Obituaries for Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007

Mrs. Bland was formerly a medical clerk with Associated Specialists.

She was born in Russellville, Alabama, on June 19, 1946, a daughter of the late John H. and Maimie P. King Potts.

She was married to James E. Bland on June 29, 1963, who preceded her in death on June 12, 2006.

Surviving are two sons, James E. Bland Jr. and his wife Peggy, Ohio, and Billy J. Bland and his wife Joy, Ohio; three daughters, Teresa Dunn and her husband Orin, South Carolina, Sherri L. Fryman and her husband Frank, Bluffton, SC, and Peggy L. Lorentz and her husband Jim, Fairmont; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, LeRoy Potts and his wife Shirley, Salem, Paul Mitchell, Illinois, and Dwayne Potts and his wife Jenny, Illinois; and one sister, Judy King, Illinois.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Oscar R. Potts and Johnny H. Potts, and one infant brother, Henry Ray.

Mrs. Bland was a member of the Maye River Baptist Church of Bluffton, SC.

Family and friends may call at the Davis Funeral Home, One Olen Thomas Drive, Rt. 98, Clarksburg, Friday from noon-8 p.m., where funeral services will be held Saturday, January 27, at noon. Reverend Scott Krepps will officiate. Interment will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Davis Funeral Home.

James Ivan Davisson

BRIDGEPORT — James Ivan Davisson, 74, of Wallace, passed away Tuesday evening, January 23, 2007, at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg following an extended illness.

He was born August 16, 1932, in Clarksburg, a son of the late Ivan D. and Ada Blanche Parker Davisson.

His second wife, Lora Edith Davisson, preceded him in death on May 25, 2005.

Surviving are his daughter, Jennifer Lynn Scruggs and her husband James of Capon Bridge, WV; five stepchildren, including Sherman B. Lewis Jr. and his wife Kim of Reynoldsville, WV, Robert D. Lewis and his wife Ronda of Dobson, NC, Dale E. Lewis and his wife Darnell of Sardis, WV, Vennessa J. Lewis, and Joy L. Clayton and her husband Jeffrey, all of Clarksburg; two sisters, Deborah Shriver and her husband James of Fairmont and Marilyn D. Hamrick of Liberty Addition, Clarksburg; his brother, Robert Davisson, with whom he made his home in Wallace; several stepgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by a close family friend, Ina Grimes of Wilsonburg, and his former wife, Maxine May Ganoe Davisson of Romney, WV.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one brother, Daniel Davisson.

Mr. Davisson was a graduate of Victory High School and attended West Virginia Wesleyan College. A member of the Wallace Baptist Church, he retired from the Maintenance Department at United Hospital Center and proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean Conflict from January of 1952 until August of 1954. He again enlisted with the United States Air Force, where he served as an Airplane Mechanic from June of 1957 until May of 1959.

Contributions in his memory are requested to the Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis Foundation, Western PA-WV Chapter, Landmarks Bldg., 100 W. Station Square Drive, Suite 550, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the Hospice Staff for their wonderful care.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no funeral home visitation or services. His request for cremation will be honored, and interment will follow at a later date in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

Condolences to the Davisson family may be e-mailed to burnsidefh@burnsidefuneralhome.com.

The family of James Ivan Davisson has entrusted his wishes to the care of Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Ave., Bridgeport, WV.

Ramon H. Hayes

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — Ramon H. Hayes died January 20, 2007, after a lengthy illness.

Ramon was born on February 24, 1931, in Parkersburg, WV, and grew up in Salem, WV. He lived most of his working life in Holly Hill, FL, where he resided since 1963.

Ramon was first and foremost a friend to all, a beloved teacher and a consummate jokester who loved a good laugh. He always looked at life sunnyside-up. Ramon never hesitated to offer a helping hand or a word of encouragement to anyone he knew or met. He will be best remembered for his love of life, his genuine warmth and his ready smile.

An avid traveler, he was always looking forward to his next trip, new sights and adventures, visiting and embracing friends far and wide. He possessed an innate curiosity about how things worked, and his mind was always occupied with inventing solutions to everyday problems. He had many talents, the most important of which was his ability to make friends and make people feel welcome. It was indeed a privilege to know and love Ramon Hayes.

Ramon attended Salem High School, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. He subsequently attended Salem College on a football scholarship. After a hiatus, he graduated from the University of Central Florida.

Ramon is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean Hayes; his children, Nancy Otto, Debbie Ferguson, Randal A. Hayes and Roger L. Hayes; his grandchildren, Alec and Bree Otto; his sisters, Patricia Wolford and Margaret Robinson; his aunt, Freda Gain; and many cousins, as well as a large extended family of nieces and nephews and scores of friends.

The memorial service and celebration of Ramon’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2007, at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home on Nova Road in Ormond Beach, Florida, with the Reverend Austin Brinkerhoff officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sugar Mill Gardens in Port Orange, Florida, (386-767-1735, Web site, www.dunlawtonsugarmillgardens.org.

