The Bible says “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Clayton Caudill at the age of 60 passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, after a 13-month battle with cancer and is now in the presence of the Lord. He fought a hard fight all the way to the end and was surrounded by many loved ones in his final days. He left this world knowing he was loved.
Clayton worked as a local breadman for 43 years at Rainbo, Sara Lee, and Flowers Bakery’s. Everyone knew and loved their favorite breadman. He loved being outside riding four wheelers, hunting, going into the mountain, boating, camping or just hanging out with friends and family. His favorite adventure was cruising on cruise ships with his wife all over the world. They had been on 28 cruises together making so many wonderful memories. Clayton just enjoyed life.
Clayton is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Estil Ann Caudill as well as son Freddie Ashley. He leaves behind his loving wife of 26 years, Joyce Caudill, whom he always said was his best friend. He leaves behind sons, Cody Caudill (Rachel), Clay Caudill (Danielle) and daughter Tammie Hale (Kenneth). He also leaves behind his grandchildren Mason Caudill (his buddy & sidekick), Meredith Caudill, Brandon Hale, Leeanna Hepler, Kayla Mumpower, Nathan Ashley, and Matthew Ashley as well as great grandchildren Abby, Hannah, Rebecca, and Jeremiah. Surviving also is his brother Danny Caudill (Ellen) and sisters Vickie Harless (Ronnie), Rowena Sellitto and Joyce Riddle. He had three nieces that he thought the world of: Jessie, Kellie, and Tiffany.
The family will receive friends 10:00am – 12:00pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W., Big Stone Gap, Va. The service will follow at 12 noon with Pastor Josh Tompkins and Rev. Mark Tabor officiating.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Wells, Johnny Baker, Mike Wilson, Billy Barker, Clay Caudill, Cody Caudill, Ken Hale and Danny Caudill.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Caudill family.

Appalachia, Va.-Delmer Eugene McKinney, 92, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Lee Health and Rehabilitation Center in Pennington Gap, Va.
He lived most of his life in the Andover community. He was retired from Highland Gravel. He was a coal miner with Eastover Mining and was a member of the U.M.W.A. He loved horses, raising them in Powell Valley, where he had a barn and tractor. He enjoyed hunting. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Daniel McColgan; parents, Daniel and Effie (Moore) McKinney; and two brothers, Clayton McKinney and J. B. McKinney.
Surviving are his wife, Frances (Sklar) McKinney; daughter, Carmella McColgan of Big Stone Gap, Va.; son, Victor McKinney (Peggy Sue) of Appalachia, Va.; two granddaughters, Katie McColgan and Megan Robinette (Dillan); great grandchildren, Cooper Coleman and Gillian Falcone; a sister, Loretta Kilgore of Bedford, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.
An entombment service will be conducted 12 noon on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Glencoe Cemetery Mausoleum in Big Stone Gap, Va. with Lowell “Cotton” Gardner officiating.
To view the obituary online and offer a condolence, visit www.gillliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the McKinney family.

Mary Anne Robinette, 91, of Norton, VA, formerly of Piney Flats, TN passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Big Stone Gap, VA. Mary Anne and her late husband, B.F. Robinette owned and operated B.F. Robinette Contractors, Inc. for 50 years in Norton, VA.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, B.F. Robinette; her parents, Ray and Nell Creech Robinette; brothers, Clyde “Skeeter” Robinette, Ted Robinette and sister, Reca Robinette Barker.
Surviving are her son, Jeff Robinette (Kim) of Norton, VA; granddaughter, Sara Steffey Botts and great grandchildren, Kennedy and Asher Botts all of Big Stone Gap, VA and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff at The Laurels Assisted Living Facility in Norton, VA and the staff at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Big Stone Gap, VA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A private ceremony remembering Mary Anne will be held at Tri-Cities Memory Gardens in Blountville, TN.
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.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Jeanne Helen Chester, 82, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at her home. Born in New Jersey, she graduated from Edison (NJ) High School, where she was head cheerleader. Jeanne loved gardening, canning, farming and cross stitching. She was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Gate City, VA. Her family was her life, always enjoying the times spent together. She was dedicated to her husband, John, and their love for each other is unsurpassed.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, John Maroy Chester, and her parents, Michael and Helen (Szabo) Bobal.
