1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1968); Page 66; WV Archives Web Site.
James Russell Rice, Jr; age 24; born 3 Oct 1943 in Welch, WV; single; no previous marriage; living
at Box 731, Welch, WV; son of James Russell and Mattie Bell (Datson) Rice; married on 19 Apr 1968
at Welch, WV; Elizabeth Chaos Cota; age 21; born 6 May 1946 at Filbert, WV; divorced; 1 previous
marriage; living at Box 114, Davy, WV; daughter of Benigno and Elizabeth (Renka) Chaos.
2. Douglas Mortuary, Welch, WV; Posted Obit.
" James Russell Rice, Jr., age 75 of Welch, departed his earthly life on April 29, 2019 at the Beckley VAMC after suffering from several illnesses for many years.
Born October 3, 1943, in Welch, Russ was the son of the late Mattie Bel (Mary) Datson Howlett and James Russell Rice. He attended McDowell County Schools and was graduated from Welch High School in 1964 where he enjoyed playing basketball and especially football for the mighty “Maroon Waves”."After his high school graduation Russell fulfilled a lifelong dream by serving his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1964-1967 during the Vietnam War. He attended Basic and AIT Training at Fort Knox, KY and served the remainder of his term at Fort Myers, VA where he worked at the Pentagon directly under the Joint Chiefs of Staff in communications.
"After his discharge, Russ worked for Southern Insurance Agency and then for U.S. Steel for five years after which he used his VA Educational Benefits to attend Bluefield State College where he earned a degree in Education. Russell felt it was a privilege to teach as he began his career at Hemphill Elementary in 1977 followed by twenty-five years at Welch Jr. High and Welch Middle School until his retirement in 2003.
"He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Welch. He was a member of the Welch Lions’ Club, Knights of Columbus, Council 6180 of Welch where he served twice as Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree, Assembly 2232, Princeton, WV, American Legion Post 8 of Welch, and 40 & 8 Local 1171 of Welch.
"Russ was happily married to his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth “Betty” Chaos Rice for fifty-one years having their anniversary on April 19, during his hospital stay prior to his passing. He thoroughly enjoyed camping and traveling with his family to whom he was completely dedicated. He also loved rooting on his beloved Washington Redskins and watching boxing with his wife on Saturday nights.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Daisy Donce Hodge Rice and Sydney Rice and Nannie Rose Riley Datson Bishop and John C. Bishop; a sister Laura Daisy Osinski; precious grandson with whom he has now been reunited, Kenneth Russell “Rusty” Eastman; a wonderful son-in-law, Ashley Eastman; a special uncle who was more like a Dad to him, Hubert Rice; his very special aunt “Aunt Dot” Collins; and many other beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins who all enriched his life as he grew."Those left to cherish his memory in addition to his wife, Betty, are daughters, Anne Marie Prucha (Michael) of Roanoke, VA, Mary Elizabeth Eastman of Shady Spring, and Jami Kathleen Rice of Princeton. Surviving grandchildren are Bethany Veneble (Josh), Matthew Keasler, Abigail Eastmen, James Eastman, Piper Rain Bross, River Prucha, Benjamin Prucha, and great grandchildren Morgan and Logan Wingler.
"A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, May 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church with the Reverend Sravan Kumar Reddimasu, celebrant. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton where military grave side rites will be conducted by VFW Post 1144, Iaeger...."
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1968); Page 66; WV Archives Web Site.
James Russell Rice, Jr; age 24; born 3 Oct 1943 in Welch, WV; single; no previous marriage; living
at Box 731, Welch, WV; son of James Russell and Mattie Bell (Datson) Rice; married on 19 Apr 1968
at Welch, WV; Elizabeth Chaos Cota; age 21; born 6 May 1946 at Filbert, WV; divorced; 1 previous
marriage; living at Box 114, Davy, WV; daughter of Benigno and Elizabeth (Renka) Chaos.
1. 1930 Census, Lawrence Co, KY; District 8; Louisa; taken on 9 Apr 1930; Page 108A; Image 3 of 30;
Family #39/42.
Listed as Ira E. Justice; age 1 yr, 2 mons; born in WV; in household of mother, Haney Tackett
Justice.
2. 1940 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Sandy River District; Krollitz; E.D. 24-57; taken on 12 Apr 1940;
Page 1196A; Image 27 of 74; Household #232.
Listed as Eddie Justice; age 11; born in WV; 2nd grade education; attending school; lived in
Lawrence Co, KY on 1 Apr 1935; in household of step-father, Roosevelt Hurley.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1956); Page 344; WV Archives Web Site.
Ira Edward Justice; age 27; born at Matewan, WV; single; living at Iaeger, WV; married on 27 Feb
1956 at Iaeger, WV; Katherine Evans; age 18; born and living at Iaeger, WV; widow.
