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NOTE:   Phyllis Dales (Davis) is collecting biographical information on classmates and is creating short BIOs to be published here and for use in the Mail Outs to the classmates without email. Phyllis will receive biographies from classmates by email or snail mail.  She will set them up to be posted on the website.  Please limit bio's to 50-100 words. 

Since I am supposed to be receiving your autobiographies and editing them for publication on the web, it occurred to me that I should do my own.

  I am PHYLLIS DALES DAVIS, and my husband (Larry Davis) and I have been living in the general Richmond, Virginia, area since 1972.  Larry and I were married in 1965; he is a 1959 graduate of Grundy High School.  We are the proud parents of one daughter (Karen), and she has given us one grandson (Michael) who is now four years old.  Larry is retired from Eastman Kodak Company, but after retirement, he began another career as a Watercolorist. After high school, I worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C., and later for Page Communications Engineers, Inc., also in Washington, D.C.  Then in 1972, Kodak transferred Larry to Richmond, and it was here that I began my college education. I completed my undergraduate work at the University of Richmond and my graduate work at Virginia Commonwealth University.  Eventually, I became an English professor, and I have spent most of my teaching career at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. However, before settling in at J. Sarge, I taught math at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.  Interestingly, I have taught students in all grades except the ninth grade.  I don't know how I missed that one.  One of my great joys in life has been traveling with students abroad.  The students and I have spent time in homestays, at universities, in hotels, and in lots of airports.  Our travels have included Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and Greece.  Recent health problems have prevented my traveling out of the country; however, I look forward to traveling abroad again soon.  I am excited about our Class Reunion in August, and I look forward to seeing all of you there.

BIOS RECEIVED

CAROLYN ALLEN (MARCUS) lives in Lynchburg, Virginia, with her husband Franklin Delano "Pete" Marcus.  Carolyn and Pete have four children--Joseph, age 35, who is an officer in the U.S. Navy and currently attending graduate school in Monterey, California; Christopher, age 33, who is currently a surveyor in Nelson County, Virginia, and engaged to be married; Franklin, Jr., age 31, who is engaged to be married in November and is in the U.S. Navy and stationed in Honolulu (Seven years in Hawaii! Carolyn says, "It's a tough life in the navy!"); and Erin, age 27, who just married last weekend and is working and living in Lynchburg, Virginia.  Carolyn and Pete have no grandchildren; however, Carolyn says, "With Erin married and Frank, Jr. marrying in November, we should have some in a few years."  Right after high school, Carolyn went to Clinch Valley College, met Pete, got married in 1964, and set about having 4 children.  Later, she earned a BS in Biology at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She is currently employed at BWX Technologies, Inc., Nuclear Products Division in Lynchburg, Virginia, as the Division's Safety Trainer.  She designs training programs and produces videos.  She has previously worked at East Tennessee Sate University, IBM, Tulane Medical School, and Randolph Macon Women's College.  Carolyn's hobbies include golf, reading, and helping Pete make his famous salsa.  She says Pete gets requests for his homemade salsa from California, Hawaii, Florida - "any place their children have beenn and left behind friends."  Carolyn also says she and Pete would love to retire and travel, but they will probably continue to work for a few more years, at least until the "grandchildren start to come along." 

JANICE ALTIZER (MULLINS)   (UPDATED 8-26-2006) lives in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with her husband J.W. Mullins, who is a 1963 graduate of Garden High School.  Janice and J.W. were married in 1965. Janice worked as a secretary at TV Cable, Inc and at the State Department of Welfare while living in Grundy.  J.W. worked at GTE until 1978, at which time he was transferred to Myrtle Beach.  Janice says, When we used to come here on vacation, I never dreamed that we would live here."   Janice and J.W. have one daughter, Ginger, age 36 and she also lives in Myrtle Beach.   After moving to Myrtle Beach, Janice  was Volunteer Chair-Person at  school, and two years after moving there, she and her husband helped to establish a church (The Christian Church) in their home.  The church outgrew their home; therefore, they moved the church to the Convention Center and sometimes the Holiday Inn.  In a short time, they were able to purchase land and to build a very large church building.  Janice says that they "stepped out in faith and the Lord provided!"  Janice's niece is married to the pastor and her nephew is the youth minister.  The Lord has blessed the church tremendously.  Janice says she did volunteer work before becoming full time secretary for many years.  Later a Christian school began and she taught there for 3 years and then took on the responsibility of working as both a church and school secretary.  J.W. retired from Verizon a few years ago, but then returned as an electrical engineer and is still employed with Verizon.  Janice, J.W and Ginger are all very active in church work.  On a final note, Janice says the class reunion was so awesome four years ago, she can hardly wait to attend the one in September.  For those who missed it, they need to attend this one and see how much joy they will get from seeing former classmates after so many years.  I would never have imagined I could feel like I was back in school again.  It was like a dream come true.  
 

SONNY M. ANDERSON lives in Accokeek, Maryland.  He has one daughter--Cindy Stout (age 35); he also has four grandchildren.  After high school, Sonny worked for 10 years for a bank, then 3 years as an ARA Data Processing Manager, and for the past 15 1/2 years as an ADP Computer Operations Manager (self contractor).  He is not yet retired, but in his free time, Sonny likes to hunt, fish, and follow Redskins football.

   ALICE GAIL ARMES (LESTER) lives in Abingdon, Virginia, with her husband John Lester.  Gail and John were married in 1968 and continued to live in Grundy.  John is also a graduate of Grundy High; he graduated in 1958.  John and Gail have one son (John David) who lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with his wife Robbin and son Jax (who is almost three years old).  John David is a driver for UPS. Gail's husband, John, was a Federal Mine Inspector until 2000, when he retired, and Gail was an Eligibility Supervisor with the Buchanan County Social Services until 2001, when she also retired.  After retirement, Gail and John moved to Abingdon, VA, where they are "really enjoying retirement."  Gail says she is "looking forward to seeing everyone again."

RUBY BAILEY (KENNEDY) lives in West Virginia, Virginia, and Florida.  She married Paul Kennedy in 1965.  After graduation, Ruby started working for a supermarket in Grundy, Virginia, known as Piggly Wiggly, which later expanded into Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee and became known as K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc.  Ruby was employed until October 2000 at K-VA-T, where she was the Assistant Director of Human Resources.  When Ruby retired from K-VA-T, it was a company with 80 plus stores.  Her husband, Paul, attended the University of West Virginia, and his farming endeavors have extended into three states.  Ruby says the farms keep them busy, and in her husband's spare time, he is a carpenter.  Ruby and Paul just finished building a new home in Florida. They enjoy their homes in West Virginia and Virginia in the summer, but in the winter, they enjoy living in Florida.  Ruby and Paul have one son, Paul Junior.  He graduated from Concord College at Athens, West Virginia, where he earned a BA in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and Small Business Management.  Paul Junior is currently working as an auditor for the State of Florida, and his wife, Ann, is a personnel officer for the State of Florida.  Ruby and Paul are the proud grandparents of Samuel borne December 30, 2004.

JEAN BELCHER (FERRELL) lives at Conaway, Virginia.  After graduation, Jean attended Pikeville College and then became a teacher in the Buchanan County School System, from which she retired in 2002.  Jean is married to L.C. Ferrell, who graduated from Grundy High School in 1962, and they have three children--Melissa Suzanne, David Eric, and Lance Charles Ferrell.  Jean is looking forward to the class reunion in August.
 

PATRICIA (BLACKBURN) MALONE graduated from Virginia High School in 1963, and she married Tom Malone in 1964.  Pat and Tom have been married 42 years; they have two children - Darin age 39 and Sandy age 37.  Darin is married to Denise, and they live in Roanoke; they have two dogs and no children.  Sandy is married to Chris Hubbard; they live in Bristol, and they have two daughters -   Katie age 16 (a junior at John Battle High School) and Kennedy age 3.   Pat has worked for the City of Bristol, Virginia, for the past 20 years, and my husband, Tom, is retired from UPS.

CAROLE (EVA) BOSTIC (STILES) currently goes by the name of Eva, rather than Carole, which is the name she was known as at Grundy High School; however, after graduation, she began to go by the name of Eva and has continued to use that name throughout the years since her classmates last saw her.  She is married to Don Stiles, and she is retired from the Fifth Third Bank; it is a Cincinnati based company, which has been in business for about 150 years and has branches in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Florida and is now going into West Virginia.  Eva says that it is a very "solid and strong bank" and that she "certainly enjoyed" the 20 plus years that she worked for them.   Eva also says that she has two daughters--Trish and Tonja.  Additionally, she has four grandchildren--Lauren (age 7), Logan (age 5), Emily (age 5), and Owen (age 1).  "They love to bake, cook, and do crafts" with their grandmother. Eva adds that these "beautiful and smart" grandchildren are the "light of [her] life."  She says that she doesn't think she could be happier if she tried.

CHARLENE BOYD (KEMP) lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Don, who is retired from traveling the world as sales manager for major shoe manufacturers.  Included in the Kemp family is a 15-year-old hybrid wolf, "Rebel."  Charlene has two children (Beth and Jeff) from an earlier marriage to Rick Freeman (GHS graduating class of 1964).  Both Beth and Jeff graduated from Pennsylvania universities, are married, and each has one child.  Beth is a supervisor in the home office of an insurance company in Cincinnati, and Jeff manages his own insurance claims business in Harrisburg.  In addition to being a wife, mother, and now, grandmother, Charlene has had two careers. After graduation from GHS, Charlene received a BA for French and English from Emory and Henry; she then did additional graduate work in French at Northwestern and received her MA from Penn State. She has taught French I-V in a suburban Harrisburg high school for 25 years.  She also serves as the Foreign Language Department Chair for the district, and she is one of 18 teachers and professors on a steering committee for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Charlene's second career has been both as a performer and administrator for area arts organizations. She began voice lessons at Emory and Henry and continued to study voice in Pennsylvania.  She became a Resident Artist with one of the oldest classical music organizations in the country, and later she served the group as President.  In addition to performing in many recitals, Charlene was a paid professional soloist for a downtown Harrisburg church for 10 years and helped to found an arts organization that has continued for 30 years.  In their spare time, Charlene and Don enjoy gardening, travel, and of course, babysitting!  Charlene still goes to France every other year for 2-3 weeks.  She says both she and Don are "looking forward to the big trip to Grundy this year!"

DREAMA BOYD (MELTON) lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she works for the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.  Upon graduation from Grundy High School, Dreama worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C., for ten years.  While working as a supervisor in the Administrative Department of the FBI Laboratory, she met and married Larry Melton, her spouse for 25 years prior to his death in 1994.  Dreama and Larry resided in Meadowview, Virginia, for over 20 years, where Dreama worked for the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Mutual of Omaha Insurance Companies, Washington County Department of Human Services, and the Internal Revenue Service.  Dreama's daughter (Lori) is a graduate of Emory and Henry College and Wake Forest University School of Law.  Lori currently works as an attorney, and her husband, Ken, a graduate of Duke University, is President at Washington Mutual in Seattle, Washington.  Lori and Ken live in Bainbridge Island, Washington.  In 1998, Dreama relocated to the Internal Revenue Service District Office in North Carolina.  In addition to work, she is an active member of the Charlotte Metro YMCA, and she is
active in her local United Methodist Churches.  Dreama wants her classmates to know that she is sorry that she will not be able to attend the reunion this year due to an unexpected scheduling conflict, but she is sure that "everyone will have a wonderful time."

