1. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home; Tazewell, VA; Posted Obit.
"Robert Leslie Sparks, age 68 of Squire, WV died Friday, May 22, 2020 at his home. He was born May 27, 1951 in Bishop, VA and was a son of the late William Fieldon Sparks and Mildred Pauline Millsap Sparks. Mr. Sparks was a retired coal miner, having worked for several local mines; he retired from Amonate Coal and was a member of the UMWA LOCAL 2322. Mr. Sparks was a member of the Bluefield Moose Lodge and enjoyed watching Western Movies and fishing. He had a big heart and was always ready to help anyone in need. Mr. Sparks loved his family and will be missed by all who knew him."In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy Fowler Sparks; two brothers, Willie Sparks and Tim “Fizz” Sparks; one sister, Linda McGuire.
"Those who survive to share his memory includes five children, Leslie Sparks Cheatham and husband, Rodney of Appomattox, VA, Beverly Anne Sparks of North Carolina, Angelia Christine Sparks, James “Jim-Bob” Sparks and Haleigh Elizabeth Sparks, both of Squire, WV; one sister, Patricia Casey and husband, Randy of Tazewell, VA; two brothers, Ernest Sparks and wife, Susan of Squire, WV and David Leon Sparks of Miami, FL; grandchildren, Robin Saul and husband, John and Ashlee Nix and husband, Tyler, both of Hopewell, WV and Eric Cheatham of Appomattox, VA ; great-grandchild, Nicole Nix of Hopewell, WV; several family members and many friends also survive.
"Graveside Funeral Services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 2020 at the Grandview Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Bluefield, VA with Pastor Wade Quesenberry officiating. Burial will follow. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. COVID-19 Precautions are strongly recommended.
"The family will be meeting at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA one hour prior to the Graveside Service and will receive family members and friends. Those wishing to travel in the procession with the family are asked to meet at the funeral home by 2:30 p.m.
"In addition to floral tributes, the family request that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: PO Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or to the American Cancer Society – South Atlantic Division, Inc. Attn: Memorial Gifts: 4240 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
"Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA is serving the family of Mr. Sparks and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com."
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1995"; 1995; Edited by Dr, Thomas C.
Hatcher; Geneva Steele; Sandra Long and Christine Carr McGuire; "H.C. (Curnie) and Daisy Smith
Puckett"; Article; Page 226; submitted by Charlotte Harman Puckett, Rt 4, Box 89, North Tazewel, VA
24630.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1995"; 1995; Edited by Dr, Thomas C.
Hatcher; Geneva Steele; Sandra Long and Christine Carr McGuire; "H.C. (Curnie) and Daisy Smith
Puckett"; Article; Page 226; submitted by Charlotte Harman Puckett, Rt 4, Box 89, North Tazewel, VA
24630.
1. Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Jack Allen Lusk
Gender: Male
Race: White
Marriage Age: 41
Birth Date: 10 Aug 1931
Marriage Registration Place: Giles, Virginia, USA
Marriage Date: 30 Dec 1972
Marriage Place: Pearisburg, Virginia, USA
Father: Ralph Lusk
Mother: Hazel O Dell
Spouse: Erma Virginia Bishop
Certificate Number: 1972054124"
2. Evans Calfee Funeral Home; Pineville, WV; Posted Obit.
"Jack Allen Lusk 86, of Pineville passed away Wednesday March 28, 2018 in Raleigh General Hospital following many years of declining health."Born August 10, 1931 in Lamar, he was the son of the late Ralph Sr and Hazel O’Dell Lusk.
"Jack was a veteran of the United States Army serving as a combat engineer during the Korean conflict. After returning home, he went to work for the N&W railroad, where he retired after 42 years of service. In his time at home, he loved working in his garden, and sharing his produce with family, friends and neighbors. He also loved taking care of his farm animals.
"In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife Virginia E. Lusk, his step-son Roger Mullins, 2 brothers: Ralph “Junior” Lusk, and Robert “Bob” Lusk, One sister Laura Dunford.
"Those left to cherish his memory include Five children, Sylvia Marable of Lugoff SC, Kenneth Lusk and his wife Nancy of Wyoming, Janet Lusk of Princeton, Liz Lusk of Matoaka and Bryon Lusk of Lugoff SC; two grandchildren that he raised as his own, granddaughter Robin Mullins Lambert and her husband Phillip of Saulsville, and grandson Bryon “BJ” Mullins of Pineville. Five step-children Phyllis Murray and her husband Ernie of Cherrytree Pa, James Mullins and his wife Liz of Princeton, Bonnie Cook of Georgia, Clyde Mullins and wife Cheryl of Jackson MO, and Tammy Mullins Ward and her husband Tim of Beckley. Four Grandchildren: Shawn Lusk and wife Tina, Ashleigh Lusk, Tommy Marable who is currently serving his country in Afghanistan, and Timmy Marable who is serving at Fort Bragg NC. Step Grandchildren: Derrick Mullins, Mary Ann Lapierre and husband Ben, Robert Murray and wife Susan, Heather Murray, Nathan Lambert, Kaitlan Lambert, Tabetha Tipton and her husband Jamie, Rachel McConnell, Gary Adams, Allen Adams, Alvin Cook, Brandee Mullins, Aaron Haga, Melissa Haga, Josh Haga and Johnny Ward. 23 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends.
