Edgar Allen Fleetwood, Jr.—known to his GMS friends as “Fleety— passed away peacefully in CharloBe, N.C. on September 24, 2019 from natural causes. He was 93.

Edgar was born on June 27, 1926, in Clarksburg, WV to Edgar Allen Fleetwood, Sr. and Fannie Harrison Fleetwood. After gradua›ng from Greenbriar Military School in 1944, Edgar aBended Duke University for a few months un›l he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. He completed his training at Camp ABerbury in Indiana and was assigned to the 1537th AAF BU, serving in the Pacific Theater as a radio operator and gunner on the B-17 Flying Fortress. He was sta›oned in Okinawa and the Japanese mainland.

Edgar logged many flights and was considered a very proficient radio operator. His most memorable missions were between Japan and the Philippines under the command of General Douglas McArthur. When he finished his service in 1946, Edgar, then a sergeant, returned to Duke University where he earned his degree in Chemical Engineering. After gradua›on he returned to his family home in West Virginia and con›nued his post-graduate educa›on at West Virginia Wesleyan University.

In 1950, “Fleety” met his soulmate, Shirley Jean Hunt at the Candy Kitchen in Weston, West Virginia, his mother’s hometown. They were married in 1951 at St. Patricks Church in Weston—a marriage that lasted almost 70 years! Edgar and Shirley had two children, Nancy Jean Fleetwood and Edgar Allen Fleetwood III.

Edgar’s career in chemical engineering opened challenging opportuni›es throughout the Southeast. He left Weston and joined the Celanese Corpora›on in Pearisburg, WV for several years and then was transferred to another Celanese plant in Rock Hill, SC, as Director of quality control. From there he joined a division of Dow Chemical Corpora›on, Dow Badische, in Williamsburg, VA. Having gained extensive experience in major U.S. manufacturing plants, Edgar was recruited by Voigt-England Chemical Company to broker large equipment contracts represen›ng European and U.S. manufacturers throughout the U.S. and Canada. He served as Vice President and in 1975 established his office in CharloBe, NC.

When he turned 65, Edgar “tried to re›re” but his re›rement only lasted a few months—a new challenge was on the horizon. As a veteran and a businessman, Edgar was approached to join the U.S. Small Business Administra›on in CharloBe as the Veterans Affairs Officer. For the next 20 years, Edgar worked with veterans who were leaving military service in North and South Carolina to help them establish small businesses. He loved his work with all of the vets and was credited with assis›ng many new careers for his fellow comrades. At 85 years old, Edgar re›red and was honored by the U.S. Small Business Administrator for his outstanding service.

Edgar and his wife Shirley were very involved in the Arts in CharloBe—they were regular leaders in the Carolina Opera Guild, the CharloBe Symphony and the Mint Museum. Edgar was a well-read historian of the U.S. involvement in wars both home and abroad. Throughout his life, Edgar loved listening and dancing to the Big Band sounds that he and his pals shared at GMS. He loved fishing and taking his children boa›ng and water skiing. Known as “Daddy Ed” to his grandchildren and 5 great-grandsons, they had so much fun exchanging an›cs and silly faces fueled by Daddy Ed’s contagious laughter.
His days at Greenbrier Military School were very special to Edgar. These guys became his most cherished life›me friends and he loved aBending reunions later in his life. He was so proud of his service in World War II and was a loyal contributor to the WWII memorial in Washington, D.C. He lost several GMS
classmates in World War II. “Fleety” was always a bit “misty” when he visited the memorial or regaled his family with stories of his high school adventures at Greenbrier.

Edgar passed away on September 24th, just a liBle over a month after his beloved wife, Shirley. His memorial service was held at Christ Episcopal Church in CharloBe, N.C.—a tribute to his incredible life and service to his beloved country.

He is survived by his daughter Nancy Fleetwood Miller (James Forrest Miller) and son Edgar Allen Fleetwood III; granddaughters, Caroline Fleetwood Miller Withers (Christopher Murdoch Withers) and Kathleen Harrison Miller O’Gara (Grady Daniel O’Gara); grandsons Jack Christopher Withers, Camden James Withers, WyaB Fleetwood Withers, Rowan Patrick O’Gara, Miller Fleetwood O’Gara.

Edgar will be buried with Military Honors at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020, in Arlington Na›onal Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. His wife Shirley Hunt Fleetwood will also be buried with him.