JACK BROWN lives in Greenville, North Carolina, with is wife Sharon.  Jack was drafted into the Army in June, 1965.  He served with the 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam Conflict and was honorably discharged in August, 1967.  After his discharge from the Army, Jack ventured South, and a year or so after establishing residence in Greenville, he met "a lovely Southern Belle," whom he later married and has remained married to since that time.  Jack and Sharon have one daughter, Jennifer, of whom they are very proud.  For the past 25 years, Jack has been employed as a "Factory Rat" with General Electric (Large Gas Turbine Facilities) in Greenville and various other parts of the world.  He expects to retire within the next few months and probably "will take another stab at getting caught up on some of the projects he has started over the last 25-30 years around his place (and never finished)"; he says he may also do some consulting work with General Electric or business associates or maybe "just do whatever [he] feels like doing for a change."  Jack says he likes "antique John Deere tractors; Harleys; mountain biking; working with wood; metal working; aged western beef; a couple of cold Heinekens after a hard week; measuring it once, cutting it once, and getting it right; smart, hard-working, dedicated individuals who have played well the hand that they had dealt to them; hit and miss one lungers; blues singers who sing it like they lived it; Ed Davis' Black and White transit; crawling in between cool Egyptian cotton sheets on a hot muggy Carolina night; happy people, and winning at everything!"  He adds that he doesn't like anyone who doesn't like the things he does and "Homer Simpson."  Some of the people who have left a favorable impression on Jack through the years have been Charles (Chuck) Bohan; Ted Osborne, Sr.; James Branham; Thomas and Ray Vandyke; Alva Matney; Bud Coleman; Holiday Colley; John Fox, Jr.; Hulbert Brown; Carroll Dejong; David Kelly; J. K. Holloway; Smiley Ratliff; Frank Colley; William Halsey; Jack Welch; Sue Ann Lynn; Thomas Edison; George Patton; Vince Lombardi; and all the members of his immediate family.  Jack says there is not much that he would change if he had it to do over again, and concludes, "The worst thing I ever did in my whole life was to sing too loud in church."  On a final note he says, "All I ever wanted was just a little more than I got!"

HAROLD E. CHAMBERS lives in Roanoke, Virginia, with his wife Betty. Harold attended Grundy Elementary, and he received his high school diploma with the class of 1963.  After graduation, Harold went to Roanoke to work.  He is retired from Jewell Coal and Coke, where he worked as a land surveyor and with engineering.  While in Roanoke, he met and married Betty, who is from the area.  Harold and Betty have 4 children, 5 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.  Harold remembers that his "pal" in high school was Steve Beller.

LINDA CALHOUN (HIGGINS) and her mother moved to North Carolina after graduation, and Linda attended college there. She graduated from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro with a B. S. in Home Economics.  Linda married Jack Wakeland (also a Grundy High School graduate), and they moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where she taught school.  Linda and Jack have two daughters--Angela Mangano and Holly Wakeland.  Angie has two children, ages 5 and 2, and she is a full-time mom.  Holly teaches English in the Roanoke County Schools.  Linda is now married to Dan Higgins, and they live in Forest, Virginia.  Linda and Dan own a small deli in Lynchburg called "The Phila Deli."  They love to travel, and they are looking forward to going to Ireland next year when they have lots of leisure time.  Additionally, Linda is still teaching school ("35 long years"), and she hopes to retire after one more year. She teaches at Jefferson Forest High School in Bedford County.  She is also involved in a local group called the Ivy Hill Ladies Association and sings in her church choir.  Dan plays for two community bands, and they belonged to a Gourmet Cooking Group for many years. Linda says, "I am looking forward to seeing everybody in August."

ERNEST CLEVINGER lives in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, which is located just outside Washington, D.C.; he and his wife Shirley Simmons Clevinger have lived in Maryland for the past 35 years.  After graduating from high school, Ernest joined the U.S. Army, where he spent 4 years. While in the Army, Ernest traveled to Japan, Korea, and Alaska. Upon his return from Korea in 1965, the Army is what brought Ernest to Maryland, where he met his wife, who is originally from Kingwood, West Virginia. Ernest and Shirley have 2 children--a son (Ernest Jr. who is 33 years old, is a Neurologist, and is married to Erinn; he and his family live in Frederick, Maryland, with their 3 children - Toby, Ernie III, and McKinley [Mac] in that order) and a daughter (Deborah [Debbie] who is 25 years old and a high school teacher [biology]; she lives in Frederick, Maryland, and is engaged to a high school teacher who also teaches biology; they have a June 28 wedding date set).  Ernest says when his children were growing up, he was involved a lot in youth sports - coaching baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer for several years.   Both Ernest and his wife Shirley were involved in Boys and Girls Scouting.  Their daughter Debbie was, and still is, a very good softball  player; she pitched (fast pitch) for her high school and went on to play four years for her college in North Carolina - St. Andrews  Presbyterian.  Ernest still coaches a women's softball team on which his daughter plays. Needless to say, Shirley and Ernest have been very busy with sporting and scouting activities.  Additionally, Shirley works at the Department of Census; she does accounting/budget work, and Ernest works for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  Ernest says he “was lucky to get into computers" while he was in the Army. Upon his discharge from the Army, Ernest went to work for a bank in Washington, D.C., as a computer operator.  While at the bank, he went to night school at a local college and at IBM, where he studied Systems Analyst/Programming.  Today, Ernest manages a staff of 12 people, where they build and maintain systems for FDIC, mainly for accounting and tracking assets.  Ernest and his wife plan on retiring in about 2 years.  Upon retirement, they want to travel a little and to spend more time doing volunteer work and, of course, spend more time with their grandchildren.  In the meantime, Ernest says some of the hobbies that occupy him are helping his wife with her flower gardens, trout fishing, hunting, golfing, and playing softball.  Ernest is sorry that he was unable to attend the Reunion in August, but he hopes to make the next one.

 JUDY ANN CLEVINGER (CLEVINGER) has been married to Roger Clevinger for 39 years!   Judy's husband, Roger, is retired from the Department of Labor.  Judy is a graduate of Southwest Virginia Community College in Accounting.  She has worked for First Union National Bank for the past 26 years, and she is currently Manager of the Teller Line; she has also worked in various other positions at the bank. Judy and Roger have two children--a son and a daughter.  Their son, Roger Jr., is a Medical Doctor at the Old Williamsburg Hospital in Williamsburg, Virginia; he and his wife, Natalie, have a son and daughter.  Judy and Roger's daughter, Jennifer, lives in Harrisonburg, Virginia; she is not married and is a National Certified Laboratory Clinical Scientist and Medical Technologist.  Jennifer works for the Rockingham Memorial Hospital, and she does cancer research.

JUDY CATHERINE CLEVINGER (MURRAY) left Grundy High School in 1962 and completed her high school education at Rogersville High School, Rogersville, Tennessee.  After finishing high school, Judy married a childhood sweetheart and then moved to Delaware.  Judy and her former husband had one son--Christopher Sykes, who is now 31 years old.  Judy previously worked for W.L. Gore & Associates in Newark, Delaware, for 26 years.  Additionally, over the years, she worked as a Production Supervisor, as a Process Engineer, and at the end of her career, as a Product Specialist.  Judy traveled extensively, both nationally and internationally, in her job as a Product Specialist.  Her responsibilities included the development, production, design, and marketing of new applications for use of the product for which she was responsible.  She transferred to Arizona in 1981, and it was there that she met her current husband--Marvin Murray.  Marvin is now retired from the United States Bureau of Reclamation, where he worked as a Civil Engineer after leaving a teaching position at Northern Arizona University.  Judy says she has "two wonderful" stepchildren; they are Matthew (age 32) and Leslie (age 37).  She also has two "very precious" granddaughters--Catilyn and Risa.  Judy regrets that she will not be able to attend the reunion in August because she will be out of the country during that time.  She says, "I appreciate being included in the invitation, and I trust the reunion will be a great success."

 ANNA LEE COCHRAN (CHAPMAN) left Grundy in 1965 with her two daughters (Tina and Teressa).  At that time, she went to Detroit for a short period and then on to Ohio.  She first worked for a toy factory, and then she worked in a factory where bullets for the M16 rifle, used in the Vietnam Conflict, were manufactured.  Next, she went to Florida, where she currently resides, and where she met her current husband Jim.  After moving to Florida, Anna Lee went back to school and became a nurse, but later gave up that profession.  She and Jim have a son and a daughter (James and Amanda). James has an 8 year old son James III (Trey) and 5 year old twin boys Connor and Evan & Amanda now has another daughter named Isabella aged 5. Anna Lee is proud of her children and her grandchildren.  Her daughter Tina has one son, Zack (age 26) who has a 3 year old son, Caden; her daughter Teressa has three girls (Tori, age 20, a student at North Florida University; Madyson age 10; and Anna Marie age 8); and her daughter Amanda has a twelve-year-old daughter named Eden. Anna Lee owns her own studio in Florida, where she creates collectible dolls.  She says that her dolls are created from memories of people who have had a positive influence in her life.  She has won many awards for her creations.  Her web site for her business is at www.annachapman.com.  Anna Lee says that she is delighted to learn of the class reunion and that she plans to attend.

SARA COLE (RAFFERTY) lives in Orlando, Florida.  She married Jerry Rafferty in 1968 and moved to Orlando the following year.  "After a long separation in 1998," they were divorced.  Sara and Jerry have three children--James, who is married to Kimberly and has 3 children (Samantha age 13, Tyler, age 11, and Adam, age 8), lives in Las Vegas and works as a computer tech/support manager; Beth who lives with Sara and tries to "keep her straight"; and Katie, who is married to Ron Broomes, has 1 son  (Wesley) and has a degree in Growth Management and Environmental Studies.  After graduation from Grundy High School, Sara attended Emory and Henry College and then the University of Kentucky (through December 1966), "changing her major each semester."  Eventually, she returned to Grundy for a few months and taught school at Garden Elementary, and then she moved to the Washington, D.C., and area in order to work.  Later, Sara completed her Bachelor's degree in Organizational Behavior at Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida, followed by a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling.  She is a licensed Psychotherapist and works with Hospice, counseling terminally ill patients and their families and friends.  Sara has been active in her church congregation in the capacity of teaching and singing and handbell ringing for many years.  She also sings with the Bach Festival Choir of Winter Park, a 150-voice oratorio chorus that performs locally several times each year.  She has completed two European tours since 1997, which included singing at St. Peter's in Rome, the Duomo in Florence, the Austrian National Library in Vienna, and the Nicholaikirche in Leipzig, Germany.  As for retirement, Sara says, "I don't ever expect to!  I don't think that I could manage being home all the time.  Empty nesting has really been difficult for me."  On a final note, Sara wants her classmates to know that she really wishes that she could be at the reunion.  She says, "I'm so excited to hear about everybody.  Wow, what a lot of memories it brings back!  So, send me emails, call when you're around Orlando, and have a really wonderful weekend."

LINDA SUE COLEMAN (EDWARDS) would like to share with her classmates the following poem written by her husband Victor Edwards.