"Services celebrating the life of Jack Lusk will be held Saturday March 31, 2018 at 1:00pm in the chapel of Evans-Calfee Funeral Service, Pineville. Following the service he will be laid to rest at Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Military honors will be given by the Wyoming County Veterans Honor Guard...."
1. 1930 Census, Pike Co, KY; District 6; taken 6 May 1930; Page 163B; Family #810/820.
Listed as Virginia Bishop; age 3 months; born in KY; in household of father, William Bishop.
2. Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Erma Virginia Bishop
Gender: Female
Race: White
Marriage Age: 42
Birth Date: 13 Jan 1930
Marriage Registration Place: Giles, Virginia, USA
Marriage Date: 30 Dec 1972
Marriage Place: Pearisburg, Virginia, USA
Father: William Gordon Bishop
Mother: Amanda Mary Thorps
Spouse: Jack Allen Lusk
Certificate Number: 1972054124"
1. Henry Co, VA; Marriage License #70 002324; Ancestry.com Website.
Ernest Vanover; age 20; born 4 Mar 1949 in WV; single; this is his 1st marriage; 1 yr HS education;
living at Iaeger, WV; son of Clarence and Mary (Blevins) Vanover; married on 28 Jan 1970 in Henry
Co, VA; Gwendolyn Sue Christian; age 22; born 23 Aug 1947 in WV; single; this is her 1st marriage;
4 yrs HS education; living at Roderfield, WV; daughter of Winfred and Mabel (Perky) Christian.
2. U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Ernest Vanover
Birth Date: Mar 1949 [Mar 1949]
Residence Date: 1993
Phone Number: 589-5144
Address: RR 1 POB 517
Residence: Bluefield, WV
Postal Code: 24701
Second Residence Date: 1991
Second Phone Number: 589-5144
Second Address: 316 Hassam Dr
Second Residence:
Second Postal Code: 24740-7177
Third Phone Number: 589-5144
Third Address: General Delivery
Third Residence: Bluewell, WV
Third Postal Code: 24701-9999"
3. U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Ernest Vanover
Birth Date: Mar 1949
Residence Date: 2016-2020
Address: 6919 Sandusky Blvd
Residence: Concord, North Carolina, USA
Postal Code: 28027
Second Residence Date: 2004-2017
Second Address: 746 Firelight CT SW
Second Residence:
Second Postal Code: 28027
Third Residence Date: 1997-2004
Third Address: 120 Meadowlane Loop
Third Residence: Bluefield, West Virginia, USA
Third Postal Code: 24701
Fourth Residence Date: 1993-2004
Fourth Address: Rr 1 Box 517
Fourth Residence: Bluefield, West Virginia, USA
Fourth Postal Code: 24701"
1. Henry Co, VA; Marriage License #70 002324; Ancestry.com Website.
Ernest Vanover; age 20; born 4 Mar 1949 in WV; single; this is his 1st marriage; 1 yr HS education;
living at Iaeger, WV; son of Clarence and Mary (Blevins) Vanover; married on 28 Jan 1970 in Henry
Co, VA; Gwendolyn Sue Christian; age 22; born 23 Aug 1947 in WV; single; this is her 1st marriage;
4 yrs HS education; living at Roderfield, WV; daughter of Winfred and Mabel (Perky) Christian.
1. Henry Co, VA; Marriage License #70 002324; Ancestry.com Website.
Ernest Vanover; age 20; born 4 Mar 1949 in WV; single; this is his 1st marriage; 1 yr HS education;
living at Iaeger, WV; son of Clarence and Mary (Blevins) Vanover; married on 28 Jan 1970 in Henry
Co, VA; Gwendolyn Sue Christian; age 22; born 23 Aug 1947 in WV; single; this is her 1st marriage;
4 yrs HS education; living at Roderfield, WV; daughter of Winfred and Mabel (Perky) Christian.
