Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford, VA (2026)

02/21/2026

William Lee "Billy" McMillion, 79 of Bedford, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born October 10, 1946 in West Virginia, a son of the late William Russell McMillion and Irene Danbury McMillion. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Larry McMillion, James "Jimmy" McMillion, Danny McMillion & Michael McMillion.

Mr. McMillion was retired from the U. S. Army having been medically discharged after being wounded in the Vietnam War. He received the Bronze Star with V device, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign medal with Device, Republic of Vietnam Service medal and the Sharpshooter medal. He worked from sunup to sundown and enjoyed farming, cutting wood and he provided his daughter wood every year for her home. He never met a stranger.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Anderson McMillion; his daughter, Sonya McMillion Beheler (Jeff); his son, William Russell McMillion II (Spring); his grandchildren, Jane Blessing Beheler, William Lee McMillion II (Autumn), Leland Ryan McMillion (Samantha); his brother, Samuel "Sammy" McMillion (Sherri); his sister, Drema Sue Bowden; his sisters-in-law, Jenny McMillion, Barbara McMillion; his pets, Spike & Poncho as well as numerous nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment, with full military honors, will be held at 1 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in the Evergreen United Methodist Church Cemetery in Wytheville.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

02/20/2026

Nancy Hartman Byrd, 95 of Moneta, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026 at Our Lady of the Valley. She was born on Monday, March 3, 1930 in Roanoke, a daughter of the late Wade Hampton Hartman and Flossie Augusta Chewning Hartman. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Ford Byrd, brothers, Fred Hartman, Tommy Hartman and a sister, Carrie Lee Staggs.

She, along with her husband were owners of Byrd's Restaurant & Waterwheel Marina for many years.

She is survived by her sons, David Herman Byrd & wife, Tina, B. Steven Byrd & significant other, Tina; her granddaughters, Amanda May Byrd, Megan Beth Byrd, Haleigh Ann Byrd; a great granddaughter, Oaklynn Grey; a great grandson, William White.

Funeral services will be held at 3 PM on Monday, February 23, 2026 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in the Byrd Family Cemetery at Radford Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 4 until 6 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

02/17/2026

SERVICE UPDATE:

The visitation, service & meal has been moved to Palestine Baptist Church, 9244 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, Huddleston, VA. DATE: Sunday, February 22, 2026 - Visitation will begin at 2 PM, service at 4 PM and the meal will follow.

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Willis Randall Mitchen, 85 of Huddleston, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 at his residence. He was born on Wednesday, July 31, 1940 in Huddleston, a son of the late Fred Lathan Mitchen and Celestia Estelle "Essie" Howell Mitchen.

Willis was without debate, the best father and "Poppy" ever - a dearly loved man who left fingerprints on countless lives and probably a few tomato stakes too. Humble to his core, he never sought the spotlight, though it often found him anyway. A man of many talents, he sang for twelve joyful years with the Palestine Baptist Quartet, recording four albums and lifting spirits wherever harmony was needed. Music was only one way he connected with people; friendship was his true gift, and he shared it generously. He was also known for mowing the grass THE RIGHT WAY - in carefully planned patterns, straight lines only, no shortcuts, and absolutely no missed strips. To him, a well-mowed yard was a matter of pride and principle, much like everything else he did.

Athletic from an early age, he still holds the Huddleston High School basketball record with an impressive 2,000 career points - proof that determination and heart go a long way. When not cheering on this favorite race car, you could find him teaching, mentoring, fishing, hunting, or tending to his garden, where his tomatoes were as legendary as his stories.

Above all, he was a solid Christian man and a devoted father who lived his faith quietly but consistently. He taught by example - showing his family what it means to love, serve, work hard, and do right even when no one was watching.

A great teacher in life, he showed others how to work hard, laugh often, stay grounded, and always make time for what matters most. He lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, friendship, and a whole lot of good memories.

He will be remembered in every hymn sung and every story shared, in basketball gyms and baseball fields, with each shot taken and every ball tossed, on quiet fishing banks, and in gardens where tomatoes grow strong and steady - just like him.