                Golden Wave to Golden Age
                     By Victor Edwards

Grundy High School and the Golden Wave,
I can't believe it was 39 years ago, today.
Now a reunion where we'll meet again,
Give a hug and say, "Where have you been?"
Well, I (Linda Sue Coleman) got married (Victor Edwards)
      and had three kids
     (Vicky, Joseph, and David).
Now, I have six grandchildren
     (Shane, Chauncey, Gabe, Creeden, Jacob, and Megan),
      and they're getting big.
I graduated from college with a degree
       (BS from Radford, MA from Virginia Tech),
Taught thirty years (Giles County Schools), retired, and now I'm free,
To shop-till-I-drop, or read a good book,
Travel out west, or tomorrow I cook.
I live about a hundred miles away (Pembroke, Virginia),
Have good health and am happy I must say.
Now, I must ask, "How about you?"
And did they really turn GHS into a Law School?
Are they actually moving the town?
When our grandchildren come back, can we be found?
What is this about web pages and email?
Have Jim (Mays) and Charles (Duty) forgotten how to yell?
Each day I turn on the computer and look at the site,
And wonder what do my classmates NOW look like?
I know that all won't be there (at the reunion).
Some are gone, and some won't care.
I'm anxious to see you and know we survived,
With that GHS spirit and Golden Wave pride.
We all have a story that should be told,
So bring lots of memories and pictures to show.

TOMMY COMPTON attended Nashville Auto Diesel College after graduation from high school.   He graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College in 1964.  He then went to work for various trucking firms in Beckley, West Virginia, and Bristol, Virginia.  He married Helen Johnson; she  works for Miners and Merchants Bank in Grundy, but Tommy retired last year. Tommy and Helen have three children.  Their son David Benjamin is a Pharmacist with Wal-Mart Pharmacy in Bristol, Virginia. David lives at Slate Creek, and he is married to Tina Ratliff, who is a Nurse Practitioner.  They have two sons, Benjamin and Jonathan.   Tommy and Helen's son Jeffrey is a Contract Sales Specialist with Lowes in Columbus, Ohio.  He is married to Michelle Morrison. Michelle is a Buyer for Sygma Shipping Company.  They have a boxer dog named Katy.  Tommy and Helen's third son is Daniel Neal who is a Fifth Grade Teacher for the City of Ashville, North Carolina.  Daniel is married to Marie Gibson.  Marie is an Insurance Agent for Allstate Insurance.  Tommy says that he spends a lot of time with his two grandsons, enjoying their "interests and antics." Benjamin is four years old and a real train enthusiast.  Jonathan is one year old and a real live wire.  With their children, grandchildren, family, church family, and friends, Tommy and Helen stay very busy. They moved from Bristol in 1971 when Tommy began working for Clinchfield Coal Company.  He worked for Clinchfield for 23 years until he had a massive stroke in 1995.  With the stroke, Tommy lost the use of his right arm and right leg, and he could not speak for several weeks. Tommy says, "With a lot of prayers, a lot of support from my family and friends, and a lot of hard work, I regained the use of my arm and leg."  Tommy still has some speech impairment and a loss of short-term memory.  He didn't lose his long-term memory, though, so he still has all the memories of his years in high school, so he says he looks forward to seeing all of his former classmates and sharing some of the "good times we had in school."  He adds, "If any of you are coming in early, please give me a call, and maybe we can get together for lunch."  Tommy's new number is 276-597-2630.  He looks forward to seeing everyone.

JERRY COX spent a year in a trade school in Nashville after high school.  Following trade school, he worked for a year or so until he was about to get drafted, and then he joined the Navy.  During the four years he spent in the Navy, Jerry served two terms in Vietnam.  He was discharged from the Navy in 1969.  He then spent the next seven years traveling all over the country looking for something and finally found it at a small college in West Tennessee.  Jerry says that it was there that he rediscovered God and met the love of his life.  He married Kathy Huffard on August 11, 1978, and graduated from Freed-Hardeman College in 1979.  Jerry and Kathy moved to Montreal, Quebec, in 1980, where they spent six years working with a French-speaking church.  Jerry comments that Mrs. Cummings would be "proud" of him!  All three of Kathy and Jerry's children were born in Montreal.  From Montreal, Jerry and his family went to Nigeria, West Africa, where he taught school, and Kathy was the school/village nurse. They returned to the States in 1992 and lived and worked in Jackson, Tennessee.  In 1996, they moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where Kathy is a home health nurse, and Jerry is the Director of the Christian Student Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  Jerry and Kathy's oldest son, Rylan, is a Junior at Freed-Hardeman University, where he is majoring in Engineering; their daughter, Minda, is an English/Creative Writing major and is also at Freed-Hardeman University; and their youngest son, Jesse, is a Junior in high school.

GLENDA FAYE CRAWFORD (STILTNER) lives in Pounding Mill, Virginia, and is married to Robert Stiltner.  Glenda and Robert have one daughter --Angela Dawn Stiltner (Angie) who is 28 years old.  Right after high school, Glenda went to work doing bookkeeping and clerical work, and she is currently employed by a bank.  Glenda says she plans to retire whenever she "gets too old to work."  In her spare time, Glenda is involved in church related activities, and she enjoys time spent with her granddaughter. Additionally, she has traveled to Canada, and she is involved in her community by way of the Cedar Bluff Community Church, where she sings in the choir, teaches Sunday School, and teaches Vacation Bible School.  She is also President of the Ladies Auxiliary.  Glenda says, "I am looking forward to seeing everyone."

ALICE FAYE DALES currently lives at Grundy; however, she has spent time in the past living in Alexandria, Virginia, and Elkton, Maryland.   She has one child--Cynthia Leigh (age 29) and two grandchildren--Lindsey Michelle Elswick (age 3) and Jamie Keith Elswick (age 1).  Alice is currently employed by the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors, and she plans to retire in approximately three and a half years so that she can spend more time with her grandchildren

AUDREY MAE DALES (YATES) lives at Vansant, Virginia, with her husband George Yates. Audrey and George were married in September 1959; they have three children (Tommy Yates-age 44; Joey Yates - age 38; and Rita Sue Shoemake - age 37), six grandchildren, and 1 step-great-granddaughter. Her son Joey spent 8 years on a Navy Carrier; he is a veteran of the Gulf War, and her son-in-law is still in the Navy on submarines for 15 years. After high school, Audrey earned some college credits and a Nursing License; she has her own business, and she has done substitute teaching; she has also done school bus driving in the past. Additionally, Audrey was once employed at B & L Maytag, Midway Drug, and Haysi Pro Hardware; additionally, she sold Avon and Tupperware. She is currently part- time employed at their furniture and appliance store, but she says that she is mostly retired since 2005 because "she earned" it. Audrey also says that her retirement has included, and continues to include, joint replacements; she has had a knee done, two shoulders, and a knee yet to do. She has been dealing with Lupus for 30 years. However, she loves to sew and to write poetry and short stories; she has had one poem published. She also enjoys interior decorating. Audrey has traveled to many places in the U.S., but she says that her next trip will be to Ireland. She has been a member of the Vansant Baptist Church for 36 years; she loves Sunday School; she can't sing in the choir anymore because it is hard getting around on a cane. Audrey would like to say to her classmates: "I have always believed in a higher power, and at the age of 13, I was baptized. I was raised by an old-fashioned daddy (a preacher) who told me that you only get married one time, and I have lived up to what he taught me for 46 years. I have instilled into my children those same values."

 DOROTHY DALES (WHITED) lives at Grundy, Virginia.  In 1963, she married John Whited; their marriage produced 4 children--Arlene Frances (age 37), Teresa Marie (age 36), Angela Pauline (age 35), and Arvil Eugene (age 30). After marrying John, Dorothy spent several years occupied as a housewife and mother to her children.  Later, she worked in the family grocery business.  After a divorce from John, Dorothy became employed in the Buchanan County Head Start Program, where she has been a teacher for 11 years.  In addition to working and spending time with her 6 grandchildren, Dorothy also enjoys reading, writing gospel songs, singing, and being actively involved in her church.  Most of her travels have been for Head Start trainings in Philadelphia and Virginia Beach.  Dorothy says, "I look forward to checking the web site to see future information on my classmates.  God bless everyone!"

JERLENE DEEL (OWENS) lives at Haysi, Virginia, and she is married to Gary G. Owens.  Jerlene attended Lower Greenbrier School, where her aunt by marriage taught her in a big one-room classroom made up of 3 grades.  After high school, Jerlene went to work at Grundy Drug and then at Royal Laundry as a secretary; she also worked for 5 years at Eastern Isles. Jerlene then quit work to have 3 children; she later went back to work at a sewing factory for 3 years.  Since retirement, Jerlene spends her time sewing; she makes ruffled curtains. She also loves planting a garden and working in her flowers.  She has traveled to Florida, Richmond, and Washington; she would love to travel more in the future.  Jerlene has 2 daughters and 1 son; she also has 2 grandchildren (ages 8 and 2 months).  Lisa Renee (age 34) is her oldest child; Lisa is the President's Assistant at the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy. Jerlene says she is "really proud of her."  Eric Matthew (age 29) is her son; Matthew is a CPA, and he is part owner of three stores and lives in Abingdon, where he operates Wrights Equipment and sells John Deer.  Kimberly Diane (age 25) is her youngest child; Kimberly is still in college and is an Occupational Therapist; she has been in college approximately 6 years and has 3 degrees; she will soon be a Therapist.  Jerlene adds, "I am so proud of my kids.  So, if any of my classmates live in Abingdon or close by and need a mower or equipment, go to Wrights Equipment."

  CHARLES E. DUTY (updated 7-31-2006) lives in Lebanon, Virginia.  In July 2001, after 34 years, he retired from education, having served as a teacher, as a principal (elementary and middle school), and on the central office staff.  Charles attended Clinch Valley College, and he received a B.S. from Virginia Tech, as well as a Masters from East Tennessee State.  He continues to work with the Boy Scouts of America, having served as Scoutmaster for ten years.  He has also worked with adult scout leaders in the Wood Badge training course. He is married to Charlotte Edwards Duty, whom he met while at Clinch Valley College.  She continued her education at the University of Virginia.  Even though their schools were rivals, Charles says that their relationship grew stronger.  Charlotte is the sister of Victor Edwards who is married to our classmate Sue Coleman Edwards. Charles and Charlotte are the proud parents of Dr. Cheryl  (University of Texas - Computer Engineering)  , and Dr. Chad  (Georgia Tech - Mechanical Engineering)   Both Cheryl and Chad received undergraduate degrees from Virginia Tech.  Chad is among several Eagle Scouts sponsored by Charles' troop. 

CHARLES R. DUTY and LORRAINE HORN (DUTY) were married in June 1965, and they have resided in Grundy since that time.  Charles has worked hauling coal to various coal companies, and he continues to enjoy camping, fishing, and hunting.  At this time, Charles is doing what he loves, which is spending time with his grandchildren and still hauling coal. And, of course, both Charles and Lorraine enjoy spending time with their family.  They have two children, Robby and Tenna.  Robby works in road construction and resides in Florence, South Carolina, with his wife (Lisa) and son (Jonas Robert Duty), born in 2001.  Tenna is employed at Buchanan General Hospital as a Pediatric Registered Nurse, and she resides in Grundy with her husband Daniel F. Hess and son Gabriel Alexander Hess, born in 1999.

   STEVE ELGIN, after graduation, attended Clinch Valley College for one semester.  Then in March, 1964, he joined the Air Force, where he served until March, 1968.  Steve re-entered Clinch Valley College in 1968, and he graduated in 1971 with a BA in Math.  In March, 1970, Steve married Sandra Ison from Wise County, Virginia.  He and Sandra have two children - Stephen II (born December 1971) and Sarah (born July 1979).  Steve and Sandra also have one grandchild - Savannah Rhea Elgin (born October 2001).  Steve is self-employed at 21st Century Computers, Inc., Grundy, VA.  He deals primarily with doctors offices.