Captain Robert Victor Gamba, 80, died peacefully September 18, 2019 with his family by his side. He leaves behind his wife of forty-six years Joanne; daughters Mary jo (Jack) Laurin Judianne (Ronald) Reynolds, Charlene (Raphael) Della Ratta, and Gina (Joshua) son Joh; twelve grandchildren He is predeceased by his parents, Annibale, ad Clara Gaba and sister Therann.

Bob was born in Ft Lauderdale Florida on January 22, 1939. The best days of his early years were spent o Kate’s Moutai in White Sulphur Springs West Virginia. He graduated from Greenbrier Military School in 1956, and enrolled in the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1960. He earned a degree International Affairs from George Washington University.

Highlights of Bob’s naval career include: tours o the USS Becuna, USS Ethan Allen, USS Salmon, and USS Wahoo, attendance at the Naval War College from 1969 to 1970, Aide to the Chief of Staff at Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT), Executive Officer for the USS Richmond K. Turner, Commanding Officer of the USS Miller attendance at the National War College from 1980-1981, Staff Position at the Pentagon Commanding Officer Fleet Combat Training Center Pacific. He ended his career as Commanding Officer of the Naval Station Annapolis, Bob retire as a Captain, USN I June 1990 having served thirty years.

After the military Bob entered the civilian work force and worked as Senior Vice President for Bullock Construction Inc. and as procurement officer for the State of Maryland
He et the love of his life Joanne Speer Ehlers, the widow of the late Ernie Spears (USNA ’59) during his tour at SACLANT. Joanne four young children who he adopted ad raised as his own. This was no small feat for a young bachelor. Their family grew to seven with the addition of their youngest daughter. No words ca express how grateful we feel for Bob entering our lives a husband and father.

His hobbies included fishing, hunting, watching sports, traveling wine tasting storytelling, spending time with his family.

Whether a new acquittance or a lifetime fried Bob always made you feel exceptional. Through his career, Bob and Joanne established an extensive military family with who they shared many laughs, travels, and memories. This family loved and supported them throughout their years. The Gamba family will receive visitors at Hardesty Funeral Home at 2 Ridgely Avenue, Annapolis, MD, on Monday, October 4, from 6-8 PM. A celebration of Life ass will be held at the United States Naval Chapel followed immediately by internment at the USNA Columbarium on 5 October 209 @2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Organization for Autism Research or American Cancer Society.

Del Eddy, 83, of Williamsburg, KY passed away at his home on Saturday, July 20, 2019. He was a native of Lexington, KY, and the son of the late Delvord Manning Eddy, Sr. and Mary (Rose) Eddy. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Sue (Davis) Eddy, and grandson, Benjamin Cade Shelton.

He is survived by his wife, Betty (Smith) Eddy of Williamsburg; daughters, Margueritte Williams (Fernie) of Lexington, KY, Della Shelton (Kevin) of Yorktown, VA, and Andrea Walters (Allen Freeman) of Williamsburg, KY; and three grandchildren, Kathryn Shelton, Tyler Banks, and Alexandra Freeman.

Del was a proud graduate of the Greenbrier Military School and a veteran of the US Air Force. He owned and operated the Royal Crown Bottling Company and the Whistle Stop Pizza Shop in Williamsburg. He was also an avid outdoorsman, craftsman, and blacksmith.

Cremation services are being provided by Croley Funeral Home of Williamsburg. A private service will be held at a later date at the Lexington Cemetery.

Jesse O. Guills, Jr., 73, of Lewisburg passed away Friday, June 28, 2019 at CAMC Memorial Division, Charleston, WV.

Jesse was born June 5, 1946 in Bluefield, WV and was the son of the late Jesse O. Guills, Sr. and Grace Duncan Guills.

Jesse was an active member of the Lewisburg United Methodist Church, retired attorney at law, received his BS degree from WVU in 1968 and his JD degree from WVU Law School in 1971.

During 1971 and 1972 he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U. S. Army. Jesse was a WV State Senator serving from 2002 to 2010. He was Treasurer of the WV Chapter American Board of Trial Advocates, a member of the WV State Bar Association, served as Chairman of Greenbrier County Airport Authority, and was President of the Hollowell Foundation.

Preceding Jesse in death other than his parents were his sisters, Patricia Price and her husband, Bill, and Nancy Guills, as well as his beloved golden doodle, Sam.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children; Amy M. Guills and husband Jim “Hollywood” Savas of Santa Monica, CA, Patrick B. Guills and partner Becki Allen of Lewisburg and his children’s mother Karen F. Guills of Lewisburg; his granddaughter who was his pride and joy, Rhylynn P. Guills and Jesse’s companion Donna Ream, his dogs, Charlie and Gracie, as well as grand-dogs, Hank and Abe.