4. Bristol, VA; Marriage License 70 017671; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Ira Edward Justice; age 41; born 8 Jan 1929 in WV; single; this was his first (sic, second) marriage;
8th grade education; living at Iaeger, WV; son of Andrew and Haney (Tackett) Justice; married on 30
Jun 1970 at Bristol, VA; Sue Ella Vanover; age 22; born 22 Nov 1947 in WV; single; this was her first
marriage; 7th grade education; living at Iaeger, WV; daughter of Hugh and Jettie (Taylor) Vanover.
5. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #'72 006056; WV Archives Web Site via LDS Web Site.
Ira Edward Justice; age 37; born in WV; married; husband os Sue Vanover; living at Litwar, WV;
manager of apartment building; SS#235-38-1860; served in military from 1947-1950; son of Andrew
and Hannie (Tackett) died 4 Apr 1972 at home near Panther, WV; due to shotgun wound to chest;
homicide; buried 7 Apr 1972 in Iaeger Memorial Cemetery, Roderfield, WV.
6. FindAGrave.com Web Site; Iaeger Memorial Cemetery, Roderfield, McDowell Co, WV; submitted by
B. Walls; 21 Jan 2015.
Ira Edward Justice; born 8 Jan 1929; died 4 Apr 1972; buried here; grave marker photo shown;
"WEST VIRGINIA PFC US MARINE CORPS".
1. Bristol, VA; Marriage License 70 017671; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Ira Edward Justice; age 41; born 8 Jan 1929 in WV; single; this was his first (sic, second) marriage;
8th grade education; living at Iaeger, WV; son of Andrew and Haney (Tackett) Justice; married on
30 Jun 1970 at Bristol, VA; Sue Ella Vanover; age 22; born 22 Nov 1947 in WV; single; this was her
first marriage; 7th grade education; living at Iaeger, WV; daughter of Hugh and Jettie (Taylor)
Vanover.
2. Virginia, U.S., Marriage Records, 1936-2014; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Sue Ella Vanover Justice
Gender: Female
Race: White
Marriage Age: 24
Birth Date: 5 Nov 1948
Marriage Registration Place: Buchanan, Virginia, USA
Marriage Date: 3 Jul 1973
Marriage Place: Grundy, Virginia, USA
Father: Hugh Vanover
Mother: Jettie Mae Taylor
Spouse: Jessie Browning
Certificate Number: 1973029955"
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1937); Page 193; WV Archives Web Site.
Belino (Belijno); born 12 Jul 1899 in Spain; living at Gary, WV; son of Manuel and Rose; was issued
a license to marry on 17 Aug 1937 in McDowell Co, WV; Elizabeth Renka; born 5 Jul 1916 in
Calumet, MI; living at Gary, WV; daughter of Fred and Antonia. (No return by a minister)
2. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Benigno Chaos
Race: White
Age: 43
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Date: 12 Jan 1899
Birth Place: Spain
Residence Place: Filbert, Mcdowell, West Virginia, USA
Registration Date: 16 Feb 1942
Registration Place: Filbert, Mcdowell, West Virginia, USA
Employer: United States Coal And Coke Co
Complexion: Ruddy
Eye Color: Black
Hair Color: Black
Next of Kin: Elizabeth Chaos
Household Members:
Name Relationship
Benigno Chaos Self (Head)"
3. McDowell Co, WV; Petition For Naturalization; 24 Mar 1942; LDS Web Site.
Benigno Chaos; age 42; born 12 Jan 1899 in Gamis Spain; coal loader; living at Filbert, WV; height
5'5"; 180lbs; brown eyes; brown hair; medium complexion; married Elizabeth ______; 16 Deb 1940
in Bristol, TN she was born 28 Jul 1914 in Ahmeek (sic), MI; children: Mary, born 20 Aug 1938 in
Bartley, WV; living in Filbert, WV; Antonio, born 23 Feb 1940 in Filbert, WV; living in Filbert, WV; Rosa,
born 22 jan 1922 in Cabin Creek, WV; living in Lafarcada, Spain; and Manuel, born 12 May 1923 in
Weyben (sic, sp), Wv; living in Lafarcada, Spain; emmigrated to us from Vigo, Spain 16 Oct 1920
aboard the Manchuria; returned to Spain fron NY in Sep 1924 aboard SS Roussellion; returning to
NY on 27 Oct 1925 abord the SS Orizaba.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1933); Page 21; WV Archives Web Site.