Deceased - September 10 -2009

SHARON KAY EPLING (STANLEY) lives in Clintwood, Virginia, with her
husband Eddie C. Stanley, who graduated from the University of Virginia at Wise.  Right after high school graduation, Sharon attended Morehead State University; she graduated in 1967 with a BA in Sociology and History. After working in the Dickenson County Schools for 30 years, Sharon retired in the Summer of 2001.  In January, 2002, Eddie retired from the Social Security Office in Wise, where he was the Manager. Sharon and Eddie have two children--John Edward Stanley (age 29) and Jay Patrick Stanley (age 27).  John was in the first graduating class of The Appalachian School of Law, Grundy, VA, and he is currently a practicing Attorney in Marion.  Like his father, Jay Patrick is a graduate of the University of Virginia College at Wise; he is a Claims Adjuster with Allstate, and he lives in Roanoke with is wife Alesha and son Jonathan (who is Sharon and Eddie's only grandchild).   Sharon plans to do some traveling in her retirement years, and she stays busy with her hobbies of reading and gardening.
 

ERNESTINE (TINA) FAULKNER (SWINEY) was to graduate with the class of 1963, but since she only needed 12th grade English to graduate, she graduated with the class of 1962.  She received her diploma at the end of summer school, and then moved to Washington, D.C., where she took a job for AT & T as a computer operator.  In 1965, she married Donald R. Swiney, and he went into the military, so she moved back with her family while he was away.  In 1969, Ernestine moved to Maryland and went back to work for AT & T.  In 1975, she moved to Lebanon, Virginia, and she became a stay-at-home mom.  Ernestine and Don have two children - Terry (age 33, a minister of a church in Hampton, Virginia) and Craig Allen (age 27 is an Assistant Superintendent of an elite golf course).  Ernestine and Don also have two grandchildren.  While living in Lebanon, Ernestine attended SVCC and graduated with a management degree.  In 1983, she and Don again moved to Maryland, and she took a job at Bank One as a Collections Manager.  Ernestine is still at the bank where she is a Customer Service Manager; she says that she plans to work for another 5 years.  In 1989, Ernestine and Don attended Bible School and became Associate Pastors in a Damascus, Maryland, church.  Also, in 1989, they moved to a church in Middletown, Maryland, where she and Don continue to pastor the church there.  Additionally, Ernestine says she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, making crafts, and traveling.  And she adds that she and Don are both "happy and healthy and love the Lord."

BILLY JOE FERRELL lives in Oakwood Ohio, with his wife Patricia A. (Tuggle) Ferrell.  Billy Joe and Patricia met in 1967, married in 1969, and moved to Defiance, Ohio, in July, l969.  They are the proud parents of 7 children; they are Joey (age 32, married with 3 children and a police officer in Kettering, Ohio), Steve (age 30, single and a school teacher and commercial scuba diver in Los Angeles, California), Gina (age 26), Richie (age 23), Angel (age 21), Rose (age 19), and Grace (age 16).  Additionally, Billy Joe and Patricia have 5 grandchildren - 4 boys and 1 girl.  Right after high school, Billy Joe joined the U.S Marine Corps, where he served from 1964 until 1967.  He says, "The Marine Corps needed one good man!"  Currently, Billy Joe is employed with General Motors, Powertrain; previously, he worked at various auger jobs in Buchanan County.  He says he plans to retire after his youngest child graduates from high school, and when he does, he and Patricia plan to hike the Appalachian Trail.  His hobbies include bow-hunting (traditional style), hiking, walking, and running.  Billy Joe's travels have taken him to Michigan and Colorado on hunting trips; family trips to Atlanta, Georgia, to see friends where he graduated; and to Myrtle Beach and California.  He is involved in his community through the Second Baptist Church, YMCA football, and various bow clubs.  Billy Joe's message to his classmates is:  "Keep your feathers dry and be kind to old people  (because that is what we all are)!"

TEDDY FERRELL lives in Meadowview, Virginia, and he is married to
Shirley Anne Church Ferrell.  Teddy and Shirley have no children.  Right after high school, Teddy was employed in Mine Supply Sales.  Later, he owned his own business called Ferrell Mine Supply.  In 2000, he retired and says his retirement plans are to "just do what I want to do."  In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and traveling.  He has traveled to Jamaica and the South Eastern United States.

BRENDA FLEENOR (RATLIFF)  lives at Grundy, and after high school, she attended East Tennessee State University (where she earned a BS in Art).  Following her education at ETSU, Brenda attended the University of Virginia (where she earned a M.Ed.). She used to be very active in the Jr. Women's Club, and she was the former owner of Prime Time Video (22 stores).  Brenda has two children - Megan Rife (age 31) and David Rife (age 23).  She retired from the Buchanan County School System in 1999.  Brenda says her plans for retirement are to "clean up my house after 35 years of procrastination and working and to be a full-time mother to David who is going to be with me forever."  Her hobbies include "anything pertaining to art and travel."  In the past, Brenda has traveled all over the U.S., and she loves New England and Nova Scotia.   

JESSE LEE FOSTER lives in Grundy, Virginia, with his wife Dorothy.   Jesse and Dorothy have two children--Carmen and Angie. Carmen is 33 years old and is married to Tommy Charles; Angie is 30 years old and is married to Randy Ratliff.    Jesse and Dorothy also have one grandson (Devin Charles, who is 4 years old), and they have two more grandchildren on the way.  Right after high school, Jesse went into the military (U.S. Army); he spent 3 years in Europe.  After leaving the Army, Jesse went to work for the power company in Chicago, Illinois, where he met and married Dorothy.  In 1969, Jesse and Dorothy moved back to Grundy, where he went to work for the power company (currently known as American Electric Power), where he has been employed for 33 years.  Jesse was previously employed by Commonwealth Edison Company.  During his spare time, Jesse works in his church (Church of Christ), plays golf, and spends time with his grandson "doing anything he wants."  Additionally, he is involved with his community by way of the Sandy Valley Masonic Lodge (Secretary) and the American Legion.  Jesse wants his classmates to know that he is looking forward to seeing everyone in August.

SHARON GILREATH (HEATH) lives in Northville, Michigan, with her husband Michael.  They have two children--Jeffrey (age 37) and Thomas (age 33); they also have one grandchild.  Right after high school, Sharon attended Business School in Michigan. She is currently employed as an Office Manager.  She says that she and her husband work together, and they plan to retire in three years.  Sharon and Michael have traveled to the Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, California, and several U.S. states.  In addition to traveling, Sharon and Michael spend almost every weekend at their cottage in Northern Michigan.  They love all water sports, especially boating, and they enjoy snowmobiling in the winter months.  Sharon says, "Most of all, we love spending time with our grandson, Douglas Thomas, who will be two years old in August".  Sharon wants her classmates to know that she is sorry that she cannot make the reunion because of a conflicting commitment.

LEON HACKNEY lives at Maxie, Virginia, with his wife Sue Lane Hackney.  Leon and Sue have one daughter--Vicki Lynn Hackney Stiltner (age 38); they also have two grandchildren.  Right after high school, Leon started working, and he retired in 1996; however, he was previously empoyed at Epling Manufacturing Company, where he built mining equipment.  In his free time, Leon enjoys hunting, fishing,  watching TV., and playing on the computer.  Leon is involved with the senior citizens in his community, and he has found time to travel to the southern United States.  Leon says, "I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion."

 

  LEATHA JUNE HORNE (DAVIDSON) and her husband Carroll live in Saltville, Virginia; they were married in October, 1963. Leatha and Carroll have one son and no grandchildren.  Their son, Douglas Dean Davidson, is 32 years old and works as a R.N. at Johnson City Medical Center Hospital.  Currently, Leatha works in local factories, and her husband worked in the coal mines until he retired in 1996. They built their home in the 70's, and she enjoys staying home and going to church.  Leatha says, "I am looking forward to seeing all of my former classmates, so I hope we get to come to the reunion."

 LORRAINE HORN (DUTY) and CHARLES R. DUTY were married in June 1965, and they have resided in Grundy since that time.  Lorraine started working at the Piggly Wiggly in Grundy after graduating from high school, and she quickly picked up the talent for baking and decorating cakes.  She currently has a very successful cake decorating business in her home.  Lorraine is a member of the Poplar Creek Church of Christ, and she enjoys singing in the choir.  She also enjoys cooking, baking, and sewing. And, of course, both Charles and Lorraine enjoy spending time with their family.  They have two children, Robby and Tenna.  Robby works in road construction and resides in Florence, South Carolina, with his wife (Lisa) and son (Jonas Robert Duty), born in 2001.  Tenna is employed at Buchanan General Hospital as a Pediatric Registered Nurse, and she resides in Grundy with her husband Daniel F. Hess and son Gabriel Alexander Hess, born in 1999. 

KEISTER HURLEY lives in Lebanon, Tennessee, with his wife Beverly Jean Campbell.  Keister went into military service after leaving Grundy High School; he spent 6 years in the 101st Airborne Division. The last year of his time in the military was spent in Vietnam. After completing his military service, Keister attended a junior college and received an Associates in Business Science Degree, and he became employed at Bellsouth Telecommunications, where he has been employed for 29 years.  He is the Training Manager in the Bellsouth Network Reliability Center in Brentwood, Tennessee, and he plans to retire in 2004. Keister met and married his wife, Beverly Jean Campbell, of New York, while serving in the military. Keister and Beverly Jean have two children--Bruce (who lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and has 4 children) and Kim (who lives in Maryville, Tennessee, and has 2 children).  In his spare time, Keister likes to take his houseboat out on the weekends.  Once he has retired, Keister plans to do some traveling.  On a final note, he says, "I would love to correspond with anyone who remembers me from my old rough and rowdy days.  (How we change with time!)"  
 

ARWON KEEN (MULLINS) and RICHARD/RICH MULLINS were married in 1964.  Arwon and Rich have a business on Main Street in Grundy.  Also, in 1998, they built and opened Southern Pottery (Highway 460) at Claypool Hill.  In January, Arwon and Rich completed and moved into a new home in Abingdon.  They are right beside the "Creeper Trail," and they love to bike and walk. Also, Arwon and Rich say they have been blessed with "two wonderful children."  Rich, Jr., is married to Mary, and they have two boys (ages 5 years and 6 months).  Angela and husband Rick Mitchell have a boy (age 6) and a girl (age 3).  Rich and Arwon want their former classmates to know that they "adore [their] babies and think hearing them say 'Paw Paw' and 'Gi Gi' are the greatest sounds in the world."  Additionally, they add that they "look forward to seeing old friends."

BILLY KEENE stayed in Grundy after graduation; he went to work at The Western Auto for about 7 years, and then he went to work at Rife's T.V.  In 1976, he went to work for Jackson Hardware as General Manager and stayed there until he was elected Treasurer of Buchanan County in 1995 and again in 1999.  Billy married BETTY SUE DENNY (also a member of the 1963 Grundy High graduating class) in March, 1964.  Billy and Betty dated throughout high school, and they were married for 33 years before Betty died of cancer in February, 1997.  Billy and Betty had one daughter, Caroline, who married Christopher Mark Whited.  Caroline and Christopher have three children, Tabatha, Kaitlin, and Christopher.  Billy says that he tries to spend as much time with his grandchildren as he can, taking them to the movies, ballgames, and shopping.  "They enjoy shopping the most because they know Paw Paw will buy them whatever they want--most of the time."  Billy is looking forward to our class reunion, and he wants his classmates to know that if anyone is coming in early and wants to play golf or have lunch, give him a call at his office at 276-935-6550 or at his home at 276-597-7225.