Arrangements are by Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach, Fla.

William Lee Matheny

SHINNSTON — William Lee Matheny, 83, of Enterprise, passed away in Clarksburg on Tuesday, January 23, 2007.

Mr. Matheny was born in Pine Bluff on October 7, 1923, the son of the late Charles E. and Inez Matheny.

William married Alice Jean Matheny on June 21, 1946.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Matheny is survived by two daughters, Janice Harris and husband Rod of Enterprise, and Barbara O’Dell and husband Bernard of Shinnston; two sisters, Edna Zecco of Saltwell Road, Alma Minnix and husband Bob of Haywood; and one brother, Marvin Matheny of Pine Bluff; five grandchildren, Michael Harris and wife Kelli of Enterprise, Leslea Newlon and husband Jarold of Midlothian, VA, Brent Harris of Bridgeport, Anita Hamrick and husband Bill of San Antonio, TX, and Julie Shrout and husband Tim of Arthurdale, WV; six great-grandchildren, Courtney Brooke Harris, Kacey Rochelle Harris, Christian Lee Newlon, Jacob Conor Newlon, Emily Grace Hamrick and Kaden James Hamrick; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, preceding him death were one sister, Ernestine Archer, and two brothers, Edward and Robert Matheny.

Mr. Matheny graduated from Shinnston High School in 1942. He served our country in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943-1945. Mr. Matheny was employed at Williams Mine for 32 years until its closing. He then worked at the Loveridge and Robinson Run Mines. He retired in 1985 from Robinson Run. He was an active member of the Family Life Fellowship (formerly St. James Church) in Enterprise for 26 years. He served as a trustee and was a board member for several years.

He enjoyed working with wood, making quilt racks, cabinets, tables, etc. He had attended the Cardiac Rehab Center in Clarksburg for the last fifteen years. He had many friends there and really enjoyed the exercise and fellowship.

Friends may call at the Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston, on Friday from 2-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 27, 2007, at 11 a.m. with the pastors Darren Powell, Dan Adkins and Rev. Ivan Hawkins officiating. Interment will follow at the Enterprise I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

A service of the Harmer Funeral Home.

Linda Lou Morgan

MANNINGTON — Linda Lou Morgan, 80, of Mannington, WV, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007, at her residence.

She was born Oct. 18, 1926, at Mount Clare, WV, a daughter of the late Theodore Roosevelt and Mamie Maxine Boner Grimes.

She is survived by two sisters, Patricia Toothman, Mohans Run, Mannington, WV, and Marie Fulk, New Mexico; two brothers, Thomas Grimes, Aburndale, FL, and Theodore Grimes, Newton, TX; several nieces and nephews; and a cousin, Mazie Weltz and husband Darrell of Wingina, VA.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard James Morgan, in 1982 and one sister, Violetta Grimes.

Linda had worked at the REO Factory as a saw operator in Massillon, Ohio.

Friends may call at the Masters Funeral Home in Mannington, WV, on Friday, Jan. 26, 2006, from 4-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, at 1 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Craig Falkenstine officiating. Burial will follow at Mannington Memorial Park Cemetery.

Masters Funeral Home Inc., Mannington.

Faye Mason Nuzum

SHINNSTON — Faye Mason Nuzum of Shinnston, WV, passed away on Jan. 22, 2007, after an extended illness.

She was born November 7, 1912, in Salem, WV, a daughter of the late Truman and Maude McClain Mason.

Her husband, Au-brey K. Nuzum, preceded her in death October 18, 1992.

Faye is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Patricia and Thomas Latstetter of Pawley’s Island, SC, and Priscilla Haning of Shinnston and the late Dr. David Haning. She is survived by six grandchildren and their spouses, Debby and David Klett of Vienna, VA, Jeff and Judy Latstetter of Pittsburgh, PA, Chris and Joe Smith of Snowshoe, WV, Steve and Leslie Haning of Shinnston, WV, Scott and Lisa Haning of Yorktown, VA, Susan Haning of Alexandria, VA. Also surviving Faye are eight great-grandchildren, Gary Klett, Jeff Butler, Colin Butler, Paige Haning, Hayley Haning, Alisia Haning, Olivia Haning, Zackary Haning; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, husband and son-in-law, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Vera King, Susan Kirby and Blonda Maxwell, as well as two brothers, John Mason and Boyd Mason.

Faye enjoyed playing bridge and was an avid golfer and a member of the Green Hills Country Club, where she played golf up to the age of 90. She was also a member of the Shinnston First Baptist Church for over 50 years and sang in the choir for most of those years.

Faye’s family would like to give special thanks to her caregivers, Martha Farley, Lorena Pill and Joyce Reitkovich.

Friends will be received this Thursday, Jan. 25, at Harmer Funeral Home in Shinnston from 3-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, Jan. 26, at 10:30 a.m. Pastors Ivan Hawkins and Kevin Nuzum will be presiding over the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be may be to the Tender Loving Care Hospice at 119 Pennsylvania Avenue, Bridgeport, WV 26330.

Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston.

Patricia Marie Rizzo

FAIRMONT — Patricia Marie Rizzo, 51, of Fairmont, WV, died Tuesday morning in Ruby Memorial Hospital.

She was born August 5, 1955, in Fairmont, WV, daughter of the late Sam Anthony and Rose Marie “Cerullo” Rizzo.

Patricia was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairmont, WV.

She was a graduate of East Fairmont High School in 1973 and a graduate of Morgantown Beauty Academy.

During her high school years, she worked at her family business, Sam’s Confectionery in East Fairmont. She later served four years as a hairdresser in Fairmont, WV.

She presently worked at Norvelis, formerly Alcon Aluminum, in Fairmont for over 28 years. She was a member of United Steel Workers of America, Local 1.

Survivors include her two sisters and their spouses, Frances A. and Mark Jurick and Linda J. and Huey Cockerham, all of Fairmont, WV; and a nephew, Christopher Mark Jurick of Fairmont, WV.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Anthony John Rizzo.

Friends may call at the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia St., Fairmont, WV, from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday and 1-9 p.m. on Friday. Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairmont, WV, with Father Casey Mahone as celebrant. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Fairmont, WV.

A Vigil Service will be held Friday evening at 8 p.m. in the funeral home.

Cousins serving as pallbearers are Bobby, Rick and Jon Michael Stevenski, Rod and L.D. Skarzinski, Larry Starkey, Bruce Wilson, Gary Wilson and Greg Waugaman.

Ford Funeral Home Inc., Fairmont.

Bill Curtis

WEBSTER SPRINGS — Bill Curtis, 88, of 230 Marvin Ct., Webster Springs, WV, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007, at Webster Springs, WV, following an extended illness.

He was born in Weston, WV, Sunday, Dec. 29, 1918, a son of the late David Bernard Curtis and Susan Lucinda Curtis.

Surviving is his wife of 66 years, Wanda (Ellison) Curtis of Webster Springs, WV.

Also surviving are son, David (Bet) Curtis, Seebert, WV; granddaughters, Melissa Curtis of Harpers Ferry, WV, and Tara Curtis of Morgantown, WV.

He was also preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

Mr. Curtis was an engineer with CSX. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army.

He was a former member of Addison Lodge No. 166, A.F.&A.M., Webster Springs, WV, and NARVRE. He enjoyed flowers and lawn care. He enjoyed his family, wife, son and granddaughter.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Friends will be received from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2007, at the Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, 155 McGraw Ave., Webster Springs, WV. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, with the Rev. Brandon Moll and Rev. Jim Daily officiating. Interment will follow at Peterson Cemetery in Weston.

Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs, WV.

Joseph M. Vecchio

CLARKSBURG — Joseph M. Vecchio, 69, of Clarksburg, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2007, in the United Hospital Center following a year-long illness.

Mr. Vecchio was a real estate broker, developer and appraiser, and owner of Vecchio Property Appraisers.

He was born in Morgantown on September 10, 1937, a son of the late Joseph and Ruth Hilster Vecchio.

He is survived by his wife, Lawanta Riggs Vecchio, whom he married March 1, 1996.

Also surviving are one son, Mark Vecchio and his wife Dawna, Bridgeport; three daughters, Jenna Vecchio, Clarksburg, Brooke Harris and her husband John, Reading PA, and Mary Lou Fusco and her husband Mike, Clarksburg; four stepchildren, Scott Lowther and his wife Amy, Clarksburg, Bryan Lowther, San Antonio, TX, Kayla Lowther, Salem, and Kerry Lowther, Clarksburg; nine grandchildren, Adrea Vecchio Leach, Morgantown, Briana Vecchio, Bridgeport, Dominique Fusco, Clarksburg, Joe Michael Fusco, Clarksburg, Vincent Fusco, Clarksburg, Emma Harris, PA, Ben Harris, PA, Ian Harris, PA, Gabriel Harris, PA; one stepgranddaughter, Alanna Lowther, Clarksburg; three sisters, Rose Ellen Lawrence and her husband Don, Morgantown, Sandra Ross, Parkersburg, Jerri Lynn Kiral and Gene Kiral, Morgantown; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by one infant brother, Billy Vecchio.

Mr. Vecchio was president of the Rotary Club and past member of Local Independent Fee Appraisers. Joe loved life. He enjoyed his family and friends, and added a lot of spice to both the golf and the cooking they did together. His family and friends will miss him very much.

Family and friends may call at the Davis Funeral Home, One Olen Thomas Drive, Rt. 98, Clarksburg, Friday from noon-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 27, at 10 a.m. at the All Saints Catholic Church, with Father Hilarion Cann as Celebrant. Interment will be in the Bridgeport Cemetery. A vigil service will be held Friday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Davis Funeral Home.