Knoxville, TN – Richard Michael Young, 56 passed away at home on Sunday, December 15, 2024. He was a hard-working man who enjoyed doing for others, going to the casino and putt-putt.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Eddie” Young, Sr. and Jane P. Young.
Richard is survived by his wife, Lori Wade Young; his children, Amanda Young Smith (Aaron), Richard E. Young, Lauren Mullins (Josh Perryman) and Nicolas “Nic” Mullins (Gracie); his grandchildren, Kyler, Daylen, Savannah and Ariana Smith and his brother, Charles “Chuck” Young. He is also survived by a very special group of nieces and nephews as well as close friends and family.
Richard requested cremation. A graveside and memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Richard Young’s family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – James Allen Southard, 82, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at his home. He was born in Dickenson County, but had lived in Wise County most of his life. He had been a coal truck driver for many years. Mr. Southard served in the U.S. Air Force. He was very knowledgeable and enjoyed discussing the history of coal in our area.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Vincent Falante; parents, Will Ray and Pauline (Scott) Southard; his brothers, Tom and Robert Southard and his sisters, Katherine Howard, Phyllis Gilliam and Bookie Southard.
James is survived by his wife, Beulah Southard; his children, Jimmy Southard (Amy) of Rogersville, TN, Theresa Gail Southard of Kingsport, TN and Paul Douglas Southard of Nicklesville, VA; his grandchildren, Christopher Southard, Greyson Southard, Tony Falante, Brianna Southard, Maddie Southard and Drayden Southard; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Friday, November 15, 2019, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. Services will follow in the chapel with Glenda Flanary officiating. Final arrangements will be private.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of James Southard.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, please visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com.

Big Stone Gap, Va./Wise, Va. – Paul Hensley, 78, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at his daughter’s residence.
He was of the Christian Faith. He retired from the Department of Social Services with 26 years of service. He also was employed by Quesenberry’s for 15 years. He served his country in the Army where he fought in the Vietnam War and was twice awarded the Purple Heart. He was a member of the DAV Chapter 56, where he served as Commander numerous years, and was a member of the VFW 4301.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Bertha Hensley; several siblings; his first wife, Lois Jane Hazelwood Hensley and his second wife, Freida Beverly Hensley.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (William, Jr.) Harvey and son, Jessee (Susan) Large; five grandchildren, Paul Harvey, Jared (Arietta) Harvey, Zachary Harvey, Jason (Sugar) Edwards and Larry (Kaitlyn) Edwards; seven great-grandchildren, McKinzee Addington, Raelynn Harvey, Blakely Harvey, Katherine Edwards, James Edwards, Luke Edwards and Maggie Mae Edwards; and an honorary grandchild, Lucy Deel. Paul also had several special people in his life, Mona Ervin, Audra O’Donnell, Jesse Barker and Regina Couch.
The family wished to express special thanks to the members of the Valley Fire Department, CenterWell Home Health, MSA Hospice and Dr. Ronald Sheppard.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 5:00-7:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, Va. Funeral services will begin at 7:00pm with Pastor Kenneth Sturgill officiating.
Military graveside rites, by local VFW and DAV posts and the Virginia Army National Guard Honors Team, will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 11:00am in Laurel Grove Cemetery, Norton, Va. Family and friends are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home to leave at 10:15 in procession to travel to the cemetery.
Paul Harvey, Jared Harvey, Zachary Harvey, McKinzee Addington, Tyler Coots and Jessee Large will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronald Hensley, William Harvey, Jesse Barker, Dustin Begley and Shane Begley.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Paul Hensley.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.- Ralph Junior Isom, 59, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Middlesboro-Appalachian Hospital in Middlesboro, KY.
Ralph was born in Whitesburg, Ky and lived most his life in Big Stone Gap. He worked for Equitable Resources. He loved riding his motorcycle, carpentry, camping and four wheeling. He was a Christian.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Columbus and Oma (Sturgill) Isom and an infant sister, Betty Marie Isom.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Lynn Isom; his children, Wes Isom (Shauni) of Big Stone Gap, VA, Brittany Leann Perry (Cory) of Big Stone Gap, VA and Cassie Isom of Morgantown, WV; his siblings, Patsy Mullins, Alice Faye Ingle, Ruby Caudill, Barbara Sue Brock, Georgia Isom, Roger Isom, Johnny Isom and Donnie Isom; his grandchildren, Preston, Jasmine, Madison, Braydon, Emma, Wesley and Lincoln; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 5:00-7:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, Va. The funeral service will begin at 7:00pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Johnny Isom, a brother, officiating.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 11:00am in American Legion Cemetery, 5015 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. The family and friends will meet at the funeral home by 10:30am to go in procession.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Isom family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Jerry Wayne Short, 62, passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2024, at his home.
