Omer Earl “Bud” Shires, Jr. age 88, of Narrow Passage Road, Eagle Rock, Virginia went to be with his Lord and savior, Friday, August 21, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his family and friends. He was born March 16, 1938 in Ronceverte, West Virginia to the late Omer Earl Shires, Sr. and Nina Virginia Hefner Shires. He was a retired deputy for the Botetourt County Sheriffs Office for 28 years and a member of Faith Baptist Church, Covington. He loved to fish, especially deep-sea fishing, and loved to sit on his porch and watch humming birds. He loved the sheriff’s office, his church, the Lord and his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sarah Ann Bostic Young; and son, Thomas Christopher Shires. He is survived by his wife Patricia Simpson Shires of Eagle Rock; three daughters, Penny Shires Lacks (Freddie) of Covington, Sarah Shires Kitt (Mark “Bill”, II) of Eagle Rock; Heather Shires Badley (Jed) of Blackstone, Va; a son, Shawn Douglas Shires of Clifton Forge; nine grandchildren, Adam Lacks (Morganne), Shawn Lacks (Kelli), Mackenzie Grace Lacks (Marcus Fowler), Ryder Kitt, Ashtyn Kitt, Nova Kitt, Layla Badley, Hailey Badley and Lily Badley; six great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend special thanks to his church family, ACG Hospice, and his sister-in-law for being there for the family in such a difficult time. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 1:00PM at Faith Baptist Church, Covington with Reverend Billy Price and Mr. Chris Fisher officiating. Interment will follow in Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor. Pallbearers will be Adam Lacks, Shawn Lacks, Tony Cahoon, Mike Harris, JR Kitt, Ricky Eubanks, Marcus Fowler and Colton Bryant. The family will receive friends from 11:00AM until time of service at the church. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Faith Baptist Church, 311 Jackson Dr. Covington, Virginia 24426.

Ronald Ray “Ronnie” Jones, age 86, of 78 West Ridgeway Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia died on Monday, August 17, 2026 at his residence. Ronnie was born on December 12, 1939 in Huntington, West Virginia to the late Paris Orville “PO” Jones and Effie Virginia Gaddy Jones. He worked for over 40 years as a rod buster for various construction companies, and after retirement, continued working as a laborer for the town of Clifton Forge. He also served as a member of the Clifton Forge Fire Department. He enjoyed bowling and visiting flea markets, and loved the Christmas season. In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by two sisters, Jean Jones Winfree and Joann Virginia Lawhorn Hall; and two brothers, his twin, Donnie Jones and Robert Jones. He is survived by his wife, Violet Hope Hubbard Jones of Clifton Forge; his children, Kimberly Hepler (Gary) and James Parris (Lori); eight grandchildren, “Chuckie” Anthony Kimberlin (Ashley), Gary Hepler II (Kelly), Ashley Carr (Corey), Danielle Hepler, Jackie Parris, Joanne Parris, Tyler Woods (Haley), and Jennifer Parris; twelve great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Pastor Dale Shinault and Reverend Edith Snedegar officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Clifton Forge. Pallbearers will be John Davis, Gary Hepler II, Jackie Parris, Dusty Wilhelm, Quinton Whitmer, and Gary Hepler, Sr. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Nicely Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com

Shirley Mae Liptrap Ryder, age 67, of 166 Edgewood Lane, Warm Springs, Virginia died on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at her residence. Shirley was born on September 27, 1958 to the late Grover Franklin Liptrap and Elizabeth Randozzo Liptrap. She was a retired seamstress for Kool-Dri and a member of Green Valley Church. She loved creating folk art, painting, and crochet. She was a Washington Commanders fan and also enjoyed camping and fishing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Grover Franklin Liptrap, Jr. and Nelson Liptrap. She is survived by her husband, Michael Wayne Ryder, Sr. of Warm Springs; two sons, Michael Wayne Ryder, Jr. (Beth) of Callaghan and Roger Lee Ryder (Jessica) of Warm Springs; a sister, Peggy Gibson (Gene) of Millboro; and two grandsons, James Smith and Brayden Ryder. In keeping with her wishes, her body has been cremated. A private service will be held at a later date. Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com