SANDY KEENE (SURFACE) lives in Cornelius, North Carolina.  She is the mother of two children--Phillip (age 38) who is an Orthopedic Surgeon in Charleston, West Virginia, and Tracy who has a Masters in Journalism and Marketing is a stay-home mom right now.  Sandy also has five grandchildren--Phillip's three boys are Preston (age 5), Parker (age 4), and Peyton (age 2), and Tracy's two girls are Madison (age 4) and Abigail (age 2).  Right after high school, Sandy attended McLains Business College and then Bluefield State College, where she earned a Nursing Degree.  She is currently retired after 22 years at Bluefield Regional Medical Center and 2 years at Lake Norman Hospital.  Her retirement plans are to spend a lot of time with her grandchildren. She also likes to read, go to the beach, swim, watch TV, and take care of newborns.  Sandy has traveled to Chicago; Tampa, Florida; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Dallas, Texas.  She has been involved in her community by way of the Prenatal and Pediatric Association, Nursing Association.  Sandy says she hopes that "everyone has found love, success, and happiness."
 

BETTY KINDER (KIRBY) lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband Patrick.  Patrick is British; he was born in Great Britain, but he grew up in Richmond.  He attended the Richmond Professional Institute (RPI), which is currently known as Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).  His employment has been in the banking industry, where he has worked with the Bank of Virginia Credit Card Division, later Signet Bank and now Capital One in management.  Betty and Patrick have been married for 33 years, and they have one daughter Paige Kirby (30 years old).  Paige graduated from Virginia Tech and has worked for Ukrops (a grocery store chain) since she was 16 years old; she is currently a Human Resource Manager for Ukrops, working closely with store managers and 8 recruiters to staff 27 stores; she also plays golf, is an avid Hokie fan, travels when she gets a chance, and is active with the Richmond and Tidewater Juvenile Diabetes Association.  In addition to their daughter, Betty and Patrick have 2 granddogs (Thunder and Star).  After high school, Betty worked in the office at Grundy Hospital, and then in 1966, she moved to Richmond and began working for Dominion Bank (Downtown Richmond) for several years, but she left that job with the birth of her daughter.  Since 1982, Betty has been employed in housing management for the elderly, a job which she finds to be rewarding.  Betty has a National Registered Apartment Management (RAM) Certification, Certification from the Richmond Home Builders Association, and a Virginia Tech Housing Certification for Housing Management for the Elderly. Also, Betty is a gourmet cook, creating many of her own recipes and growing all of her own herbs. She was a winner in a Virginia Seafood Contest with her creation of Crabmeat Quiche, and her recipe is in their cookbook. Additionally, Betty is a member of The American Business Women's Association, Beta Signa Sorority (Philanthropic), Central Virginia TRIAD (regarding issues involving senior Virginians), Co-Chair of the Northside Apartment Coalition for crime free housing for the elderly, and Education Chair for the Henrico Police Advisory Board for crime free housing.  Betty and her husband have no plans for retirement and would like to work as many years as their health will allow.  They have enjoyed many years at the river (Potomac) at Colonial Beach, and they have traveled in the United States and England; however, overall, they enjoy the river and the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  During the fall, their weekends are spent in Blacksburg, where they attend Tech football games.  Patrick also plays golf when time permits, and until several years ago, he played football for many years to include flag for Chesterfield and Henrico Counties.  Both Betty and Patrick are hoping to attend the class reunion. Betty says, "I do look forward to revisiting with former classmates.  Life passes much to rapidly; therefore, this time will be special and hopefully renew old acquaintances."

MARY SUE LANE (HACKNEY)  (Deceased April 21, 2005) resided at Maxie, Virginia, and she is  married to classmate Leon Hackney. Mary Sue and Leon have one daughter (Vicki Lynn Hackney Stiltner, age 39), and they have two grandchildren (Justin Lee Stiltner, age 20; Dustin DeJay Stiltner, age 14). Right after graduation, Mary Sue worked at the Grundy Men's Center in Grundy, and later worked at The Snack Shack. However, she is currently employed at Riverview Middle School.In her free time, Mary Sue likes to quilt and to cook. Her community involvement includes caring in whatever way she can for the senior citizens in her area. The message Mary Sue would like to pass along to her classmates is - Stay Healthy

CHARLOTTE LESTER (VIERS) and her husband, J. B. Viers (class of 1961), live in Bluefield, Virginia.  Charlotte attended Radford College and received her degree in mathematics from Pikeville College.  Charlotte taught math in Virginia and West Virginia prior to becoming Director of Guidance at Graham High School for the past 19 years.  J. B. directed bands for 27 years (18 at Richlands) and was in school administration for 9 years before retiring from Virginia.  He is now Dean of Students at Bluefield High School, Bluefield, West Virginia. Charlotte and J. B. have 2 children--Renee and Anthony.  Renee lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and she works for the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C.  Anthony is a landscape architect, and he works in New Mexico.  Charlotte's hobbies include reading and gardening, while J. B. enjoys playing golf.

PARIS LESTER lives at Pounding Mill, Virginia,  lives at Pounding Mill, Virginia, with his wife Phyllis. He is currently an Associate Professor of Accounting and Business Management at Southwest Virginia Community College.  In 1979, he was Assistant Principal at Grundy High School.

ROBERT TROY LIPPS lives in Cleveland, Tennessee.  After high school, Robert attended Hiwassee College for a year, and then he joined the Air Force.  Later, he graduated from Cleveland State Community College and then from Tusculum College with a B.S. in Business.  Robert currently owns a motel in Cleveland and works for USA Staffing as a staffing coordinator.  He has three children--Jeff (age 36), Matthew (age 26), and Amanda (age 23); he also has three grandchildren--Lyndsay, Troy, and Jonathan. In his spare time, Robert enjoys playing golf, working in his woodworking shop, and being with his family as much as possible, especially the grandchildren.  Robert says, "I am looking forward to seeing my classmates and renewing old friendships."

ANNA RUTH LOONEY (COLEMAN) lives in Buchanan County and is married to James R. Coleman, a 1962 graduate of Grundy High School.  Anna Ruth and  James were married in  1965, and they have one son--Craig, who graduated  from Grundy Senior High School in June, 1985; Craig attended Southwest  Virginia Community College and East Tennessee State University; he is married to Angelia (McCowan), and she graduated from Garden High School.  Craig and Angie have one son, Chase, who is "definitely a great source of joy" for his grandparents.  Craig is in the construction business, and Angie works for a bank; they live in Meadowview, Virginia.  Anna Ruth says that she and James "have lived and worked in Buchanan County all this time!"  She worked briefly for the local telephone company and newspaper prior to beginning a long career in banking.  She began working for a local bank in June, 1965, and has been in banking now well over 30 years.  She has worked in several departments of the bank, but primarily has concentrated in the human resources area.  She is currently employed with another local bank, where she serves as the Human Resources Director.  In addition to completing many bank related classes, Anna Ruth has a Business Management degree from Southwest Virginia Community College.  She has been active and has served in many civic groups and volunteer organizations, as well as her church over the years.  As Anna Ruth is still working full-time and helping to care for her father, she does not travel often.  She did, however, go to Costa Rica a few years ago on a mission trip, which proved to be a "very gratifying experience."  Anna Ruth has no current plans for retirement, but she does look forward to having some extra time!  She asks, "Is there such a thing?"

CAROL LOONEY (BLANKENSHIP) (UNDERWOOD) lives in Jolo, West Virginia, with her husband Blaine.  Carol has one daughter (Shannon Kay Steffey; age 34) and two grandchildren. After high school, Carol attended Clinch Valley College and studied Elementary Education.  She is currently employed by the McDowell County Board of Education as an elementary teacher at Bradshaw Elementary.  Once she retires, Carol hopes to move close to her "grandbabies."  During her spare time, she likes to read,  and she is a Rebekah. 

   FRANKIE LOONEY (CHARLES)   lives at Vansant, Virginia.  She worked at Vansant Elementary School and for First Union Bank.  She is married to Kermit Charles, and they have two daughters (Pinkie Miller and Patricia Marley).  Both of Frankie and Kermit's daughters live in North Carolina.  Daughter Pinkie and her husband Aaron have two daughters (Leona and Angela).  Also, Frankie and Kermit have a great-granddaughter (Elizabeth).  Elizabeth is the daughter of Leona and her husband.  Frankie adds, "We have been blessed with our family!"

LARRY LOONEY lives at Grundy, Virginia, and is married to Victoria. Larry and Victoria have one child--Elise R. Looney who is 15 years old.  Right after high school, Larry went to college and to technical school, where his field of study was Auto Body. He has been employed by the Buchanan County School Board for the past 30 years.  In his spare time, Larry likes to fish and garden. Also, he is involved in his community by way of his church and Relay for Life.

KENNETH MALONE lives in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he is employed by Loomis Fargo.  He has been with them for 24 years.  Kenneth is a brother to JC Malone from the 1962 graduating class.  Some classmates will remember that Kenneth attended the Maxie Elementary School, and then when the new Harman Elementary was built, he completed Grades 2 - 7 there.  Kenneth left Grundy High School in the tenth grade and since has lived in New Jersey, Texas, and Louisiana.  He used to enjoy fishing and hunting, but due to declining health, he is unable to enjoy those hobbies anymore.  Kenneth has one daughter and two granddaughters.  When he is not working, Kenneth enjoys being able to relax, and he hopes to retire soon.  His birthday is May 22.

EDISON (SONNY) MATNEY lives at Grundy with his wife Mary.  Edison and Mary have one child--Steven Matney who is 30 years old.  After high  school graduation, Edison served in the military (Army) and continued  his education at East Tennessee State.  He is currently employed at Knox Creek Coal Company, and he is actively involved in his community through his work with the Masons, the Shriners, and his church.  Additionally, he spends his spare time golfing, fishing, and hunting.

JAMES E. (JIMMY/JIM) MAYS (updated 7-31-2006) married Paulette (Norris) Mays, a 1962 graduate of Grundy High School.  (Paulette graduated a year early.)  Jim attended the University of Virginia at Wise when it was a Junior College, and he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee.  Paulette received her Bachelor of Science Degree from East Tennessee State University.  Jim and Paulette have raised three children--Julia, Johnathan, and Jayma.  Julia, the oldest, is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher in Kingsport, Tennessee, and she has one son,  Ethan, who is 12 years old. Johnathan lives in Memphis, Tennessee. He is married with 3 children. He is a Health Care Administrator. Jayma is the youngest. She has a degree in Performing Arts. She lives in Hollywood, California, pursuing her dreams as an actress. Jim taught school for 7 years at Grundy High School before he and Paulette decided to go into a business of their own. The business was an independent analytical laboratory serving the coal industry. Jim has really enjoyed helping to reunite all of the 1963 Classmates.

DAPHINE McCLANAHAN (DAVIS is married to Don Davis.  They have been married for 39 years.  They have one daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Jim Conner, and they have two grandchildren, Brad and Mindy Conner.  All of them live in Roanoke, Virginia.  Daphine and Don are retired from General Electric. When not in Roanoke, they are traveling in their motor home.  Daphine is looking forward to seeing everyone in August.

