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, Aniston 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 Morton will serve as pallbearers.
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.