Funeral services with Military Honors for Jesse will be held Saturday July 13, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Lewisburg United Methodist Church, with Pastor Tim Halloran officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, July 12, 2019 at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations of sympathy be made to local EMS & Fire Departments.

William R. Hoag II Age 71, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Utah, Texas, Ohio and most recently (and originally from) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019. Beloved son of the late William R. and Elizabeth M. Hoag; loving brother of Robert (Catherine), Thomas (Judith), Richard (Carole) and Michael (Susan); cherished uncle of Robert III, Christine, Theodore, Ava, Marra, Bethany, Caroline, Kimberly, Megan, Amy, Wade and Phillip; also survived by his Aunt Mary Alice Harrison and many cousins in Pittsburgh and New Jersey.

Bill served in the United States Marine Corps in the Vietnam War, having been honorably discharged in 1969. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. He attended Greenbrier Military School and Upper St. Clair High School.

Bill was most proud of his accomplishments in developing the hair sheep breed known as the “Royal White” while sheep farming for many years in Utah, Texas and later in Ohio. This breed is not only a great breeding stock for its meat, but has also been researched by Texas A & M and Texas Tech University for its sturdy and parasite resistant qualities as well as potential medical applications. He is known nationally for his knowledge of this breed which combines the St. Croix and the Dorper. Bill’s dedication in developing the breed has resulted in an increasingly known and accepted breed in the United States. Retired from sheep farming (except for his involvement in the Royal White Sheep Association), Bill truly enjoyed his time in Florida during the past two and a half years. Bill’s love for his sheep was eclipsed only by his love for his family (immediate and extended). He will always be known as a unique and special person and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Harry Gustavus "Gus" Shaffer, Jr., 93, of Daniels, W. Va., died March 9, 2019, at Woodlands Retirement Community in Huntington, W.Va.

He was born February 8, 1926, in Madison, W.Va., the son of the late Harry G. and Brookie Turley Shaffer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 67 years, Mary Lee Kenney Shaffer. Gus and Mary Lee were married on August 20, 1949, and their loving devotion to each other is an example to all who knew them. Throughout their marriage, they were each other's favorite companions. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Catherine Blair, Jane Johnson, and Margaret Frobase; and his brother, Winfield T. Shaffer; as well as an infant granddaughter, Margaret Palmer Shaffer.

Gus attended Scott High School and Greenbrier Military Academy and served in the Army Air Corps prior to enrolling at West Virginia University, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and Mountain Honorary. He supported the Scouts for many years, earning his Eagle Scout as a youth and the Silver Beaver award as an adult. He graduated from the West Virginia University College of Law in 1950 and joined his father in the law firm, Shaffer & Shaffer, PLLC, where he practiced for the duration of his distinguished legal, business, and civic career. He was the mayor of Madison for 16 years, past president of the Madison Rotary Club, long-time Chairman of Boone National Bank, past president of the West Virginia State Bar, and a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
His many and varied interests are a reflection of his love of life, but his true passion was in serving Christ through service to others. He was a long-time member of Madison Baptist Church where he served in various leadership roles, but most importantly as a Sunday School teacher. Most recently, Gus and Mary Lee were members of the United Methodist Temple in Beckley, W.Va. He was certified by Stephen Ministries and provided one on one care to those who were hurting and struggling in life. He was a member of Gideons International, and Gus and Mary Lee travelled the entire country as active members of Habitat for Humanity.

Gus is survived by two daughters, Susan (Tom) Gilpin, of Huntington, W.Va., and Ann (Jim) Bunch, of Houston, Texas; and a son, Harry G. "Chip" Shaffer, III (Sarah) of Madison, W.Va. He was the beloved "Pop" to eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Jacob Bunch (April) of Houston, Texas, and their son Jackson; David Bunch (Shannon) of Chapel Hill, N.C., and their daughters, Sophia and Lilly; Katherine Gilpin Skahen (Martin) of Syracuse, N.Y., and their children Caroline and Charles; Andrew Gilpin (Allison Bean) of New York, N.Y.; Ann Gilpin Lentell (Ryan) of Natick, Mass., and their sons Thomas and James; Harry G. "Gus" Shaffer, IV, of Morgantown, W.Va.; Carl Shaffer (Lauren Gerchufsky) of Charleston, W.Va.; and William Palmer Shaffer, of Knoxville, Tenn.; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who love and admire him.
His family wishes to acknowledge and thank Pam Sadzewicz who provided loving care to Mary Lee and Gus for many years and also the many caregivers including those of Hospice in his final days.