KYLE MEADOWS after graduation, served two years in the Armed Forces, serving a term in Vietnam.  When he came out of the military, Kyle started working for the local phone company as a Customer Zone Technician, and he is still working there 34 years later.  He plans to retire in 2-3 more years.  Kyle will have been married for 29 years to Jan, whom he says is his best friend, on July 28.  Jan retired from teaching after 30 years in the classroom, which she laughingly says was more than enough.  Kyle also says that she was a wonderful, dedicated teacher, and he is very proud of her. Kyle and Jan have one son, James David, who is 23 years old.  James David will graduate in May from East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, with a BS Degree in Engineering Technology-Design Graphics and Modeling.  Kyle and Jan are very proud of their son's accomplishments.  Kyle says, "He has been a wonderful son in every respect!"  After Kyle retires, he and Jan hope to have the health to do extensive traveling.  Kyle is looking forward to our class reunion.  He says, "It will be great to see everyone again!"

RICHARD/RICH MULLINS and ARWON KEEN (MULLINS) were married in 1964.  Arwon and Rich have a business on Main Street in Grundy.  Also, in 1998, they built and opened Southern Pottery (Highway 460) at Claypool Hill.  In January, Arwon and Rich completed and moved into a new home in Abingdon.  They are right beside the "Creeper Trail," and they love to bike and walk. Also, Arwon and Rich say they have been blessed with "two wonderful children."  Rich, Jr., is married to Mary, and they have two boys (ages 5 years and 6 months).  Angela and husband Rick Mitchell have a boy (age 6) and a girl (age 3).  Rich and Arwon want their former classmates to know that they "adore [their] babies and think hearing them say 'Paw Paw' and 'Gi Gi' are the greatest sounds in the world."  Additionally, they add that they "look forward to seeing old friends."

VIRGINIA MULLINS (SMITH) lives in South Boston, Virginia.  She is the mother of two children--Yolanda Lynn Powers (age 38) and Mitchell Clinton Gilbert (age 33); she is also the grandmother of 3 1/2.  After high school, Virginia went to LPN School/Grundy Hospital - R.N. VATNP.  Virginia is currently employed at the Berry Hill Nursing Home in South Boston, Virginia.  She was previously employed at the Grundy Hospital, Buchanan General, Virginia Department of Corrections, and Halifax Regional Hospital.  Virginia is semi-retired; she began part-time in January 2002.  Her plans for retirement are to sew, crochet, knit, paint, read, and enjoy her grandchildren.  She enjoys following NASCAR racing, triple crown racing, University of Tennessee football, Atlanta Braves baseball, flea markets, and decorating in her free time.  Virginia loves to travel, too, and she has visited 48 states in the U.S..; she has also visited Canada.  Furthermore, she is actively involved in her community, where she teaches "HIV" for the Virginia Department of Health at club meetings, etc., and she works with the Volunteer Rescue Squad.  Virginia says she has trouble believing that "it has been 39 years since our graduation from high school."

 DALLAS OWENS left Grundy High School in March 1962.  He then joined the military, where he stayed until his retirement in April 1982.  Dallas' military service took him to many different countries and across both oceans.  He has lived in Germany, France, Turkey, and the Republic of Vietnam, and the countries that he has visited are "too numerous to list."  His stateside assignments included Maryland, Kentucky, South Carolina, Georgia, and Massachusetts.  In August 1969, Dallas married Patricia Ann Wood, and they have raised 4 children.  They now have 8 grandchildren.  Dallas feels fortunate to have his entire family living in close proximity around the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee.  He currently spends his time collecting, trading, and selling rare coins. He and Pat have a shop in the Traders Village Mall, Kingsport, Tennessee, where they do business on Saturday and Sunday of each week.  Dallas says, "If you're in the area, stop by for a chat."  Their shop is in Building "C."  Dallas and Pat hope to be able to attend the class reunion in August.
Deceased August 23, 2003

 KENNETH PERKINS lives at Abingdon, Virginia, and is married to Joyce Ann Church Perkins (GHS class of 1965).  Right after high school, Kenny worked for Little River Coal Company and then served in the U.S. Army.   Later, he became employed at Island Creek Coal Company, where he worked for 30 years; he is currently retired.  Kenny and Joyce have 2 children--J. K. Perkins (age 34) and Cary Perkins (age 31); they also have 2 grandchildren.  During his free time, Kenny enjoys hunting and fishing.  He has also been involved in his community through coaching Little League Sports at Vansant Elementary for 12 years.

LOIS LEE PERRY (JONES) lives in Salisbury, North Carolina, with her husband James Jackson Jones, Sr. Lois and James have 5 children--James J. Jones, Jr. (age 38); Hager J. Bowers (age 36); Penelope S. Jones (age 35); Kimberly J. Sifford (age 32); and Anthony V. Jones (age 29).  Additionally, Lois and James have 6 grandchildren.  Lois left Grundy in the summer before her senior year and met and married James.  She then moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina, where James was stationed in the Marine Corps.  Lois finished her education at the community college there.  She and James spent the first few years of their marriage traveling to different cities where James was stationed.  James grew up in Salisbury, North Carolina, where they settled and had 5 "beautiful children," 3 of which are married and have children of their own.  When James left the Marine Corp, he became a long-distance truck driver, and he and Lois saw more of the country that way.  Lois was a stay-at-home mom for a long time before she started working in the textile industry in North Carolina.  Later, she decided to become a school bus driver and drove a school bus for the elementary school where her youngest son went to school.  In 1994, Lois discovered that she had coronary artery disease, and she has had several surgeries and stints since that time.  Therefore, she had to leave her bus-driving job and is now disabled to work.  Lois says she "loves to go to church and worship the Lord." She also loves to go to Cherokee; to play bingo; to spend time with her children and their families; to have big family cookouts with all 17 members present; to go to North Myrtle Beach, where her oldest son and his family live; to fish; to work crossword puzzles; and to surf the net. Lois emphasizes that her accomplishments in life have included  "giving [her] life to the Lord and raising her five children.  She says, "I love [my children] dearly..., and they turned out pretty good."  On July 9, 2002, Lois has to have surgery on her right eye and then have the same surgery on her left eye as soon as the right eye heals.  However, she still hopes to be able to attend the class reunion in  August.  She says, "I will try my best to be there!"

LOU ANNETTE PRUITT (SINCLAIR) lives in Hampton, Virginia, with her husband James (Jim).  Lou Ann and Jim have two children--Diana Leslie (age 30) and J. Jefferson, Jr. (age 28).  After high school, Lou Ann graduated from Pikeville College with a B.S. in Elementary Education.  She has taught for 10 years in the Virginia Community College System in education and nursing departments (Alternative Healing Modalities).  She is certified in Transpersonal Hypnotherapy and uses these skills in Alternative Modalities.  Additionally, she was ordained into the Order of Melchizedek, an international healing order in 1991, and she graduated from the American Institute of Holistic Theology with a Doctor of Divinity in Holistic Theology.  She is self-employed, and in addition to teaching Alternative Healing Modalities, she teaches Self-Empowerment Techniques, Spiritual Renewal, and Life Coaching.  Lou Ann has no plans to retire.  She enjoys reading and traveling; she has traveled to the East Coast States and to Alaska. She also enjoys white water canoeing;
since her husband is a very active Boy Scout, she occasionally gets to tag along on canoe trips.  Additionally, Lou Ann is learning to make jewelry (beading) and is a "conference junkie."  Lou Ann says that she is a "people person" and is interested in their spiritual beliefs - "how God manifests in life for them."   She is involved in her community through the Downtown Hampton Kiwanis Club (where she is the Human and Spiritual Arms Chair) and A Night's Welcome Program for the homeless in Hampton.  On a final note, Lou Ann wants her classmates to know that "Life is sweet?"  She is looking forward to seeing her former classmates at the class reunion.

CLARA RAINES (KENDRICK) lives in Lexington, Kentucky; with her husband Orbin Kendrick, whom she married in 1964. After high school, Clara went to a small business college at night, studying accounting.  After three months, she went back home and started going to a vocational school at Millard, Kentucky, again studying accounting.  While attending vocational school, Clara met and married Orbin.  She then worked at a drugstore as a bookkeeper and cashier until 1966, when she and Orbin decided to move to Lexington, Kentucky.  Here, Orbin worked for IBM until his retirement in 1991.  Clara also worked for a couple of insurance companies until 1971, and then she went to the University of Kentucky, where she worked until her retirement in 1996. At the University of Kentucky, Clara did a variety of jobs, from patient billing accounts at the Medical Center to working for the Manager of Utilities in the Physical Plants Division for her last five years.  Clara still works on an "as needed basis."  She says she likes to joke and say, "I started college and am still there."  She also says, "Being at UK and watching the new students come in each year gives me a sense of renewal and keeps me thinking young."  Clara and Orbin have not changed their lifestyle much since retiring.  Orbin is a "die-hard fisherman," and he enjoys watching the car races.  Clara enjoys hiking, swimming, browsing through shops, and visiting historical places.  They both love visiting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Clara and Orbin were not "blessed" with children.  Clara says she really wanted children, but early health problems prevented that from happening.  With no children, though, Clara and Orbin have traveled quite a bit throughout the United States, but very little abroad.  Orbin served in the military in Germany, and Clara went for a month with her brother and his wife to Germany; they lived with her brother's in-laws and traveled some while there.  Clara emphasizes that she has been "blessed with a good life."  She says that she felt that 57 was old when she was still in high school, but when she heard of Oma Lee Looney's death, she felt that Oma Lee was just too young to die, as well as other classmates who have died.  "If I have learned anything in the past 39 years, it is that we must always be true to ourselves," she adds.  Additionally, she leaves us with this thought:  "If one has been lucky enough to find his or her purpose in life, whether it is as a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, a writer, or a good parent, then we can say that God has truly blessed that person."

JANICE LOUISE RATLIFF (FERRELL) lives in Meadowview, Virginia, with her husband Freddie Ferrell.  Freddie was Janice's high school sweetheart, and soon after graduation, they were married.  Janice and Freddie have two children--Michael Niel Ferrell (39 years old) and Traci Jean Peck (age 32); they have no grandchildren. She is not currently employed, but she previously worked for a few years at the Campbell Soup Company as a Receiving Clerk. Janice's retirement plans are to live in the Abingdon area so she and Freddie can be close their mothers.  In her spare time, she likes to garden, play tennis, shoot pool, and work crossword puzzles.  She has traveled to the Bahamas to play tennis; also she has traveled all over the U.S. and parts of Canada. Janice is excited about seeing her former classmates at the reunion in August.

SANDY RATLIFF (KEENE) (updated 7-21-2008) lives at Vansant, Virginia; she has lived in Buchanan County all her life.  In 1963, Sandy married Condal Keene, and Condal passed away in 2000 after a long battle with MS.  Sandy and Condal had two sons--Samuel and Andrew.  Samuel (age 37) works for PSA in Buchanan County and is married to Lisa, who works at Buchanan General Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist; he and Lisa have a 15-year-old son and a 5 year-old daughter.  Andrew (age 31) is in college in Cincinnati, Ohio where his wife is a Dr at the Children's hospital..  In her spare time, Sandy is active in church, and she does a lot of crafts.  Also, Sandy underwent liver transplant surgery on June 27, 2002, and she reports that she is doing well.  Sandy is hopeful that she will be able to come to the reunion.