He was born in Norton, Va. and lived in Big Stone Gap for most of his life. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed fishing. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley V. and Wanda (Wade) Short; and a sister, Barbara Church.
Surviving are his siblings, Debra Mullins of Pound, Va., Jessie Short and Herbie Short, both of North Carolina, and Tommy Short of Duffield, Va.; several nieces and nephews; and his companion, Debbie Collins of Jonesville, Va.
Arrangements are private.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mr. Short’s family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Mary Helen Bledsoe, 95, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Norton Community Hospital.
She was born in Lee County, VA, graduated from Appalachia High School and lived most of her life in Big Stone Gap. She was a volunteer with Heritage Hall Healthcare and Mountain Empire Older Citizens. She was a charter member of Artesian Baptist Church. She loved working puzzles and traveling on one-day bus tours.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Milford and Ethel (Covey) Burchett; her husband, John Bradley Bledsoe and an infant brother.
Mary is survived by her children, Linda Phillips (Rocky) and Gary Bledsoe (Betty) both of Big Stone Gap, VA; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be private in America Legion Cemetery, Big Stone Gap, VA with Bryan Gunter ministering.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Bledsoe family.
To views the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Appalachia, VA – Paulette Gibson Morris, 73, of the Derby Community, passed away at her daughter’s home on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Paula, as she was affectionately known, was born in Calvin, Va. and lived most of her life in Big Stone Gap, Va. and Derby, Va. She was a seamstress for A & A Enterprises. She also worked at Lonesome Pine Hospital cafeteria and housekeeping, and Paula loved cross stitching and ceramics.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carson and Lucy (Herron) Gibson; her husband, James Edward “J.E.” Morris; and her son-in-law, Scottie Estep.
Paula is survived by her daughter, Tabitha Estep (Michael) of Jonesborough, TN; her step-sons, Richard Pearl Morris (Daretha) of Big Stone Gap, VA and James E. Morris (Mystie) of West Virginia; her siblings, Carolyn Faye Clifton (Norman) of Big Stone Gap, VA and James Guilford Gibson of Big Stone Gap, VA; her grandchildren, Colton Estep and Blake Estep; step-grandchildren, Alex Phillips (Jamie) and Austin Phillips (Courtney); step great grandchildren, Derek James, Valerie Diane and Lucas Jasper; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 2:00pm in Glencoe Cemetery Mausoleum, Big Stone Gap, VA with Pastor David Rose officiating.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Paula Morris.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Diana Sue (Durham) Bryant, 76, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Johnson City Medical Center.
She was born in Derby, Va. and lived most of her life in Big Stone Gap. Diana dedicated her life to caring for her family. She attended Cedar Ridge Freewill Baptist Church in the Crackers Neck Community.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd Bryant; and her parents, Kenneth and Ruth (Tackett) Durham.
Surviving are her son, Chad Caudill of Springboro, OH; two grandchildren, Autumn Caudill and Jacob Caudill; two sisters, Maureen Collins (Bill) of Hillsboro, Oh. and Uylonda Doran (Mike) of Eatonton, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are private.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Bryant’s family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Wise, Va.-Ricky Lynn Hopkins, 65, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at his home.
He was a lifelong resident of Wise, Va. and a graduate of J. J. Kelly High School. Ricky worked at Wise-Appalachian Regional Hospital until its closure in 1998. He then worked in maintenance for UVA-Wise for over 25 years. Ricky was a good friend to many and was well respected.
Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Wanda (Hurd) Hopkins.
He is survived by a sister, Judy Jones of Wise, Va.; his brother, Gregory Hopkins of Wise, Va.; and many friends.
Ricky requested cremation and a graveside service will be announced at a later date.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Johnsonburg, Pa./Wise, Va.-Rita Kay Kent, 69, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Chestnut Grove Home for Adults in Dryden, Va.