He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-five years, Nancy Overstreet Mitchen; his daughters, Sheila M. Page (Frank), Sabrina M. McCarty (Chris), Selinda M. Tolley (Sean); his grandchildren, Willis Page, Caleb Page, Sawyer Ann Tolley and Spencer Tolley; his sister, Carolyn Goin & a special friend, Cathy Eggleston.

Special thanks to his caregivers, Crystal Howell, Yolanda Garlough, Allison Spradlin, Eva Irvin for the wonderful care.

We are having his Memorial service this Sunday, February 22, 2026 at momma and daddy's house, 4510 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, Huddleston, VA 24104. Visitation will start at 2:00 and the service will start at 4:00. We will be offering time for those that choose to share their special times they had with Daddy. Casual dress... jeans, camouflage and/or flannel...his go to attire. There will be a meal after the service. We are asking you to bring a side dish or a dessert if possible. Fried chicken and beverages will be provided. Parking will be across the road in the Huddleston Parkway Church and also in Huddleston Elementary School parking lot. A "shuttle" will be provided to transport those unable to walk over to the house. In the event of inclement weather we will move the service to the Huddleston Parkway Church.

In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to be made to the Huddleston Fire Department, P. O. Box 436, Huddleston, VA 24104 in Daddy's honor. We hope to see you all there to celebrate our amazing father's life.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service

02/13/2026

** UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION

Sandra Stephens, 85, of Thaxton, VA passed away the morning of February 12th. She spent her final days in the company of her loved ones.

Born Sandra Jean Foster on May 24, 1940, she was the daughter of William Francis Foster and Susie West (Garrett) Foster. Sandra grew up in Bedford and spent her early adult life there. She later moved to Roanoke and then spent the final 40+ years of her life residing on Taylor’s Mountain in Thaxton.

Sandra spent many years working for Kroger and for Kessler Refrigeration. In her retirement at age 70, she discovered both a love and a talent for pottery. She made many beautiful pieces and sold some of her work locally. She described working with clay as one of the greatest joys of her life. In addition to making pottery, Sandra loved reading poetry and mystery novels and learning about history, geography, religion, and philosophy.

Sandra loved nature and had a deep respect for God and all of His creation. Dubbed the “Snow White” of the mountain by her family, Sandra spent much of her time caring for both domestic and wild animals, alike. Both people and animals gravitated to her and benefited from her nurturing instincts. More than once, a doe would bring her fawn by Sandra’s house to introduce them to one another. Over the years, Sandra could sometimes count up to 25 hummingbirds enjoying her feeders at once, before making their southward journey. She even had a way of reasoning with bears and encouraging them to “move along” when they came too close to her house. Though she lived quite remotely, Sandra also had a beautiful knack for collecting a diverse group of friends; and, she celebrated each of them and their unique gifts.

Sandra was the heart of her family, and family was incredibly important to her. Her son, David Key, was the light of her life, and her granddaughter, Kelly (Key) Hemler, was like a daughter to her. The three of them lived many of their years as a tripod — each leg supporting the other and finding steadiness together. Sandra, David, and Kelly were fortunate to enjoy travels to Ireland, Italy, and the U.K.; but, their favorite memories are the ones they shared together at Sandra’s home on Taylor’s mountain.

Sandra is survived by David and Kelly (Jon), as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Richard “Dick” Stephens; her parents, Francis and Susie; her brothers, William “Billy,” Richard, and Thomas “Tommy”; and, her daughter-in-law, Mary Gilmartin Key.

Sandra will be remembered for her remarkable strength and resilience, her care for creation, her desire to make every day count, and her deep love and devotion towards her cherished family and friends.