Jeanne is survived by her children, John Michael Chester, Pennington Gap, VA, Maureen Helen Chester, Pennington Gap, VA, Donna Jeanne Pastore (Vince) of Philadelphia, PA and Greg James Chester (Michelle) of Dryden, VA; her brother, Michael Bobal of Warren, NJ; her fifteen grandchildren, Kellie Pastore, Vincent Pastore, Michael Pastore, Caroline Kim, Jennifer Curran, Thomas Chester, Robert Chester, Gabriel Chester, Caleb Chester, Grace Chester, Joshua Chester, Elijah Chester, Abigail Chester, Matthias Chester and Ezekiel Chester, and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at Mountain Home V.A. National Cemetery, 53 Memorial Blvd, Mountain Home, TN 37684, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 1:00pm with Father Tim Drake officiating. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 12:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Southern Missions by visiting their website, www.shsm.org. Donations also may be mailed to PO Box 300, Walls, MS 38680 or by calling them at (800) 232-9079 to make a contribution over the phone. Please be sure to specify “Sacred Heart Southern Missions” when sending donations.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Chester family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Betty Johnson Fleenor, 85, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Norton Community Hospital, following an extended illness.
She was born in Coeburn, Va. and lived most of her life in Big Stone Gap. Betty graduated from the Johnston-Willis School of Nursing as a RN. Her love of Elvis and his career were dear to Betty’s heart. Betty was a member of the Dogwood Garden Club, having been a master florist and judge, at local and state level. Betty served on the Lonesome Pine Hospital Board of Directors and the LPH Auxiliary. She loved football, especially supporting Powell Valley High School, Union High School and the New England Patriots. Betty was also a fan of NASCAR.
Betty was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Big Stone Gap, where she was a member of the United Methodist Women. One of Betty’s loves was her help in the origin of “Pop N 4 Jesus,” a once-a-month outreach in the community serving popcorn at Mountain Empire Community College. This was just one of the many acts of kindness that Betty provided to the Big Stone Gap community. Betty found solace in helping the youth in our area.
She was preceded in death by a son, James Hawley “Jimabe” Fleenor; her parents, Harry and Florence (McConnell) Johnson; and a brother, Charles Lee Johnson.
Surviving are her husband of 54 years, Lawrence J. Fleenor, Jr.; son, Steven Fleenor, Arundel, Maine; three grandchildren, Bryce Fleenor, Wyatt Fleenor and Laurel Fleenor; sister, Lois Johnson Smith, Coeburn, Va.; and a nephew, Francis Johnson.
The family will receive friends 11:00am – 1:00pm Friday, March 7, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 203 E. 1st St., S., Big Stone Gap, Va. 24219. The service will follow at 1:00pm with the Reverend Timothy Robinson officiating.
Burial will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church General Budget, 203 E. 1st St., S., Big Stone Gap, Va. 24219.
Pallbearers will be: Joshua Spurlock, Luke Spurlock, Jessee Hagan, Michael Robinette, Stephen Mumpower, Eric Hicks and Norman Clifton.
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 Fleenor family.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Theodore Lee “Teddy” Christian, 64, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Lonesome Pine Hospital.
Born in Norton, VA, lived in Northern Virginia for 26 years, and lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap, Va. He worked as a refinisher and sander for M & M Flooring in Merrifield, Va. He was a local handyman in Big Stone Gap. He loved to fish and cook. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ruby (Fogarty) Christian, Sr.; and a brother, Earl Andrew “Junebug” Christian, Jr.
Surviving are his siblings, Kathy Rhoten (Ken), Coeburn, Va., Pat Tucker (Freddie), Pikeville, Ky., Pamela Johnson, Jamie Christian and Kevin Christian, all of Big Stone Gap; and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are private.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Christian family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – James Qualls, 79, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his family. He proudly served with the U.S. Army in Germany during the Vietnam Era. He worked at Westmoreland Coal Co. and U.S. Steel for several years. He retired from the Town of Big Stone Gap. He began his ministry in May of 1977. He was called to pastor Keokee Free Pentecostal Church in March of 1991. He and Dorothy recently celebrated their 61st Anniversary on February 22, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dillard and Virgie (Williams) Qualls; his sisters, Jana Cantrell and Nell Qualls and one great-grandchild.
