harris; siblings, Lisa Davis, Sherrie Frazier, Andrea Hines, Joshua Russell and Keisha Russell; and a step-sister, Elizabeth Russell.
Arrangements are private.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mr. Wade’s family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.