Big Stone Gap, Va.- Richard “Bud” Fannon, 93, passed away January 8, 2026 at Norton Community Hospital, Norton, VA.
Born in Inman, VA to the late Charles and Irene (Newton) Fannon, he lived most his life in Big Stone Gap. Bud was one of thirteen children. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, having served a tour in Korea and Japan during the Korean War. When he returned from service, he met and married his wife, Evelyn, and they lived the American dream for 68 years. Bud worked for C&P Telephone for over 30 years as a lineman supervisor. He was a longtime member of the Big Stone Gap Lions Club, the Big Stone Gap I.O.O.F. (Odd Fellows), a longtime “chain-gang” member for the Powell Valley Viking Football team at Bullitt Park and was proud to be a lifetime member of Big Stone Gap Rescue Squad. He worked at the Lonesome Pine Speedway and the Kingsport Speedway. He was owner/operator of R.R.&M. Fannon Contractors. Bud helped the Gilliam Family construct and build Gilliam Funeral Home & Crematory, where he continued to help serve families for over 35 years. He was a member of East Stone Gap Baptist Church, where he was the oldest living member.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Irene Newton Fannon; sisters, Berita Fannon, Virgie “Tootie” Fannon, Nancy Caroll Humbert, Shirley Faye Rosenbaum and Jonell Underwood; and brothers, Harold Douglas “Manzie” Fannon, Dillard McArthur Fannon, and Bill Fannon.
Bud is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Evelyn Fannon; sons, Rick Fannon (Pam) of Pennington Gap, VA and Mike Fannon (Carletta) of Big Stone Gap, VA; grandchildren, Lance Fannon, Austin Fannon and Andy Fannon (Shonna); great granddaughter, Anistyn Fannon; siblings, Robert “Shorty” Fannon (Mary) of Dryden, VA, William “Allen” Fannon of Exeter, VA, Annette “Nina” Morton of Bristol, VA and Glynis Geraldine Aistrop of Seminary; sister-in-law, Margaret Fannon of Stonega, VA; his closest and dearest friend, Cotton Gardner, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 3:00-5:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 5:00pm with Dr. Lonnie Brooks and Lowell “Cotton” Gardner, Jr. ministering.
Military rites will be accorded by local VFW and DAV Posts and the VA Army National Guard Honors team will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:00am at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. Lance Fannon, Austin Fannon, Andy Fannon, Keith Fannon, Joey Smith, Shonna Fannon and Brian Owens will serve as pallbearers. Family and friends are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home to leave in procession at 10:20am.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the friends and family of Bud Fannon.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com.

Wise, Va.-Jerry Arthur McCracken, 82, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 following a lengthy illness.
Jerry was born in Wise County, VA to the late Gladys Irene and Arthur “AV” McCracken. Jerry was a graduate of Appalachia High School, following his graduation he enlisted in the US Army. Jerry, along with his former wife Patricia, and family members Eloise and Ralph, were the owners of Dujays Pizza in Big Stone Gap. Jerry was a valued employee of Westmoreland Coal Company and after their closure, he worked as an OTR driver for JB Hunt and Ozark Trucking Company. Jerry was a proud member of UMWA.
Jerry was an active member of his church and served as a deacon at First Christian Church in Big Stone Gap for several years. Prior to his illness, he spent many hours volunteering at the food bank and leading Bible study.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Patricia (Pat) McCracken, his daughters, Jamie McCracken and Abigail McCracken , and his son Charles (Charlie) McCracken .
He is survived by his sons, Donnie Gilbert and wife Kathryn of Seven Valleys, PA and Jeremy McCracken and wife Erin of Wise, VA; grandchildren, Adam Gilbert, Mariah Gilbert (Ryan), Harrison Gilbert (Natalie), Amanda Vallies (Mike), Connor McCracken (Taylor), and Blake McCracken; great-grandsons Bradley, James, and Hayden; and lifelong friends Freddie and Polly Clark and Wayne Garrett.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Dr. Kumar, Dr. Basham, Heritage Hall in Wise, The Laurels, and Norton Community Hospital for the excellent care Jerry has received for the past several years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to your local food bank or MEOC Children's Advocacy Center, P. O. Box 888, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219, in honor of Jerry.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the McCracken family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com
or the funeral home Facebook page.