Born in Fairfield, Ill., lived most of her life in Johnsonburg, Pa., and had lived in Virginia for the past five years. She was pastor of Church of Believers in Johnsonburg, PA. She loved to read, baking, crocheting, and watching true crime shows. She touched every life she had a chance to meet.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Miles Gilbert Kent; her first grandson, Donald Lee Rollan; and her parents, Clifford Dale Frazier and Beverly Lavonne (Porter) Frazier.
Surviving are her children, Beverly Kay Rollan (Shane) of Fairfield, Ill., Brandy Jean Schmitz of Johnsonburg, Pa., Nicole Ann Kent of Wilcox, Pa., Crystal Renee Hollabaugh (Ryan) of Wise, Va., and Jason Miles Kent of Kane, Pa.; grandchildren, Sara Ann Zepeda (Manny), Jonathon Michael Rollan (Sarah), Andrew Ryan Frederoski, Zackery Lee Schmitz, Deborah Marie Hill (John), Jacqulin Ireene Thornton-Schmitz, Elizabeth Faith Hubbard, Christian Miles Cherry (Julia), Marlee Nicole Cherry, Jaiden Ryan Hollabaugh, and Dean Michael Hollabaugh; several great grandchildren; two brothers, Dale Lee Frazier (Cathy) of Fairfield, IL. and Frankie Joe Frazier of Dix, Ill; and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are private, per Rita’s wishes.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Kent’s family.
To view the obituary online or offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Cynthia Louise Lane, 79, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Lee Health and Rehab in Pennington Gap, Va.
Born in Norton, Va., she was raised in Bluefield, Va., and had lived in Big Stone Gap for most of her life. She proudly served as a U. S. Marine. She was a teacher’s aide at Powell Valley Primary School. She loved childcare at home and caring for her famiiy. She was a frequent visitor to Dollywood and loved everything to do about Dolly Parton. She was a member of East Stone Gap Baptist Church, where she served as leader of the children’s church for many years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Amos Daniel Belcher and Alma Louise (Mullins) Belcher.
Surviving are her husband of 55 years, Charles E. “Bo” Lane; daughters, Melanie Lane Zylawy (Thad) of North Myrtle Beach, SC, Tammy Henderson (Ed) of Roanoke, Va. and Cindy Swinney (Chad) of Big Stone Gap, Va.; seven grandchildren, Kiersten Lane, Ezekiel Owens (Kacie), Liam O’Reilly, Sam Austin, Ann Marie O’Reilly, Brennan O’Reilly and Trenten Swinney; three great grandchildren, Rylie Simerly, Ronin Simerly and River Farmer; two brothers, Walter “Tubby” Belcher (Barbara) of Fort Worth, TX and Danny Belcher (Karolyn) of West Fargo, ND; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 5:00-7:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, Va. Funeral services will follow with Dr. Lonnie Brooks officiating.
The graveside service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 11:00am at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, Va. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the funeral home to travel to the cemetery at 10:20am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Louise’s memory to East Stone Gap Baptist Church, PO Box 100, East Stone Gap, Va.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Lane family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Sondra Elaine (Witt) Fisher, 81 passed away with her daughter and son-in-law by her side at their home in York, SC on November 14, 2024.
Sondra was of Christian faith and was a member of West End Baptist Church in Big Stone Gap, VA for many years before moving to South Carolina to be with her daughter and son-in-law. She was married to Glenn Daniel (Danny) Fisher for 55 years. Sondra was a devoted wife, a protective and loving mother, adoring grandmother and great-grandmother, a meticulous homemaker, and a caring sister. She enjoyed cooking, painting, fishing, and being on the banks of the Powell River. She also took pleasure in collecting items that would make her home more beautiful (Nana called them “sissy things”). Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Sondra will be most remembered for her strength, protective nature, conviction, hard work, and primarily her love for her family.
In addition to her parents Sherman Witt and Margaret Worley Witt, she was preceded in death by her husband Danny Fisher; her sisters Margie Slaughter and Shirley Davidson.
She is survived by her daughter Denise (DeeDee) Fisher Leach and her husband Ron; granddaughter Morgan Leach Baker and her husband Nathaniel; her two great-grandsons, her soon-to-be born great-granddaughter; her sisters Mary Jane Upchurch, Sally Hamilton, Margaret Lewis, and Diana Cumbo; and multiple nieces and nephews.
A small private gathering for the family will be held in accordance with Sondra’s wishes.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Fisher family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.