GOLDIE RIFE (STILTNER) lives in Pine Gap, Virginia, with her husband Kermit Stiltner.  Goldie and Kermit have four children--David (age 38), Robert (age 32), Elizabeth (age 24), and Stephen (age 21); they also have four grandchildren.  Goldie says that she never really worked outside the home.  She spent her time "doing the little league thing" and doing church activities. After her children "got out from under her feet," Goldie says that she worked for a time with a friend of hers; she helped the friend to hang curtains and wallpaper.  She is adamant when she says, "I hated it!"  So, now she is back doing committee work in the church and for the small town where she lives.  She says, "I love it! Why anyone would want to work is beyond me!"   Goldie adds, "I have raised four wonderful kids of whom I am very proud.  Kermit and I still get along fine after almost 40 years, so maybe I have done something right after all!"

   JUANITA ROSE (LEEDY) lives in Oak Hill, Ohio, with her husband Kenneth, who pastors First Baptist Church in Oak Hill. Juanita and Kenneth have two children--Patricia Barton (age 35) and Timothy Leedy (age 32); they also have four grandchildren.  Right after high school, Juanita attended Southland Bible Institute and Freedom University; she earned a degree in Elementary Education. Juanita taught for 26 years in Ravenswood, West Virginia, at the Heritage Christian Academy, where she was Principal for 5 years.  She just recently moved from Ravenswood to Oak Hill, and she has been teaching for one year at the Christian Life Academy at Jackson, Ohio.  This year Juanita was chosen as "Teacher of the Year" for Jackson and Venton County in Ohio.  She says that she was "thrilled."  In her spare time, Juanita enjoys writing children's stories; she also enjoys playing the organ for church.  Additionally, she speaks at ladies conferences in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia.  Juanita and Kenneth have traveled to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Paris, and they work with the senior citizens.  She says she "would love to see all of you.   I hope you appreciate Grundy High as much as I do.  I certainly appreciate my teachers and the good school we had."

LILLIE MAE SHORTRIDGE (BAGGETT) lives in New York with her husband Walter O. Baggett, whom she married in 1993. Walter is a professor of accounting at Manhattan College and a consultant in accounting.  Lillie's marriage to Walter gave her two "lovely stepdaughters"; one has graduated from college and is an aspiring actress in New York City; the other is completing college this year, where she is studying organic agriculture.  Right after graduation from Grundy High School, Lillie attended Berea College in Kentucky, where she majored in nursing.  During this time, she had a chance to work during the summers with families in NewYork City (with a summer home in Clinton, Connecticut) and Washington, D.C. (with a summer home in York, Maine). Next, she worked as a nursing assistant in Cleveland, Ohio, and then in Charlottesville, Virginia.  She says that she was hooked on travel by this time.  Following Berea College, Lillie decided to work as a nurse at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City for a year.  She began teaching at the Columbia University School of Nursing while she was getting her masters and doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University.  After her doctorate, Lillie did a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Colorado, and then she began teaching at the University of California in San Francisco.  However, she missed the East Coast and being close to her family, so she moved back to New York and assumed a position at Pace University, where she has directed the Center for Nursing Research, Clinical Practice, and International Affairs and taught for 20 years.  During this time, she accepted a joint appointment at Columbia University School of Nursing, where she had first begun teaching years ago and at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands to start their masters and doctoral program in nursing science.  She also started a joint appointment at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. Additionally, Lillie has had the opportunity to be an educational leader on professional tours throughout the world.  Lillie says that she no longer runs marathons, participates in triathlons, plays tennis, or scuba dives, but she tries to stay active, especially so she can curl and sail with Walter.  Furthermore, she says she and Walter try to combine the professional travel with curling and sightseeing.  Lillie wants her classmates to know that she is sorry that she cannot attend the class reunion. She says, "I really wish each of you a wonderful time!"

PEGGY SUE SHORTRIDGE (CHRISTIAN) lives in Carrollton, Virginia, with her husband Ted.  Peggy graduated from Radford College with a B.S. in Home Economics Education.  Peggy and Ted were married in 1966 and, other than one year in Detroit, they have lived in the Hampton Roads area since then.  They have lived in Hampton, Newport News, Gloucester, and now near Smithfield.  Ted is also from Grundy; he graduated from Grundy Senior High School in 1964.  Peggy and Ted have one son, Jay, who is 31 years old and lives and works with Ted in a family-owned business in Carrollton.  Peggy retired in 1998, after 31 years of teaching, from the Hampton City Schools.  Peggy says because she was "influenced by Mrs. Garber," she taught Home Economics, which later became known as Life
Skills and then Work and Family Studies.  In 1990, Peggy became certified in Marketing Education and taught Fashion Merchandising, a work-study cooperative education program.  She developed a program with the local mall and taught a Classroom on the Mall Program, using a classroom located in the mall for the instruction.  Other teachers and students jokingly referred to the class as "a class in shopping."  After retirement, Peggy has continued being quite busy.  She completed the Master Gardening Program with the Cooperative Extension Service and
spends time with flower and vegetable gardening, as well as water gardening.  She plays tennis several times a week, acting as Captain on the "C" Team for a ladies luncheon league; she has also begun playing bridge.  Additionally, she does furniture restoration and decorative furniture painting.  She continues to use her Home Economics skills with decorating, crafts, and culinary arts. 

LEE MARSHALL SMITH left Grundy to attend high school in Richmond, Virginia.  After high school graduation, she attended Hollins in Roanoke, Virginia, where she earned a B.A. in English.  While a student at Hollins, Lee interned at the Richmond News Leader, and after graduation from Hollins, she worked as a reporter for the Tuscaloosa News. Also while at Hollins, Lee wrote her first novel The Last Day the Dogbushes Bloomed.  Lee has enjoyed a career as a reporter, film critic, newspaper editor, educator, and award-winning novelist.  She is nationally recognized in Contemporary American literature. From 1971 to 1975, she taught English at the Harpeth Hall School in Nashville, Tennessee, and from 1975 to 1977, she taught English at Carolina Friends School in North Carolina.  Then in 1977, she taught Creative Writing at Duke University.  And from 1979 to 1981, she taught Creative Writing at UNC-Chapel Hill.  From 1979 to 1980, Lee directed a summer writing workshop for the University of Virginia.  In 1981, she became an Assistant Professor of English at North Carolina State University. Later, she became the Director of North Carolina State's Creative Writing Program; in May 2000, Lee retired from her position as Director of the Creative Writing Program. She has a new novel, The Lost Girls, coming out in September.  According to her web site (www.leesmith.com), it is "an often funny yet very serious exploration of the nature of romance, the relationship between life and fiction, the relevance of the past to the present, and of the unexpected course of women's lives."  Lee has had the great pleasure of being in Grundy a lot during the past few years as she was working on the town oral history, Sitting on the Courthouse Bench, with some Grundy High School students and their teacher, Debbie Raines.  Lee believes the book is for sale at the Library in Grundy.  Lee is married to Hal Crowther.  LSU Press has just released his new book Cathedrals of Kudzu.  He is a former editor and critic for Newsweek and Time, and he is a screenwriter in addition to being a prize-winning syndicated columnist, who devotes his essays in the Oxford American to southern manners and letters (www.leesmith.com).  Lee says that her big news is that she is going to be a "grandmother" in October!  She has two grown sons and a step-daughter.  Lee emphasizes that she is "very, very sorry not to be with you all" for the class reunion.  She sends her "very best" to everybody.

 DIANNE SMOOT (DUDLEY) lives in Laurel, Mississippi, with her husband Tim Dudley who is an Electrical Engineer and Manager of Electrical Utility.  Right after high school, Dianne attended Virginia Tech for three years where she studied Chemical Engineering; following her education at Virginia Tech, she then attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she studied Accounting.  Dianne is currently employed as an Accountant/Office Manager at Pine Belt Foods, Inc.  She and Tim have three children and no grandchildren.  Their children are Shannon Dudley (age 34; an Interior Designer), Christie Dudley Lamb (age 32; a Furniture Designer), and Michael Dudley (age 30 whose work is in Satellite Data Communications).  In her free time, Dianne enjoys gardening, reading, and cooking; she is also involved with community work.  She serves as a Docent at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art; additionally, she is involved with the Laurel Art League and the United Methodist Church (currently Altar Guild, Finance Committee, Board of Trustees, and Board of Stewards). Additionally, Dianne has traveled all over Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Belgium while her husband was in the military.  Dianne wants her classmates to know that she wishes that she could be with them for the Class Reunion in August. She has greatly enjoyed keeping up with everyone on the web site and getting in touch with old friends she hasn't heard from in years.  She says, "I will be thinking of y'all on August 10th."
 

BOBBY  (BOB) RAY STACY lives in San Diego, California.  After high school, he joined the Navy, where he stayed for the next 25 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Commander.  During his military career, Bob completed two tours in Vietnam and served several years with NATO in both the Southern and Northern regions.  In addition to his many military jobs, Bob has held positions as a high school teacher and counselor, college/university professor, and clinical and organizational psychologist. Currently, Bob works at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego (a research and development company) as an Organizational Psychologist.  Bob completed his Bachelor's of Business Administration degree at National University, San Diego; his Master's of Education in Counseling degree from Boston University; his Master's ofBusiness Administration from National University; and his dual Doctorates of Philosophy in Clinical and Organizational Psychology from Huron International University, San Diego. Bob is married (36 years) to the former Mary Ann Mazur from Pennsylvania. Bob and Mary Ann have three children (Bob, Missy, and Dan) and one grandson (Jacob).  All three children are married and have great careers.  Bob, Jr., who was a highly decorated soldier in the Gulf War, works in logistics and management for the Navy; Missy is a teacher; and Dan works for an international company that allows him to travel extensively, both within and outside the
United States. And grandson Jacob is, of course, "the joy" of Bob and Mary Ann's lives!   In addition to family and work, Bob finds time for hobbies that include playing the guitar, writing, and reading.  Bob says that he is a "staunch believer in the philosophy that we all get to where we are in life only with the help of others," and he puts this belief into practice in providing pro bono counseling and education services to the less fortunate and, sometimes, homeless inner city kids.  Bob regrets that he is unable to be with his classmates for the class reunion in August; however, he cannot, at this time, work out his schedule so that he can be there.  He wants his classmates to know that he sends his warmest regards.

PEGGY STEWART (TRENT) lives in Downey, California, with her husband, Charles Trent.  Peggy is currently employed at Edmund A. Gray Co., Inc., where she has been working for the past 17 years.  Peggy and Charles have three children - Charles Trent, Jr., who has two children:  Samantha and Michael (age 12).  Michael is very active in sports.  Peggy and Charles also have a daughter, Cynthia Trent Edner; she has two children - Bobby Edner (age 19) and Ashley Edner (age 17).  Bobby is in a vocal group called "Varsity Fanclub."  They currently have a song titled "Future Love" which is playing on Radio Disney.  Both Bobby and Ashley are actors, singers, dancers, and guitarists.  Additionally, Peggy and Charles have a daughter, Cathy Trent Belt, who has two children:  Lauren Belt (age 14) and Brooke Belt (age 11).  Both Cathy and Lauren are excellent students and violin players.

JOHN PAUL STILTNER lives in Rosedale, Virginia, with is wife Cathy.  After graduation, John learned the plumbing trade in the Northern Virginia area while working there for 13 years.  In 1976, he moved his family back to Southwest Virginia, and he began working at Jewell Coal and Coke Company at Vansant, Virginia.  Last year, John retired after 25 years, and now he enjoys hunting, fishing, and gardening.  John and Cathy have two children--Tony and Christi, and on May 20, 2002, they became the proud grandparents of twins--Ethan and Emma.  The twins join one other granddaughter, Jessica, soon to be 19 years old.