Wise, VA - Larry Kenneth Reeves, 75, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Norton Community Hospital, Norton, VA. Larry lived most of his life in Wise, VA and was a heavy equipment operator for Isom Coal Co., among others. He loved hunting in Bath County, VA, raising a garden, raising cattle, and surf fishing in Florida. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, and brother. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lilyan Luzetta McCormick Reeves and Richard Calvin Reeves; sister, Donna Reeves and beloved dog, “Gypsy”.
Larry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jane (Hamm) Reeves; children, Melina Reeves of Norton, VA, Monica Reeves of Midlothian, VA, and Larry Kenneth Reeves, II (Janet) of Wise, VA; siblings, Richard Elmer Reeves (Sandra) of Wise, VA and Danny Alan Reeves (Henrietta) of Wise, VA; grandchildren, Nathaniel Swiney, Megan Reeves Mills (Caleb), Lauren Reeves, and Urijah Reeves; great-grandson, Daniel Mills; several nieces and nephews and beloved dog, “Molly”.
The family will receive friends 11:00am – 12noon Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The memorial service will follow at 12:00noon with Pastor Jeff Reynolds officiating.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Reeves family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com.

Big Stone Gap, Va.- Robert Woodson Gilliam, Jr. “Bud”, 96, passed away January 6, 2026 at The Laurels in Norton Va. Born in Jumping Branch, WV, Bud lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, having served his country in Europe. He was the shipping supervisor for Pet Dairy in Big Stone Gap for 33 ½ years. Bud was a kind, generous man and never met a stranger. He was devoted to his family and his love was spread to all. Bud could be seen out walking and supporting local high school sports. He was a member of First Christian Church, Appalachia, VA.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Marie (Pennington) Gilliam; parents, R.W. and Sallie Gilliam and brothers Harold Gilliam, Fred Gilliam, and Garnett Gilliam.
Bud is survived by his sons, Roger Gilliam (Robin) of Coeburn, VA and Brian Gilliam of Concord, NC; grandchildren, Jennifer Kilgore (Anthony), Charlie Gilliam (Kim), and Alex Reynolds (Wesley) ; great grandson, Beckham Reynolds; brother, Carl Gilliam; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA from 12:30-2:30pm. The funeral service will begin at 2:30pm with Pastor Garrett Lee ministering.
Military graveside rites, by the Virginia Army National Guard Honors Team and local VFW and DAV posts, will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the friends and family of Bud Gilliam. Bud welcomed and served many families while working at Gilliam Funeral Home.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com.

Macey Lynn Meade, 33, passed away on January 2, 2026 at VCU medical Center In Richmond, Va.
Born in Petersburg, VA, Macey lived most of life in Hopewell, VA. She was a gentle, caring person. Macey was kind to all she met, through life’s journey. She loved horror movies. She loved writing reviews about the movies on Letterbox. Macey was blossoming into a beautiful young woman. Her family will miss her immensely and she was the glue that held the family together. She fought her physical limitations with grace. She was a kind soul and would give you the shirt off her back, if she could help anyone in need.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Bill and Janice (Johnson) Meade.
Macey is survived by her father, Stephen York Meade of Hopewell, VA; her mother, Sherrie Dinia Dixon of Richmond, VA; sister, Bethany Krigbaum (Kristoher) of Midlothian, VA; nieces, Lule Krigbaum and Isabella Hios and nephews, Athan Meade and Hayden Sparks.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 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 Brandon Milks ministering.
The graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:00am at Glencoe Cemetery, Spring Street, Big Stone Gap. Family members will serve as pallbearers. Family and friends are asked to meet at Gilliam Funeral Home to leave at 10:30am to travel in procession to the cemetery.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Meade family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com

Norton, VA-Betty LaRue Mills Lewis, age 84, died Saturday, December 27, 2025.
Betty was born in Flat Lick, KY on March 27, 1941 to Evelyn and Gilbert Mills. Betty was a Kentucky Colonel and a Duchess of Hazard, KY.
In addition to her parents, Betty is preceded in death by her husband, George A. Lewis; her son, Jeff Lewis; and her brother, Bill Mills.
Those left to share the stories of her life are her daughter, Lana Kennedy; grandchildren, Joshua Lewis (Cierra), Katlyn Baird (Clayton), Kelsey Clayton (Levi), and Ashley Barber (Charlie); great grandchildren, Zack, Houston, and Waylon Lewis and John and Aria Barber; and a host of relatives and friends.
Per her wishes, she will be cremated and no service held.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Lewis family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com