The family will receive friends and family beginning at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, March 13, in the sanctuary of the Madison Baptist Church, 426 Second Street, Madison, W.Va. The funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m., after the visitation, on Wednesday, at the church, with the Rev. Jim Butcher officiating.
Burial will follow at Boone Memorial Park in Madison. Handley Funeral Home in Danville is assisting the family. In thanksgiving for Gus's life and generous spirit, in lieu of flowers the family invites memorial contributions to the Shaffer Family Fund at the Boone County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 38, Madison, WV 25130.

Richard Morgan McCoy, 79, of Washington, WV, passed away December 26, 2018.
He was born October 5, 1939, in Jackson County, WV, the son of the late James Vernon McCoy White.
Richard was a 1957 graduate of Greenbrier Military School and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He retired from GE Plastics after 33 years of service.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Barbara J. Fox McCoy; his four children, Jeffrey McCoy (Janet) of Washington, WV, Kimberly McCoy of Parkersburg, WV, Christopher McCoy (Missy) of Madison, MS., and Melissa Higgins (James) of Washington, WV; his sister, Ann Lovern (Ken) of Jonesboro, AR; five grandchildren, Phillip McCoy (Julie), Eric McCoy (Brittany), Bree McCoy (Tyler), Michael McCoy (Nikki) and Joseph Higgins; and seven great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Levi, Henry, Otto, Payden, Jackson and Owen.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his twin brother, David Shelley McCoy.
Graveside services will be held at 1p.m. on Monday, December 31, 2018 at Ravenswood Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Jackson County Honor Guard. Funeral services will follow at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home in South Parkersburg, WV.

PHILIP LEE MCLAUGHLIN 1940 - 2018

Philip Lee McLaughlin sr. was met on Sunday, November 11, 2018, by hi Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his daughter, Elizabeth “Beth” Mclaughlin Walton, and other family and friends who have gone before him. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
He was born on June 28, 1940, to Andrew W. and Dorothy McLaughlin.
Philip is survived by his wife, Paula; son Philip L. McLaughlin Jr. (Sherry); daughter Jody Hammond (David); son, Chris Baker (Carin); son-in-law. Don Walton; Sisters Alice McKnight and June Strader (John), He was “Bog Dog” to 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Philip leaves a great business and civic legacy to the Greenbrier Valley and the state of West Virginia. He served as president and chief executive officer and director of Greenbrier Valley national Bank from 1971 to 1993. In 1993, Greenbrier Valley National Bank merged into Horizon Bancorp, expanding the company’s market area to include Raleigh, Summers, Pocahontas and Greenbrier Counties.
Philip served as the president and chief operating officer and as a director of Horizon Bancorp Inc. from 1993 until 1998, when Horizon Bancorp merged into City Holding Company and the Greenbrier Valley Bank merged into City National Bank, creating one of West Virginia’s largest banking organizations, operating 59 branches in 1999. As the culmination of the merger of Horizon and City, Philip became chairman of the combined company.
He retired from active management of City and stepped down from the position as chairman in 2002, but remained on City’s Board until 2015. He served as a Federal Reserve Director for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond for three hears under Alan Greenspan, one year as Chairman.
He was the president of the West Virginia Banker’s Association from 1988 – 1989. His very first job was as a paper boy for the Charleston Gazette. Philip served as treasurer of the Greenbrier Military School Alumni Association until 2012.
He was a member of Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Lewisburg and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a lifelong member and served as Deacon, Elder and Trustee od Old Stone Presbyterian Church. He was also a long-time member of the Lewisburg Elk B.P.O.E. One of his most special civic accomplishments was the founding of Boy Scout Troop 248. Philip was involved in numerous charitable organizations, and the s\essence of his life was to serve others.
Philip received his bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from William and Mary University and completed the Stonier Graduate School of Banking program at Rutgers University. He oved to tell jokes, sometimes the same ones to the same people. As far as he was concerned, he was a master golfer, hunter and fisherman. He treasured his ’39 Ford Coupe and his camp on the river. His advice to everyone, especially his kids, “Stay within the due bounds of a lady or gentleman.” He was genuine class, through and through.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at Old Stone Presbyterian Church in Lewisburg at 11a.m., with a Celebration of Life gathering at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Alumni Center immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Elizabeth McLaughlin Walton Fund for CASA, establisher in 2012, which supports CASA of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of WV and their advocacy work on behalf of abused and neglected children. Mail donations to the Greater Greenbrier Valley Foundation, P.O. Box 1682, Lewisburg, WV 24901.
Send online condolences by visiting www.wallace and WallaceFH.com,.
Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements

Laurence "Larry" Higgins, 78, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2018, with family at his side. He was born to Irene and Joseph Higgins on august 14, 1940 in Elizabeth, NJ.
Larry was a Civil Engineer , graduate from Greenbrier military School and University of Missouri. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and still kept in contact with many of his fraternity brothers.

He moved to Jacksonville in 1948 as the Project Manager in charge of constructing the cooling towers for the JEA Power Plant on Blount Island. He then worked for the City of Atlantic Beach as the Residential Building Inspector, a job he truly loved.

He is survived by his siblings: Maureen (Dave) , Ned, Pat, (Susan), Jodi, Jake and Meg; 15 nieces and nephews and many cousins; two loving daughter Jennifer and (Bobby) Scott and jane Higgins; two grandchildren, Ryan and Lindsey.

Larry has been described as a loyal friend, a tremendous football player (in his day) and he had a personality that could charm anyone, when he wanted to!

A memorial service will be held on December 1, 2018 at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 435 1st Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach at 11:30 am. A Gathering at the Family life Center will follow to celebrate his life.

Bill Fortune passed away on October 5, 2018 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Bill was born December 6, 1948 in Ashtabula, Ohio to Helen and Robert Fortune. He was one of five brothers, Robert(Sharon), Ronnie(Linda), Michael (Mary) and David(Julie) Fortune. He graduated from The Citadel of South Carolina in 1971. Bill served 22 years as a USAF C-130 pilot. After his retirement he was an avid collector of gas & oil memorabilia.

He is survived by his wife Diana and children, James (Angela), Lisa and one grandchild, William.
Services were held October 10, 2018 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Published on October 21, 2018

https://obituaries.starbeacon.com/obituary/william-fortune-1070793496

Notification from the family has been received that Forrest Stephen Jones died September 16, 2018 in Summersville, WV.

No further details are available at this time.

WILLIAM THOMAS “COACH” KERNS ’65
9/11/1946 -8/8/2018
William Thomas “Coach” Kerns ’65, Age 71, of Bridgeport, entered into Eternal Rest unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, August 8, 2018. He was born in Clarksburg on September 11, 1946, a son of the late Robert and Marjorie (Newbrough) Kerns.

Coach is survived y his loving wife of 20 years, Sue Kerns, and his son Matt Kerns and his wife Natalie of Athens, GA; his grandsons, Nathen “Dutch” Kerns and Tyson “Ty” Kerns , both of Athens, GA; a step-daughter , Melisa Kennedy and her husband Bill of Orlando, FL; and step-daughter , Melisa Kennedy and her husband Bill of Orlando, FL; and a step-granddaughter Emily Kennedy of Orlando, FL; his sister Beth Clifton and her husband Chuck of Flemington; and several nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Becky Bowen, his brother-in-law Bill Bowen, and nephews Gregory Mills and Jason Brown.

Coach Kerns graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1964, Greenbrier Military School in 1965, and then entered WVU with a full track scholarship. He not only set many university track records, he also served as co-captain of the track team in 1968-69. He also played freshman basketball was a member and an officer of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, and eventually graduated with both a Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree in Education.

Bill was first employed in Berkeley County at Martinsburg High School as a teacher, assistant track coach and basketball coach where he worked with lifelong friend, Head Coach Bob Hummell. After spending five years (1970 – 1975) at Martinsburg, he was offered the Head Basketball and Track coaching positions in Harrison County at Bridgeport High School. Bill taught and coached at his alma mater for the next 30 years. He was truly enjoying life after retiring from coaching basketball in 1993 and then, teaching in 2005. He loved his school and his players.

While coaching the sport he cherished, basketball, he and his teams’ accomplishments were many. his teams’ accomplishments were many. After Qualifying for six state tournaments in his last 10 years, Bridgeport finally won the school’s first State Basketball Championship in 1993. Along the way his teams numerous County, Big 10, sectional, and Regional Championships. Also, in 1991, his team was the first in Bridgeport history to go undefeated in the regular season at 24-0. Coach Kerns always considered it a privilege to coach at his alma mater, coach the sport he loved so much, and to be able to work with all the great student-athletes through the years from 1970 -1993. He was selected “West Virginia Retired Coach of the Year in 2016 by the West Virginia Secondary Coaches Association. He was presented this award at the State Basketball Tournament in Charleston.