James is survived by his wife, Dorothy Davidson Qualls; his children, Jimmy Qualls (Sheila) of Big Stone Gap, Lisa Hubbard (Wayne) of Morristown, TN and Kimberly Staudinger (Donald) of Big Stone Gap; his grandchildren, Brandon Qualls (Hailey), Justin Qualls (Kara), Ciara Staudinger, Skyler Hubbard and Billy Hubbard; his three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 28, 2025 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 with his son, Jimmy Qualls, officiating.
The military graveside rites, by the VA National Guard Honors Team and local DAV & VFW Posts, will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11:00am at American Legion Cemetery, 5015 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. Family and friends are asked to assemble at 10:20 am to travel in procession to the cemetery. Wayne Hubbard, Billy Hubbard, Donald Staudinger, Brandon Qualls, Justin Qualls, Justin Davidson, Bryan Davidson and Aaron Davidson will serve as pallbearers.
The family wishes to thank Caris Hospice, the doctors and nurses at Mountain Home VA Medical Center in Johnson City, TN, Intrepid Home Health, MEOC Transit and Fresenius Dialysis Center in Norton, VA.
Gilliam Funeral home is honored to serve the Qualls Family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Skylar Scott “Ole Skeeter” McMahan, 18, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. Born in Greenville, SC, he lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap. He attended Union High School. He was a former employee at Mullican Lumber. Skylar loved his family and was a high-spirited young man. He loved music and even wrote lyrics on the side. One of his favorite Christian songs was “Let Me Tell You About My Jesus”. He knew how to make a mundane day brighter for others around him. He attended Imboden Community Church and Faith Rock Church. His favorite saying was “how much money do you think I will have in two months”?
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Lamar Scott; his adoptive father, Kenneth McMahan and his grandfather, Roy Reece.
Skylar is survived by his mother, Crystal Mullins (fiance’, Anthony Wade) of Big Stone Gap; his adoptive mother, Hilda McMahan of Big Stone Gap; his siblings, Trey McMahan (Dee) of Appalachia, VA, Aidan Hafemeister of Big Stone Gap, VA, Devin Person of Appalachia, VA, Jayce McAfee of Big Stone Gap, VA, Riley Gregory of Easley, SC, Nyia McMahan of Big Stone Gap, VA, Haley Pilgrim of Easley, SC and Bean Pilgrim of Easley, SC; his grandparents, Lamar Scott of Greenville, SC, Titus Mullins (Judith) of Chatsworth, GA, Debra Wilson of Greenwood, SC and Nanna Reece of Big Stone Gap, VA; his niece, Skye Mahaffey; uncle, Curt Mullins (Jessica); surviving great aunts and great uncles; and his fiance’, Airyanna Mullins.
The family will receive friends on Monday, February 24, 2025 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 with Pastor Russell Herron officiating.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00am Tuesday, February 25, 2025 in American Legion Cemetery, Big Stone Gap, VA. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Family and friends are asked to meet at Gilliam Funeral Home at 9:20am to travel in procession to the cemetery.
The family requests donations be made to Gilliam Funeral Home, P. O. Box 886, Big Stone Gap, VA or at the funeral home office.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Skylar McMahan.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Pennington Gap, VA – Willie Ray Lane, 84 passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025 at Lee Health and Rehabilitation in Pennington Gap, VA. Born in Exeter, Willie lived most of his life in Stonega, VA. He worked for Pak-Mor Manufacturing. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Faye Hylton Lane; his parents, Willie and Ora Alma (Whetsel) Lane; son-in-law, Chris Terry; and several siblings.
Willie is survived by his daughters, Alma Terry of Big Stone Gap, VA and Karen Sutton (Fred) of Fairfax, VA; two grandchildren, Daniel Sutton (Dondra) and Christie Sutton; two great grandchildren, Sarah Sutton and Samantha Sutton; his siblings, Jimmy Lane of Dover, DE and Frances “Pauline” Horton of Clinchport, VA and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February, 26, 2025 from 11:00am – 1:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W. Big Stone Gap, VA.
Graveside service will follow at 1:30 pm at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA with Lowell “Cotton” Gardner officiating.
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.-Margie Evelyn Neeley, 82, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Heritage Hall Healthcare in Big Stone Gap, Va.