Lt. Colonel (USAF) William Garnet Anderson, Jr., affectionately known as “W.G.” or “Colonel,” passed peacefully on August 9, 2026, following a brief illness. Born and raised in Millboro, Virginia, W.G. was a lifelong member of the community and a proud descendant of a family that had been part of the area for many years. He graduated from Millboro High School in 1948 and went on to attend Augusta Military Academy and finally Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1954. Following his graduation from VMI, W.G. entered the United States Air Force and began a distinguished military career. He served briefly during the Korean conflict and later in Vietnam, where he flew 214 combat missions over Hanoi, the most on record for that war. His courage, dedication, and commitment to his country were hallmarks of his military service. Upon returning from Vietnam, he was stationed at the Pentagon, and finally Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, where he continued to serve until his retirement from the United States Air Force after more than 23 years of service. W.G.’s military service was recognized with a place in the Virginia Military Institute’s Wall of Valor, where he is one of only 1,275 individual VMI alumni to be represented. This honor stands as a lasting testament to his courage and distinguished service to his country. Following his military retirement, W.G. returned home and began a second career in public service. He served the County of Bath, Virginia, as County Engineer and Building Inspector for more than 20 years. Through both his military career and his years of service to Bath County, W.G. devoted much of his life to serving others and contributing to the community he loved. W.G. was a man of faith who had a deep love for his family and his country. He was an active member of Living Stones Ministries. His life was grounded in service—to his country, his community, his church, and his family. Beyond his professional accomplishments and years of service, W.G. found great joy in his family, his farm, and the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, and on his 94th birthday, he was in the hunting stand, where he harvested a beautiful 10-point buck. Throughout the rest of the year, he could often be found talking about the coming hunting season. He especially enjoyed simply being in the woods and seeing the wildlife. W.G. dearly loved his farm. He took pride in tending his cattle and horses and especially enjoyed putting up hay. He continued haying with his brother until he was 92 years old. He often said that, if he could, he would put up hay in the winter. His love of the land and the work that came with it remained an important part of his life well into his later years. Above all else, W.G.’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband and took great pride in the life and memories they shared together. He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Maxine. He is also survived by his sister, Alene Wilcher and her family; his brother, Wayne Anderson and his wife, Maggie, and their family; his brother in law Claude " Buck" Loan and his son; and his children, Garn Anderson and his wife, Joanne, and their family; Allen Anderson and his wife, Cheryl, and their family; Cyndi Poelle and her husband, Michael, and their family; Jim Hohn and his family; Josef Hohn and his wife, Shannon, and their family; and Ginger Hohn Schell and her family. He leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom were an important part of his life. W.G. was preceded in death by his parents, William Garnett Anderson, Sr. and Louise Anderson; his siblings, Donald Anderson and his wife, Ann, and Karen Anderson Loan; his daughter, Pamela Anderson; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. W.G. leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, family, and love of the land. He will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his commitment to his community, his love of his farm and the outdoors, and, above all, his devotion to his family. In accordance with W.G.’s final wishes, he was cremated. A celebration of his life will be held in early fall, with details to be announced. Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Appalachian Habitat Association, P.O. Box 1136, Covington, VA 24422; Cowpasture River Preservation Association, P.O. Box 215, Millboro, VA 24460 or Living Stones Ministries, 601 Granville St, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 in W.G.’s memory. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com