A memorial service will be held for Sandra at 1 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

02/09/2026

Thomas Edward Custer, 87, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026. He was born on May 27, 1938 to the late Wilson O. Custer & Lucille Andrews Custer.
Thomas served in the United States Navy as a welder.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Custer; sisters, Betty Custer Fariss, Brenda Custer Dooley & Carolyn Custer Bryant; brother, Barry W. Custer; several nieces & nephews.
A graveside will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia, VA, 23002.
Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

02/05/2026

Shirley Alletta Millner Webber, 97 of Lynchburg, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Oakwood Health & Rehab. Center in Bedford. She was born on Friday, June 1, 1928 in Lynchburg, a daughter of the late Joseph Samuel Millner and Maynie Millner Millner. She was also preceded in death by husband, Morris Thomas Webber, a daughter, Joan Alletta Webber, a grandson, Jeffrey Roger Webber, her daughter-in-law, Linda Webber and a sister, Joyce Millner Dolan.

She was retired from Craddock Terry Shoe Company. She was a member of Forest Road United Methodist Church.

She is survived by a son, Roger Webber; a daughter, Deborah Webber; and sisters, Gaile A. Millner & Debra A. Millner; three great granddaughters, one great great grandson and one great great granddaughter as well as several nieces & nephews.

A special thanks to the staff of Oakwood Health & Rehab and Centra Lynchburg General Hospital for their loving care and also to her special nephew, Tony Evans for his unselfish care over the years.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford

02/04/2026

*** UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION

Billy Joe Overstreet, 65, of Altavista, Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at Smith Mountain Lake, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.

Born on February 4, 1960, in Altavista, Billy was the son of the late Graydon B. and Bernice F. Overstreet. He was a proud graduate of Altavista High School and went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering. Billy dedicated over 40 years of his career to Hewlett-Packard Enterprises as an engineer, where his expertise and steady presence were greatly valued.

From his earliest days, Billy cherished the outdoors. As a young boy, he delighted in caring for and riding the family horses. Throughout his life, he found joy in camping with loved ones, fishing, gardening, playing golf, painting, and woodworking-creative pursuits that allowed him to express his hands-on spirit and bring beauty to the world around him.

Billy is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Overstreet; his two daughters, Lindsay (Robert Cronise) and Haley (Stephen Delli Priscoli); his brother, Tommy Overstreet; his cherished grandchildren, Kevin, Aurora, Graydon Cronise, and soon-to-be-born Sophia Delli Priscoli; his beloved dogs, Tristan and Bentley; and a wide circle of dear friends and neighbors who were like family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Donna Overstreet.

The memorial service will be held on Monday, February 16th, at 11:00am at Updike Funeral Home: 1140 W Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, Bedford, VA 24523. The service will be led by Rabbi Harley Karz-Wagman of the Agudath Sholom Congregation.

A gathering with hors d'oeurves and drinks will follow the service at The Traveller in Bedford, VA: 3763 Peaks Rd, Bedford, VA 24523.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Billy's memory to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 4110, Glen Allen, VA 23058 in honor of his brave fight and the hope he held for others facing similar battles.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

02/04/2026

Mary Willie Liz Logwood Nichols, 94, of Evington, passed away on Monday, February2, 2026 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. She was born on Saturday, March 7, 1931 to the late George Buck Logwood & Mary Elizabeth Cox Logwood. Mary was also preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Lee Nichols; sons, Odell, Linwood, David & Danny Nichols; daughter, Frances Brown; brothers, Tommy, George, Roosevelt, Oscar & Charlie Logwood; sisters, Anna Newman, Mildred Gingo, Estelle Logwood & Eva Hedrick; sons-in-law, Paul Brown & Walsa Hawkins & daughter-in-law, Jan Nichols.

Mary was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. She enjoyed coaching softball & baseball. Mary enjoyed helping her community & church members when they were sick. She loved everybody and witnessed to anyone to lead them to follow Christ.

She is survived by her sons, Tommy Nichols (Karen), Garry “Rusty” Nichols (Connie), Bobby Nichols (Ella) & James Nichols (Michelle); daughters, Helen Jolley (Teresa Pulliam), Barbara Hawkins & Elizabeth Nichols; sisters, Eunice Green (John) & Edna Elliott (Beatrum) & brothers, Calvin Logwood & Sam Logwood; daughters-in-law, Connie Nichols, Jean Nichols as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members & friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Pastor Barry Link officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Updike Funeral Home, Huddleston.