Frank Perecz; age 27; born in Spain; single; miner; living at Bartley, WV; son of Joe and Anna;
married on 28 Jan 1933 in Welch, WV; Elizabeth Renka; age 21; born in MI; single; living at Bartley,
WV; daughter of Fred and Antonia.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1937); Page 193; WV Archives Web Site.
Belino (Belijno); born 12 Jul 1899 in Spain; living at Gary, WV; son of Manuel and Rose; was issued
a license to marry on 17 Aug 1937 in McDowell Co, WV; Elizabeth Renka; born 5 Jul 1916 in
Calumet, MI; living at Gary, WV; daughter of Fred and Antonia. (No return by a minister)
1. Melton Mortuary; Beckley, WV; Posted Obit.
"Beningo Chaos, Jr., age 77 of Welch, West Virginia passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2020, at the home of his sister in Daniels, West Virginia, while recuperating from recent health issues."The son of Benigno Chaos and Elizabeth Renka Chaos, Benigno was born on May 27th, 1943, at Welch. Benny was educated in McDowell County schools where he was a 1961 honor graduate from Welch High School and he was the first student to receive a dual diploma completing both college preparatory courses as well as the completion of the vocational requirements to become a certified welder. Benny began his college studies on a scholarship to WV Institute of Technology in Montgomery, West Virginia, after which he completed his four year degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He retired from Chevron Oil after a career as project manager of oil rigs off the coast of Louisiana as well as throughout the world. He enjoyed flying planes and helicopters and he loved traveling to different countries and interacting with people from many different cultures, but yet he was never happier than when he returned home to McDowell County where he cherished the solitude of mountain living, fishing in streams, stopping at flea markets and sharing his life with any dog that needed a home. Often he was affectionately referred to by some as the “the Dog Man.” Benny was a man of great faith and he loved living a simple life but he was not a simple man; brilliant, kind, and generous, he loved having a robust debate which he seldom lost! The “Dog Man” will be missed by his beloved dogs, but he will also be missed by his family as well as his many friends which he met along the way.
"In addition to his parents, Benny was preceded death by his beloved brother, Antonio Chaos.
"Survivors include one daughter, Danielle Deppisch Marks (Jim) and two granddaughters, Helena and Julia Marks of Appleton, Wisconsin and two sisters, Mary Barnett (Gene) of Roanoke, Virginia and Elizabeth “Betty” Rice of Daniels, West Virginia, in addition to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, his many friends and his seven beloved dogs.
"Honoring Benny’s wishes, his body was cremated and a private memorial will be held at a later date."
Melton Mortuary in Beckley, West Virginia is serving the Chaos family.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1958); Page 355; WV Archives Web Site.
Otis Cooper; age 23; born and living at Raysal, WV; single; married on 7 Jul 1958 at Raysal, WV;
Bessie Marie Brewster; age 17; born and living at War, WV; single; with consent of Clyde and Lou
Brewster, parents of Bessie Marie Brewster.
2. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by Patty Greene; 30 Jul 2018.
"Otis Cooper
Birth 1935
Raysal, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Death unknown
Burial Tom Sparks Cemetery
Paynesville, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 191809295"Additional Information Posted:
"Married to Bessie Marie Brewster-Cooper (1940-2017) on July 7, 1958 in Raysal, McDowell County, WV (per WV Marriage License Register, McDowell County, WV, 1958, Page 355, Application Date: July 2, 1958)."Father of David Alvin Cooper (B. 1961)."
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1958); Page 355; WV Archives Web Site.
Otis Cooper; age 23; born and living at Raysal, WV; single; married on 7 Jul 1958 at Raysal, WV;
Bessie Marie Brewster; age 17; born and living at War, WV; single; with consent of Clyde and Lou
Brewster, parents of Bessie Marie Brewster.
2. Douglas Mortuary, Welch, WV; Posted Obit.
"Bessie Marie Cooper, 76, of English went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, July 14, 2017 in McDowell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Gary.
"Born September 10, 1940 in War she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Lou Brewster. She was a member of the Church of God, Atwell Mountain. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was a precious prayer warrior and loved talking and witnessing to everyone about Jesus.
"In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Otis Cooper; two brothers, Bill Brewster and Buck Brewster; and a sister Betty Click.
"Those left to cherish her memory are her son, David Alvin Cooper of Bartley; one daughter, Betty Lou Walsh of Hartwell, GA; two grandchildren, A.J. Walsh and Amber Knight of Athens, GA; and two great grandchildren. All whom she loved dearly.
"Bessie also had numerous special friends who loved her, and she loved them very much. We also want to thank all the first floor nursing staff of the McDowell Nursing home for the care and kindness during her stay there.
"Funeral service will be conducted Monday at 11 a.m. in the Jesus Church of Bartley with Rev. Hubert Sweeny and Rev. Pete Woods officiating. Burial will follow in Tom Sparks Cemetery on Bradshaw Mountain...."