Basil Bun Ingram, age 89, of Longdale Furnace Road, Clifton Forge, Virginia died on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. Basil was born in Anthony, West Virginia on March 11, 1937, to the late Bun and Lorena Cummings Ingram. He resided in Clifton Forge, Virginia where he and his wife made their home. Basil was a man of deep faith who loved the Lord and lived his life devoted to his family. He was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Clifton Forge for over 57 years, where his faith was an important part of who he was and the foundation upon which he built his life. Basil was preceded in death by his sister, Theta Mae “Sis” Ingram; brothers, Leonard, Allen, Avis, Gerald, Maynard, and Asil Ingram; half-brother, Tony Ingram; and half-sister, Kathleen Ruby. On May 28, 1954, Basil enlisted in the United States Army. He completed eight weeks of basic training with the 3rd Armored Division at Fort Knox, Kentucky, followed by eight weeks of Military Police School and the Provost Marshal Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia. In February 1956, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and later served with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in Augsburg, Germany, from February 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1957. It was Basil in his Army uniform who first caught the eye of Patricia Ann Toothman of Ronceverte, West Virginia. Before they had even met, Patti famously proclaimed, “I’m going to marry that man!” And she did. Basil and Patti eloped to Clifton Forge, Virginia, on September 9, 1959, beginning a marriage that would span nearly 67 years. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, love, and hard work. Basil was a provider in every sense of the word. He was employed by the Naval Propellant Plant in Indian Head, Maryland. After moving to Virginia, he owned and operated Ingram’s Mobil Home Movers and later retired as an Amtrak Engineer with CSX Corporation after more than 30 years of service. He remained a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He was known for his incredible work ethic and often had two jobs at a time. He never complained about the long hours or hard work. Providing for the people he loved was simply what he did. His family knew they could count on him. But Basil’s greatest legacy was not the work he did - but the love he gave. Basil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Ingram, and his two daughters, Debra Kay Puckett and husband Ray, and Sherri Lynn Holland and husband Mark. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Kellie Rae Jones (Mike), Jessica Lynnette Hall, Mark Tyler Holland (Kelsi), Emily LeeAnn Moore (Matthew), and Karrie Grace Minnix (Cory); and ten great-grandchildren: Brayden Hall, Makayla Jones, Kenley Jones, Aubree Holland, Carter Holland, Violet Moore, Scarlett Moore, Kenna Minnix, Brooks Minnix, and Emerson Minnix. To his family, Basil was so much more than a husband, father, and grandfather. He was their rock, protector, provider, teacher, and example. His life showed them what it meant to keep your word, love your family, and most importantly, trust in God. They take comfort in knowing that the man who spent his life providing for those he loved has now received the greatest gift of all - he has gone on to be with his Savior. A celebration of Basil’s life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 2819 Douthat Road, Clifton Forge, Virginia. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12: p.m. Pastor Luke Benton will conduct the service. Interment will be at the Sharon Church Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted at the graveside by members of the United States Army. Pallbearers will be Ray Puckett, Matthew Moore, Mike Jones, Cory Minnix, Tyler Holland, and Louie Puckett. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Holland and Brayden Hall. Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Immanuel Baptist Church. Basil’s earthly work is finished. His faith has become sight. His family will miss him deeply, but they can rejoice in the promise he believed in all his life-that this is not goodbye, bur “until we meet again.” To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com

Rocky Steven Washburn, Sr., of 209 Market Street, Iron Gate, Virginia passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at his home in Iron Gate at the age of 77, with his family by his side. Rocky was born on May 11, 1949 in Marlinton, West Virginia to the late Helen Washburn Baker. He was a resident of Boys in Covington, Virginia while growing up, and graduated from Alleghany High School in 1969. He served in the United States Seabees from 1969 to 1971 and worked as an equipment operator for various construction companies, including Alan Amos Construction and C. C. Coffey Construction. He collected and recycled scrap, which earned him the name “Scrappy”. He loved telling jokes to make people laugh and loved his time with his family. In addition to his mother, Helen Baker, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Pauline Washburn, and brother, Ots Buckanan. He is survived by his wife, Marie Virginia Meadows Washburn of Iron Gate; a son, Rocky Steven Washburn, Jr. and wife Amy of Rich Patch, Covington; a daughter, Tammy Curtis and husband Shawn of Glen Wilton; eight grandchildren, Haydon Washburn, Nathon Washburn, Andrew Washburn, Grace Curtis, Hannah Curtis, Grayson Curtis, Jr., Drew Craft, and Cheyenne Curtis; three great granddaughters, Daisy, Kathryn (“KK”), and Joy Washburn; and a special cousin, Craig Buzzard. A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Mr. Chris Fisher officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Covington. Pallbearers will be Tommy Tingler, Hayden Washburn, Nathan Washburn, Steven Keyser, Drew Craft, Shawn Curtis, Kaeden Lehman, Grayson Curtis, and Bentley Keyser. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Nicely Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.