EDMOND HAROLD STILTNER and Judy Yates Stiltner live in Powhatan, Virginia, and they just celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary (June 6th).  The Class of '63's Cutest Couple made it!  Harold and Judy moved from Grundy to Richmond, Virginia, in 1966.  In 1972, they built their first house and moved to Powhatan County, which is about 30 miles from Richmond. They have made their home in Powhatan and raised their children there.  They chose a small, quaint, little town so their children could experience the country life that they had known and loved as well.  Harold went to work for Bristol Steel and Iron Works in June, 1966, and he has been in th Steel Fabrication Business for 36 years.  He is presently Assistant Superintendent for an employee owned company in Richmond.  Harold attended Virginia Commonwealth University and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.  His hobbies include, fishing, hunting, and working in his vegetable garden; he also loves to play golf.  Judy is presently employed by the D.O.C. as the Major's Secretary and Department Timekeeper.  She was in the Banking Business for 15 years prior to going to work for the State.  She attended J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and Virgnia Western Community College.  Judy's hobbies include crafts, home decorating, and shopping with her daughter Cindy and only granddaughter Abby. Harold and Judy have 3 children--Chris (who is married to Bobbie Faye), Mike (who is married to Stacy), and Cindy (who is married to Trevor).  Additionally, they have 6 grandchildren --Rusty (age 12), Matt (age 8), Abby (aaggggge 6), Colton (age 4), Blake (age 2), and Brayden (age 1).  Of course, Harold and Judy adore them and consider them to be "the light of their lives."  Judy and Harold say that they look forward to seeing old friends.

SUETTA STILTNER (WINTER) has lived in the Columbus, Ohio, area since 1964. She completed Business School there. She has worked in management position for 32 years at Columbus Life Insurance, and she is currently working with Nationwide Insurance in Information Systems Quality Control, where she tests Insurance Software Programs. Suetta is thinking about retirement in a year or so. She is married to William Winter who works for the Ohio Department of Transportation. She has 3 step-children and 3 lovely granddaughters. Suetta and William live in  farm country outside Columbus with her four cats. She loves to garden; quilt; collect dolls, baskets, and teddy bears; and travel.

THOMAS RICHARD STILTNER lives at Gray, Tennessee, with his wife Joyce (Deel) Stiltner.  They have one son (Michael Travis Stiltner, who is 29 years old), and they have no grandchildren.  Right after high school, Richard attended the Tennessee Institute of Electronics.  He is currently retired, but has worked for King Pharmaceuticals and ITT North Electric in the past.  He also served in the military (U. S. Air Force) from August 1963 - March 1967.  His retirement plans include camping and traveling. He has previously traveled to Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada.  He also enjoys playing the stock market, hunting, fishing, beekeeping, and gardening.  Additionally, he is involved in his community by way of the Ruritans (past President and other offices), the Community Chest, and his church.

LOIS STREET (CLARKE) lives in Bristol, Tennessee.  She began working for United Coal Company in Grundy, Virginia, in 1971, and then she moved to Bristol in 1978 when United relocated their corporate headquarters to Bristol, Virginia.  The name of the company has since been changed to the United Company.  Lois has been with United for 30 years.  She is married to Larry Clarke, and she has two sons, Frank Glasscock and Alan Clarke.  Frank is married to Pam, and they have given Lois and Frank two beautiful grandchildren--a granddaughter named Sydney (who will be three in March) and a grandson named Finn (who is 16 months old).  Lois' younger son, Alan, is a senior at Tennessee High School.  Lois says she and her husband have been blessed to be able to do a lot of traveling.  They like to golf, ski, fish, and participate in almost any outdoor activity.  Lois also says that she is very excited about seeing everyone in August.

BETTY JEAN VANDYKE (DALES) lives at Vansant, Virginia (in the Deskins area).  Betty works as a Pharmacy Tech at Westwood Pharmacy in Grundy, so she often gets to see some of her classmates that are still in the Grundy area.  She has been married to Tex Dales for eleven years.  Tex is employed at Grundy Funeral Home, and Tex and Betty are very active in church work at the Grundy Church of Christ.  Betty has two sons from a previous marriage.  Ricky McClanahan (deceased at the age of 25) and Brad McClanahan who is 32 years old and the owner of a trucking company.  Brad and his wife (Mona) have three-year-old twins (Ricky and Makenna), and Tex and Betty love the excitement that the twins bring.  Betty says, "They sure keep us young at heart."  Betty is looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion in August.

CHARLES EDWIN VOGELSONG lives in Ft. Myers, Florida.  After leaving Grundy, he spent 4 years in the U.S. Air Force; he was stationed at Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina, and Clark AFB, Philippines.  He moved to N. Ft. Myers, Florida, after leaving the Air Force.  In 1964, Charles married Sharon McGinnis, who is from Travers City, Michigan.  They have three children--Fred (Brunswick, Georgia), Heidi (Cape Coral, Florida), and Tim (Friendsville, Tennessee).  They also have four grandchildren.  Charles is currently employed as a Shift Supervisor for Lee County Public Safety, Telecommunications Department, which is a 911 center that dispatches for Lee County Emergency Medical Service and 21 fire districts.  Charles has been employed there for the past 30 years.  Also, Charles is still involved in the Civil Air Patrol, where he is known as Major Charles E. Vogelsong, CAP, Commander, Lee County Cadet Squadron, Florida Wing.  Additionally, Charles' hobbies are woodworking and computers.

 LARRY WADDELLl has been living in Bristol, Virginia, since 1985.  He is retired from the Virginia State Police.  Prior to retirement from the Virginia State Police, Larry worked as a State Trooper in Arlington, Richmond, and Christiansburg. He traveled all over the State and the U.S. in relation to his job.  After being transferred to Bristol in 1985, he worked as a Criminal Investigator/Polygraph Examiner.  Since retirement, he has done polygraph examinations for the State Police on a part-time basis.  He has been married to Anne for 35 years; he met her in college.  Anne is a Postmaster and hopes for retirement soon.   Anne and Larry have two children of which they are very proud.  Both of the children attended college to be teachers, but then they took different paths upon graduation.  Jeff, who is unmarried, works for Eastman Chemical Company in Coral Gables, Florida, and Lori is a Police Officer, living in Dublin, Virginia.  Lori has one son, Nathaniel, who is 16 months old, and she has two stepchildren who are older than Nathaniel.  Larry says that Nathaniel is "the apple of Grandpa and Granny's eye."   Larry adds that his family is his "proudest accomplishment."

DANNY LEE WADE married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Stiltner, in 1966.  They live at Deel, Virginia, and they have three children--Barry Allen, Shelly Renee, and Melissa Lynn.  Barry Allen is 32 years old and is married; he lives in Hiddenrite, North Carolina, and he works for Comscope, Inc.  Shelly Renee is 30 years old; she lives in Abingdon, Virginia, and she works as a Pharmaceutical Representative.  Melissa Lynn is 23 years old; she lives at home and works at the Humana Hospital in Richlands, Virginia.  After graduation, Danny worked at various jobs until 1968.  He took classes at the Grundy Junior High School to learn and get his State and Federal Mine Certification in Mine Mechanics and Electricity.  In 1970, he started working for the Island Creek Coal Company V.P. # 3 at Vansant, Virginia, as a Mechanic and Electrician.  Danny retired from Island Creek Coal Company in 1977 because of a mine injury to his back.  At the time of his retirement, Danny had worked at Island Creek Coal Company, later known as Consolidated Coal Company, for 28 years.  Now, he likes to hunt and fish (especially for trout) and do woodworking and gardening in his spare time.  

FRANK WELLS is retired from Lucent Technologies after 32 years.  He earned a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.  He is single and has two children (Paul 35 and Courtne 37). One Granddaughter from Courtne (Marisa 13)..  Frank's hobby is golf (2 handicap).  His message to his classmates is:  "Be happy.  Love your family and friends. Tell all of them that you love them."  Frank regrets that he will not be able to attend the reunion

 DAWN WHITE (NEVILLE) has been married to Bill, an engineering graduate from Virginia Tech, since December 1966.  Dawn and Bill have two boys.  Tim, who is 29 years old, works for Outside magazine in Santa Fe, which Dawn says is the "ideal job."  Tim travels and writes about his adventures.  Jonathan, who is 27, is working on an MD/PhD in molecular pathology.  He wants to do research to benefit third world countries--"stuff like edible vaccines." Dawn is the English Department Chair at Parkside High School in Salisbury, Maryland, where she also teaches.   Bill is retired from the local electric company, but he does consulting work.  Currently, he is at a plant in New York and away from home 4-5 days a week, which Dawn says is a "bummer," but his being away from home does make it easier for her to get her paperwork done.  Dawn and Bill live on the Wicomico River in Somerset County, Maryland, and she gets to watch tugs and barges go by.  She says, "The view is spectacular, but I always miss the mountains." 

LARRY WILSON lives in Glade Spring, Virginia.  After high school, Larry went into the military and served several years in various places, such as Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, Spain, Italy, and Puerto Rico.  After a lot of moves, he settled in Glade Spring, Virginia.  He is retired from the U.S. Marine Corps, and he currently works with the Washington County, Virginia, Sheriff's Office; he has 13 years of service with them.  Larry has been married to his wife, Lois, for 31 years, and they have three grown sons.  John, age 30, is a 1995 graduate of the University of Virginia's College at Wise (Clinch Valley College) and a Marine Corps Lieutenant.  He is currently in school at Quantico, Virginia.  Danny, age 29, is a 1999 graduate of Radford University, and he is also a Marine Corps Lieutenant.  He lives in Kingsville, Texas, and he is currently attending flight school.  His goal is to fly F-18 jets.  Bill, age 27, is a Navy veteran and a college student at New River Community College, Dublin, Virginia.  Larry says that all of his sons are currently single, which means that he is not yet a "grandpa."  Larry also says that he has been blessed with a good life and his greatest accomplishment has been his family.  Larry adds, "My only regret is that I didn't study harder in high school."  Larry is looking forward to seeing everyone this summer at the reunion.

JUDY YATES (STILTNER) and Edmond Harold Stiltner live in Powhatan, Virginia, and they just celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary (June 6th).  The Class of '63's Cutest Couple made it!  Harold and Judy moved from Grundy to Richmond, Virginia, in 1966.  In 1972, they built their first house and moved to Powhatan County, which is about 30 miles from Richmond. They have made their home in Powhatan and raised their children there.  They chose a small, quaint, little town so their children could experience the country life that they had known and loved as well.  Harold went to work for Bristol Steel and Iron Works in June 1966, and he has been in th Steel Fabrication Business for 36 years.  He is presently Assistant Superintendent for an employee owned company in Richmond.  Harold attended Virginia Commonwealth University and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.  His hobbies include, fishing, hunting, and working in his vegetable garden; he also loves to play golf.  Judy is presently employed by the D.O.C. as the Major's Secretary and Department Timekeeper.  She was in the Banking Business for 15 years prior to going to work for the State.  She attended J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and Virgnia Western Community College.  Judy's hobbies include crafts, home decorating, and shopping with her daughter Cindy and only granddaughter Abby. Harold and Judy have 3 children--Chris (who is married to Bobbie Faye), Mike (who is married to Stacy), and Cindy (who is married to Trevor).  Additionally, they have 6 grandchildren--Rusty (age 12), Matt (age 8), Abby (age 6), Colton (age 4), Blake (age 2), and Brayden (age 1).  Of course, Harold and Judy adore them and consider them to be  "the light of their lives."  Judy and Harold say that they look forward to seeing old friends.