Along with her late husband, James, they owned and operated Neeley’s Upholstery Shop for many years. She was of Baptist faith. Evelyn lived for being with her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Neeley; her parents, Curtis and Ruby (Creech) Williams; and two brothers, Kenneth Williams and Ernie Williams.
Surviving are her daughter, Carol Cox of Wise, Va.; son, James Darrell Neeley (Frances) of Big Stone Gap; three grandchildren, Shannon Cox (Jennifer) of Norton, Va., Trevor Cox of Wise, Va. and Lora Mays (Anthony) of Norton, Va.; great grandchild, Kyley Cox; siblings, Reca Mullins of Coeburn, Va., Chester Williams, Della Winegar and Deanna Long, all of Kingsport, Tn.; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 12:00pm – 2:00 pm Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W., Big Stone Gap, Va. The service will follow at 2:00pm with Pastor Jim Wells officiating.
Burial will follow at the Robinette Family Cemetery in Powell Valley.
Family members will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Neeley’s family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Norton, Va.-Glenwood Eugene Sensabaugh, Sr. was born on November 28, 1949, in Russell County, Virginia, to Claude Western Barron and Virginia Sensabaugh. Glenwood ran his final race & transitioned into the loving arms of God on February 19, 2025. He spent his early years in Dante, Virginia, before settling in Norton, Virginia, where he built a life centered on love, family, and community.
On May 1, 1975, Glenwood married the love of his life, Freda Priscilla Keys, in Wise, Virginia. Together, they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage until Freda’s passing on December 29, 2023. Their bond was one of unwavering love and devotion, creating a strong foundation for their children and grandchildren.
Glenwood and Freda raised 8 children: Glenwood E. Sensabaugh Jr. "Boo" (Faetina), and Reginald Jermaine Sensabaugh "Reggie" (Tara), Billy “Yogi” Miles, Clarence “Leroy” Miles (Jackie), Valerie Brown (Darryl), Eva Miles (Frank Mitchell), Otis “Odie” Miles, and Meschelle Miles. Glenwood was also a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, cherishing the time spent with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy and fulfillment to his life.
Glenwood was a hardworking and devoted provider, a member of Lost Creek Ministries, graduate and supporter of John I. Burton athletics for decades, and enjoyed preparing home cooked meals for his family. His legacy of hard work and determination continues to inspire those who knew & loved him.
Glenwood found joy in spending time with & passing down knowledge to his family. He was known for his quiet wisdom and warm presence.
Glenwood was a loving brother to Vickie Sensabaugh and Belva Sensabaugh, John Alvin Etter, and Elmer Jerome Etter. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Freda Priscilla Sensabaugh, parents, Claude Barron and Virginia Sensabaugh, sister, Ruth Loretta Sensabaugh, and brother, James Western Sensabaugh.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00pm on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Lost Creek Ministries, 420 Lost Creek Dr., SW, Norton, VA 24273 with Pastor Jeff Reynolds officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00pm until time of service.
In honor of our Pops, who loved to follow his favorite sports teams, we welcome everyone, and if you can please wear your favorite sports team apparel.
Committal services will follow at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Norton, Va.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Sensabaugh family.
To view the obituary and offer a condolence, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Keokee, VA – Gary L. Richardson, 78, went to be with the Lord on February 6, 2025. Born in Tennessee, he lived most of his life in Keokee, VA. He worked for the former Fraley’s, Inc. as a surface miner. He loved watching baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves. Spending time with his family was Gary’s biggest joy. They attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Conda & Hazel Richardson; his brother, Bill Bailey; his daughter, Vanessa Randolph and his nephew, Scott Richardson.
Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lois Richardson; his daughter, Nicole Proffitt (Gene) of Church Hill, TN; his grandchildren, Tiffany Lawson (Adrian) of Wise, VA, Melanie Moore (Corey) of Church Hill, TN and Robbie Randolph (Hannah) of Pennington Gap, VA; his great-grandchildren, Briann, Bentley, Sadie, Owen and Weston; his brother, Ronald Richardson (Willie) of Keokee, VA and several other extended family members.
The family will receive friends 11:00am – 1:00pm Monday, February 10, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W. Big Stone Gap, VA.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA with Pastor Bill Hughes officiating.
Graveside services will follow at Lee Memorial Gardens, Woodway, VA. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral home is honored to serve the Richardson Family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.