Bill will be greatly missed by his soulmate and loving wife, devoted son and his family, compassionate sister, nephews and friends

Roy M. Blizzard Jr., 83, passed away peacefully at his home on July 23, 2018. He was born on February 9, 1935, in South Charleston, the first son of Roy M. Blizzard Sr. and Lillian Thompson Blizzard.

Roy attended Woodrow Wilson Junior High School and graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1953. After high school, Roy attended Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg for post graduate studies before going on to attend West Virginia University on a football scholarship. Roy met and married his partner, best friend and the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Summers, with whom he was blessed to have celebrated over 60 years of marriage. Together, they pursued their careers in education while raising their young family. Roy received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education from Morris Harvey College, a Master of Arts in Special Education from Marshall University and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from West Virginia College of Graduate Studies. Roy always credited Mary with getting him through his doctoral program by editing and typing his papers and dissertation.

Roy's career in education and school facilities planning spanned over 50 years. He was first and foremost a teacher and coach. Early in his career, he shared his talents with his students at DuPont and Nitro High Schools and Glenville State College. After teaching, he went on to work for the West Virginia Department of Education, where he retired after 20 years of service as the Director of School Facilities Planning. After retiring from service with the West Virginia Department of Education, Roy moved to Asheville, NC, where he worked for the Buncombe County School System for ten years and retired as the Director of Planning, Maintenance and Plant Operations. After retiring from public service for the second time, Roy returned to his beloved West Virginia and formed the Southeastern Planning Group which developed master facility plans and educational specifications for new construction for 16 counties. Many new schools in West Virginia were influenced by his planning.

Roy was a devoted and loving father. Through example, he taught his children how to work hard. Growing up, most days you could find his boys working with him side by side cutting firewood on the family farm in Elkview. He was known for his firewood business and supplied many Charleston area families with wood each winter. Roy was also an avid grouse hunter. He took his children with him hunting where he instilled in them a love of everything about West Virginia. Those hunting trips were more about imparting life's lessons and bonding with his children than bird count. Roy could always be found at all his children's high school sporting events rooting them on.

Later in life, Roy and Mary returned to their Elkview farm which became a hub for many summer adventures and holiday gatherings with his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Edsel Blizzard. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Summers Blizzard, and their son Mark R. Blizzard and Sherrie, son Stephan H. Blizzard and his children Braxton and Stephanie, son Roy M. Blizzard, his wife Tina Pappas Blizzard and their children, Mary, John, Roy, and Emily and daughter Melissa Blizzard Brown, her husband Earl Brown and their children Rowan and Lucinda. Survivors also include his son Doug Blizzard and his sons Garrett, Colton, Dylan and Dakota; older sister Mary Lucille Motley and his younger brother Dudley Blizzard.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at Spring Hill Cemetery, Charleston, with Chaplain Pete Thompson officiating.

The family would like to recognize HospiceCare for the love and care they provided to Roy.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Joseph A. Mendez, 86, of Cogan Station, passed away on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at The Gatehouse in Williamsport.

Joseph was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 14, 1932 to the late Antonio and Dolores (Bollada) Mendez. After graduating from Greenbrier Military School in 1952, Joseph went on to serve his country in the United States Army. When he returned, he started working for Bethlehem Steel where he was the president of the union. He helped with the transition from Bethlehem Steel to Williamsport Wire and Rope. After 28 years, he retired from Williamsport Wire and Rope.

He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church. Joseph was also a lifetime member of the Harmonia Club and the VFW. Joseph was an avid sports fan. He loved to play and officiate. He followed nearly all sports. Joseph was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a hard worker and a humble man.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Mendez, two sons, Stephen Mendez of Cogan Station, and Brian Mendez of Northampton, and one grandson, Joshua Mendez of Northampton.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Friends and family are invited to come and share at a reception on Sunday, July 22, 2018 from 1:00-4:00 PM in Joseph’s honor at the Harmonia Club at 332 E. Seventh St., Williamsport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joseph’s name may be made to The Gatehouse at 1100 Grampian Blvd. Williamsport, PA 17701.

Arrangements are entrusted to Maneval Allen Redmond Cremation & Funeral Home, Williamsport.

To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jamesmaneval.com.