Jose Juan Iglesias of Miami Beach, Florida and also of La Finca in Millboro, Virginia passed away in Miami Beach on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Jose was born on November 27, 1945 in Cuba to the late Jose and Ziomara Hernandez Iglesias. He was a partner with Roberto Iglesias of Rio Energy International in Houston, Texas, and enjoyed playing golf in his spare time, especially at La Gorce Country Club in Miami Beach, where he was a founder member for over 42 years. Jose will be remembered as a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. Jose is survived by his wife, Debrah La France Iglesias, also of Miami Beach, FL and Millboro, VA. Also surviving are his children, daughter, Cristina Iglesias Engel (Ed) of Merritt Island, FL and son, Nicholas Jose Iglesias of Miami, FL; his step son, Shawn Fernandez (Diana); a sister, Xiomara Iglesias; grandchildren, Brandon Engel, Devon Engel, Shawn Fernandez, and Rhys Fernandez; a number of nieces and nephews; his two sisters-in-law and their families, whom he was very close to. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of La Finca and Jose’s personal staff in Miami Beach, FL. A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM in Millboro Christian Church with Pastor Lloyd Via officiating. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of La Finca in Millboro. Pallbearers will be Jeff Grimm, Tuck Grimm, Billy Grimm, Robert Plecker, Michael Kirby, and J. J. Ingram. Following the service, the family will visit with friends during a light luncheon at the home of Jose and Debrah Iglesias at La Finca in Millboro. Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com

Pamela Gay “Pam” Clark Hall, age 68, of Nimrod Hall, Virginia died on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Pam was born on June 30, 1958 in Clifton Forge, Virginia to Wanda Jane Bess Clark and the late Ray LaRue Clark. She graduated from Clifton Forge High School and furthered her education at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. She lived her entire life in the Highlands, and was known throughout the community for her kindness and the desire to help people. She even turned that into a career. Immediately following high school, she began working at the former Chesapeake and Ohio Hospital in Clifton Forge and transitioned to the new facility, Alleghany Regional Hospital when it opened in Low Moor. She remained there for 48 years, and throughout these years, she received numerous rewards for her service, including Employee of the Year and the Frist Humanitarian Award. She was very involved with hospital events such as health fairs, Advanced Directive Day, sports physicals, and even playing the Easter Bunny on occasion. She became Case Management Director in 2001 and remained in that role until her death, sharing her knowledge with other coworkers and departments. She helped take care of her father until his death and was very active with her mother’s care as well. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, watching Hallmark movies, working with flowers, and was a big proponent of animal welfare. She loved all animals, but especially cats, and was always taking in strays. She was a loving wife, daughter, sister, and friend and she will be missed. Pam was preceded in death by her father Ray Clark, and also by many loving family members. In addition to her mother, Wanda Clark of Clifton Forge, Pam is survived by her loving husband, Arthur “Bryan” Hall, Jr. of Nimrod Hall and Norfolk; and her brother, Barry Clark of Clifton Forge; as well as a host of extended family and friends. In keeping with the family’s wishes, her body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements for the family. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Alleghany Humane Society, 9313 Rich Patch Rd, Covington, VA 24426. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com