3. FindAGrave.com Web Site; submitted by Patty Greene; 30 Jul 2018.
"Bessie Marie Brewster Cooper
BIRTH 10 Sep 1940
War, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
DEATH 14 Jul 2017 (aged 76)
Gary, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
BURIAL Tom Sparks Cemetery
Paynesville, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
MEMORIAL ID 191810057"
1. "The Welch News"; Wednesday Evening; 26 Aug 2020; Newspaper Obit.
"Pastor Wilma Lucille Soto 73 of Havaco, WV passed away August 24th, 2020. She was born April 14th, 1947, she was the Daughter of Bascum Morgan and Ollie Finley Morgan of Wilcoe, WV."Lucille was the Pastor of Welch Pentecostal Church of God for the last 15 years. She was employed at Welch Community Hospital for the last 27 years and had just retired August 1st, 2020. She loved her husband and family dearly, her goal in life was to spread the word of God and win souls for the Lord. She was a very giving and faithful servant of God.
"In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by 2 sisters Rosie May Harmon, Shirley Faye Lewno and 2 brothers Bascum Leslie Morgan and Jackie Lee Morgan.
"She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years Cruz Soto of Havaco WV. Her daughter Mary Soto Jordan of Princeton, WV, and Son Jose Soto and Stephanie of Welch, WV. She is also survived by 5 siblings David Morgan and (wife Virginia) of Princeton WV, Elmer Morgan and (wife Sharon) of Bristol Tennessee, Dorothy Brickey of West Columbia SC, Mary Brickey and husband (Randall) of Beckley WV, and Marie Hubinak of Oceana, WV. Her grandchildren Rebecca and (Adam) Kelly of Marytown, WV, Ben and (Kelsie) Addair of Gary, WV, Zoey Soto and Cruz Eugene Soto of Welch,WV. And 3 Great Grandchildren MaKinley Kelly, Abigail Bohin and Colton Kelly, all of Marytown, WV, and also numerous nieces and nephews.
"Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell with Rev. Randall Brickey officiating. Pastor C.T. Lilly will open the services. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell with Adam Kelly, Glen “Tubby” Walters, Kyle “Jammer” Walters, Ronald Green, Sandy Etter and Daniel Rose serving as pallbearers.
"Friends may call prior to services, from 11:00-1:00 at the funeral home.
"Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the Soto family."
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1928); Page 204; WV Archives Web Site.
Noah McCoy; age 24; born in Tazewell Co, VA; single; brakeman; living at Vallscreek, WV; son of
D.G. and Myrtle; married on 15 Aug 1928 at Vallscreek, WV; Margaret E. Mitchell; age 20; born in
Tazewell Co, VA; single; daughter of W.H. and Sarah.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1928); Page 204; WV Archives Web Site.
Noah McCoy; age 24; born in Tazewell Co, VA; single; brakeman; living at Vallscreek, WV; son of
D.G. and Myrtle; married on 15 Aug 1928 at Vallscreek, WV; Margaret E. Mitchell; age 20; born in
Tazewell Co, VA; single; daughter of W.H. and Sarah.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Death Registry; Vol #__(1949); Browns Creek District; WV Archives Web Site.
Mrs. Noah McCoy or Margaret McCoy; age 39 yrs, 4 mons, 4 days; born in Tazewell Co, VA; married;
housewife; daughter of William and Sally (Beavers) Mitchell; died 21 May 1949 in McDowell Co, WV;
due to massive pulmonary embolism.
1. Tankersley Funeral Home; Mullins, WV; Posted Obit.
"Jeffrey Alan Cox, 59, of Glen Daniel, formerly of Mullens, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Bowers Hospice House, Beckley."Born May 19, 1959 at Mullens, he was the son of Betty Jane (Simpson) Williams and the late Lacy Garland Cox.
"Jeff was a former coal miner with 26 1/2 years of service, retiring from Patriot Coal, was a member of UMWA, he loved working to support his family, and in his leisure he enjoyed cutting firewood, riding four wheelers, and loved the beach.
"In addition to his father, he is also preceded in death by his two sisters, Vicky and Sue Cox; maternal and paternal grandparents, Joe and Fallie Whitt Simpson and Bill and Martha Pendry Cox.
"Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 36 years, Teresa Cox; two sons, Alan and Cory Cox; three grandchildren, Haeden June Cox, Draiden Kiblinger, and Brooklyn Cox; one sister, Pam Cox; and two brothers, Lacy and Steve Cox.
"Services will be 12:30 P.M. Monday, May 6, 2019 at Tankersley Funeral Home Chapel, Mullens with Pastor Clyde Patrick officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley...."