2. U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Ernest Vanover
Birth Date: Mar 1949 [Mar 1949]
Residence Date: 1993
Phone Number: 589-5144
Address: RR 1 POB 517
Residence: Bluefield, WV
Postal Code: 24701
Second Residence Date: 1991
Second Phone Number: 589-5144
Second Address: 316 Hassam Dr
Second Residence:
Second Postal Code: 24740-7177
Third Phone Number: 589-5144
Third Address: General Delivery
Third Residence: Bluewell, WV
Third Postal Code: 24701-9999"
3. U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Ernest Vanover
Birth Date: Mar 1949
Residence Date: 2016-2020
Address: 6919 Sandusky Blvd
Residence: Concord, North Carolina, USA
Postal Code: 28027
Second Residence Date: 2004-2017
Second Address: 746 Firelight CT SW
Second Residence:
Second Postal Code: 28027
Third Residence Date: 1997-2004
Third Address: 120 Meadowlane Loop
Third Residence: Bluefield, West Virginia, USA
Third Postal Code: 24701
Fourth Residence Date: 1993-2004
Fourth Address: Rr 1 Box 517
Fourth Residence: Bluefield, West Virginia, USA
Fourth Postal Code: 24701"
1. U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Connie Jeannell Vanover [Connie J Dale] [Connie J Fry]
Birth Date: Apr 1959
Residence Date: 2016-2020
Address: 6919 Sandusky Blvd
Residence: Concord, North Carolina, USA
Postal Code: 28027
Second Residence Date: 1995-2005
Second Address: 120 Meadowlane Loop
Second Residence: Bluefield, West Virginia, USA
Second Postal Code: 24701
Third Residence Date: 2003
Third Address: 606 Balfour Rd
Third Residence: Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
Third Postal Code: 27104
Fourth Residence Date: 1998-2001
Fourth Address: 270 Cedarbrook CT
Fourth Residence: Lewisville, North Carolina, USA
Fourth Postal Code: 27023"
2. U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Connie Dale
Birth Date: 25 Apr 1959
Address: 378 Virginia Ave
Residence Place: Welch, West Virginia, USA
Zip Code: 24801"
1. 1930 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Big Creek District; Canebrake; taken 15 Apr 1930; Page 168B;
Image 36 of 57; Family #280/286.
Listed as Dewey Genrty; age 32; born in NC; married at 27; coal miner; head of household.
2. Tazewell Co, VA; Marriage License #40065; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Dewey Gentry; age 41; born in Ashville, NC; divorced; one previous marriage; living in Richlands, VA;
miner; son of John I. and Addie (Reese) Gentry; married on 28 Oct 1939 in Tazewell, VA; Thelma
Freeman; age 21; born in Kimball, WV; single; living in Richlands, VA; daughter of Emmett and
Annie (Rupe) Freeman.
3. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: George Dewey Gentry
Race: White
Age: 43
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Date: 14 May 1898
Birth Place: Ashville, North Carolina, USA
Residence Place: Keystone, Mcdowell, West Virginia, USA
Registration Date: 16 Feb 1942
Registration Place: Keystone, Mcdowell, West Virginia, USA
Employer: New River And Pocahontas Coal Company
Weight: 185
Complexion: Ruddy
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Black
Height: 5 9
Next of Kin: Thelma Gentry
Household Members:
Name Relationship
George Dewey Gentry Self (Head)"
4. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #'60 012466; WV Archives Web Site.
George Dewey Gentry; age 62; born 14 May 1898 in Asheville, NC; married; miner; living at Davy,
WV; SS #233-12-6006; son of John and Elva Gentry; died 10 Aug 1960 in Stevens Clinic, Welch,
WV; from cardiac insufficiency due to hypertension and pneumonconiosis; buried 12 Aug 1960
in Mitchell Cemetery, Hensley, WV; informant, Mrs. G.D. Gentry, Davy, WV.
5. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Kenneth M. and Jane Bishop Gentry and Family"; Article; Page 149;
submitted by Kenneth M. Gentry, HCR 65, Box 43, Davy, WV 24829.
1. 1930 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Big Creek District; Canebrake; taken 15 Apr 1930; Page 168B;
Image 36 of 57; Family #280/286.
Listed as Stella Genrty; age 24; born in VA; married at 14; in household of husband, George D.
Gentry.
2. Stella Mae Turner; age 77; born 22 Oct 1906 in VA; widow; wife of Willie Hesker Turner; housewife;
living at Rt 1, Clinchco, VA; daughter of Charles and Mary Ann (Cochran) Edwards; died 16 May 1984
in Wise General Hospital, Wise, VA; due to Cardiac arrest with probable pulmonary embolism or
myocardial infarction; COPD from cigarette smoking; buried in Turner Cemetery, Clinchco, VA.
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "Kenneth M. and Jane Bishop Gentry and Family"; Article; Page 149;
submitted by Kenneth M. Gentry, HCR 65, Box 43, Davy, WV 24829.
2. 1930 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Big Creek District; Canebrake; taken 15 Apr 1930; Page 169A;
Image 37 of 57; Family #280/286.
Listed as Charles Genrty; age 2; born in WV in household of father, George D. Gentry.