02/02/2026

Melvin Carson Sweet, Sr., 87, of Thaxton, Virginia, peacefully entered into eternal rest with his Lord Jesus on February 1, 2026. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Mel was surrounded in love by his family during his final days here on Earth.

Mel was born May 10, 1938 in Roanoke, Virginia to the late James Franklin Sweet, Sr. and Ruth Louise Etter. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Aubrey and Ronald Sweet and his son, Jimmy Asbury.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Sheila Fizer Maxfield Sweet; brother James Sweet, Jr.; children, Carson Sweet, Holly Sweet (Dan McMurtry), Dale Asbury (Len), Terry Nesmith, Pam Crawford (Jamey), Cathy Maxfield and Jay Maxfield; grandchildren, Ella Niday, Donel Sweet (Amy), Melinda Asbury, Camp Parker (Tori), Charlie Parker (Chayla), Trey Parker (Samantha), Jennifer Ore (Mike) and Seth Maxfield; and great-grandchildren, Braydee, Breckon, Burkley, Charlie, Eli, Ellie, Isla, Jackson, Magnolia, Mila, Nicholas and Theodore.

Mel, often affectionately called “The Sweeter Heater from Moneta-er” was known for his kindness, fairness, work ethic and honesty. He was a proud Army Veteran who served his Country, and a proud business owner who served Bedford and Franklin counties for 40 years through his company, Sweet’s Heating & Air Conditioning. His great loves were his wife, family and friends, God and church, and his hobbies included music, model trains, woodworking and golf. Mel often stood out for his sense of humor, bringing joy and laughter to others with his quick wit and innocent sarcasm. His time on Earth was well spent, and many would say they are better from knowing him. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care they gave Mel in his final weeks.

His Lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” - Matthew 25:23 NKJV

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mel’s church, Epworth Methodist Church, P. O. Box 25, Thaxton, VA 24174.

The family will receive friends beginning at 11 AM on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Epworth Methodist Church, 1145 Penicks Mill Road, Thaxton, VA and a funeral service will follow at 1 PM with Rev. Joe Shoop officiating. Interment will follow in the Diamond Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

rrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

02/02/2026

Wilbert Gene Smith, age 78, of Bedford, a beloved husband of 54 years, father, grandfather, Army Veteran, and Christian man went to be with The Lord on January 24, 2026. His passing was peaceful and marked by the love of his friends and family.

Gene is survived by his children: Shawn Smith (Susan), Kimberly Krantz (Jeremy) and grandchildren: Quentin Smith, Nicholas Smith, and Matthew Krantz. He was preceded in death by his wife Diane, his parents Eugene and Louise, and his sister Becky.

Gene spent over 50 years in aviation and aviation mechanics. His work took him to various places with most of his time spent at Falwell Aviation, Piedmont Airlines, US Airways, and most recently at Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics as Associate Director for Maintenance Quality.

Gene was passionate about many things in life: hunting, fishing, family, and above all Christ. He was a founding member and Elder at Safe Harbor Community Church, where he has worshiped for the last 19 years. His life is remembered as one spent in the service of others. Anyone that knew him understands how generous he was with his time and efforts. To have known Gene was to have had your life bettered and filled with more love.

The family would like to thank the kind folks in the Hematology & Oncology Clinic at Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Cancer Center. With their considerate care, they gave Gene many more months of time with his family. We would like to also thank Rhonda for her assistance and friendship during the final months of Gene’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Safe Harbor Community Church (www.safehcc.com) at 800 Peaksview Street, Bedford, VA 24523.

A joint memorial service will be held for Gene and Diane Smith at 4 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1140 W. Lynchburg Salem Tpke, Bedford, VA 24523. Family visitation will begin at 3:00 P.M.

01/26/2026

Due to the condition of the roads & the frigid temperatures, no one will be in our office tomorrow, Monday, January 26. However, we are available to assist you 24/7. You may reach us by calling 540-586-3304. Thank you for your patience and please be safe and use caution if you must go out.

01/23/2026

With the upcoming winter weather coming in, please be safe!

Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service

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