Norton, Va.-Jeff Robinette, 61, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Jeff was a devoted stepfather, family man, and friend whose larger-than-life personality left a lasting mark on everyone he met.
A true jokester at heart, Jeff had a quick wit and a playful sense of humor that could instantly lighten any room. He loved to laugh, loved to tease, and loved making people smile. Jeff was always there for anyone who needed him – whether it was help, advise or simply someone to lean on.
Jeff was fiercely loyal to the people and causes he cared about, especially when it came to supporting young athletes. He was a true pioneer for girls’ sports at Powell Valley High School, helping start travel softball in the area and opening doors for countless girls to compete, grow, and believe in themselves. His passion, dedication, and belief in equal opportunity left a lasting impact on the community and will be felt for generations.
One thing you could always count on hearing from Jeff was his favorite phrase, “Love you, mean it,” words he didn’t just say, but truly lived by.
Though he is no longer with us, Jeff’s humor, loyalty and trailblazing spirit will continue to live on in the stories shared, the athletes he inspired, and the hearts of all who loved him. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Jeff requested cremation and no public services be held.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Robinette family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Patricia A. Herron, 76, of Abingdon, VA died on December 23, 2025 at home surrounded by her family.
She was born in Big Stone Gap, VA on September 19, 1949 and lived there for most of her life. After her retirement from Verizon in 2009, she moved to Abingdon, VA with her husband, Jimmy.
She is the daughter of the late Robert Lee Ayers and Virgie Marie Ayers. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister Sheila Herron and husband Johnny; 5 half-sisters, Shirley Taylor, Roberta Collins, Lois Caudill, Ann Roig, and Thelma Mabe.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jimmy Lynn Herron, daughter Stacey Herron Dorton and husband Patrick, son Jason Robert Herron, granddaughter Emily Dorton Boggs and husband Dan Roy, grandson William Jacob Dorton, half-sister Shelby Clisso, half-brother Hobert Collins, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Patty loved working in the yard, fishing, kayaking, traveling, good desserts, and any adventure with the family. She was loved by many and she will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her.
The family will receive friends at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W. in Big Stone Gap on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 12pm-1pm. The funeral service will begin at 1pm. The graveside service will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens at approximately 2:30pm.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Herron family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com

Coeburn, Va.-Lakie Virginia Rose, 85, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Holston Valley Medical Center-Wilcox Hall in Kingsport, Tn.
She was born in Dante, Va., graduated from Castlewood High School and received her B.S. in Nursing from ETSU. She worked at various hospitals in SWVA throughout her career. She was a very devoted person and loved caring for her patients.
Lakie was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Richard Rose; her parents, Edward Ramsey and Sarah (Steffey) Ramsey; and siblings, Boe Ramsey, Pete Ramsey, Doug Ramsey and Margaret Osborne.
Surviving are her son, R. J. Rose, Coeburn, VA, grandsons, Daniel Rose and Ethan Rose; siblings, Dorothy Morrison, Jackie Dawson, Judy Hendricks, Sheila Rasnick (Jim), and Skip Ramsey (Dorothy); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are private.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Rose’s family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Janice Kay McDaries, 79, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Norton Community Hospital, Norton, VA. Born in the Tacoma community, she was a graduate of Powell Valley High School and earned an AAS in Business from Mountain Empire Community College. She worked as a manager at Tiger Market in Big Stone Gap for 26 years. She then worked as an activities coordinator for Heritage Hall Healthcare for about five years. Janice was a loving southern wife, mother and grandmother. She attended Christian Life Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Arthur Kenneth Gene McDaries; her parents, William Fred and Nannie Belle Reed Stidham; and several brothers and sisters.
Janice is survived by her children, Tanya Lynn McDaries, Brian Keith McDaries (Mary) and Matthew McDaries all of Big Stone Gap; step-son, Charles McDaries of South Carolina; step-daughter, Teresa Gupton of East Stone Gap; grandchildren, Jeffrey Lynn Boggs, Shane Boggs, Kamara “Kami” Pennington and Ariana McDaries and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 11:00am-1:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm with Rev. Sandra Jones ministering.
Graveside services will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the McDaries family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, please visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Edward Rodger “Rocky” Cooper, 80, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Heritage Hall Healthcare in Big Stone Gap, Va.
Born and raised in Benham, Ky., he was a 1963 graduate of Lynch (Ky.) High School. He ran the tire shop at the former Sears store in Cumberland, Ky. Rocky and his wife, Brenda, have made their home in Big Stone Gap for many years. He loved riding his motorcycles, collecting Matchbox cars and was a Little League coach for many years. He was a loving husband, father to three children, three grandchildren and one step grandchild. He and his wife, Brenda were married for 61 years.
He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Cooper and mother, Virgie (Massey) Dennison; and his brother, Bobby Cooper.
Surviving are his wife, Brenda Cooper; children, Samantha Cooper (Renee) of Georgia, Rodger “Rocky” Cooper (Angela) and Michael “Toby” Cooper, both of Big Stone Gap; ex-daughter-in-law, Jessica Cooper; grandchildren, Clayton Cooper, Chance Cooper, and Lexi Cooper; one step grandchild, A. J. Kennedy; and several nieces and nephews.
Per Rocky’s request, there will be no services.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Cooper family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, please visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Bristol, Va.-Peggy Ann Linch, 90, formerly of Big Stone Gap, Va., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at NHC Healthcare in Bristol, Va.
Born in Atoka, Oklahoma, she was a 1953 graduate of Big Stone Gap (Va.) High School. She lived and worked in the Washington, D. C. area for a number of years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Maxine (Wilson) Linch.
A graveside memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory in Big Stone Gap, Va. is honored to serve the family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.