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Givens Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Woodrum Street, Pearisburg, VA (2026)

02/22/2026

Our mother, Norma Jean Johnston Chafin, 89 of Pearisburg, VA, went to be with the Lord on February 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born November 26,1936 in Radford, VA, she was the daughter of the late Luther Paul and Anna Farmer Johnston.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Harold Eugene Chafin; her daughter, Teri Eppling; her grandson, Geoffrey Allen; her sister, Sallie J. Moore and husband James A. Moore and brother-in-law Clinton Johnston.

Those left to cherish her love, faith and memory include her three surviving children: Sheree Williams (Mike), Steve Chafin (Cindy), Janet Millirons (Morgan) and son-in-law Ricky Eppling. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Josh Allen, Seth Davis (Venessa), Adam Eppling (Beth), Shay Davis, Andrew Eppling (Michele), Anna Morgan Kirk (Devin), Kyle Chafin (Beth), Elise Chafin (Justin), Eli Millirons (Alea); as well as 15 great-grandchildren: Nolan, Miles, Sylas, Sadie, Lyla, Stella, Oliver, Stockton, Libby, Banks, Colby, Brewer, Elly Jean, Draper and Lainey. In the last moments of her life, she reminded her family and friends of one more great-grandchild- a baby girl on the way.

She is also survived by her sister, Brenda Mutter (Melvin); former daughter-in-law Sandra Lucas; sister-in-law Carolyn Johnston and numerous nieces and nephews.

Norma Jean was raised on the family farm in Eggleston, VA and graduated from Eggleston High School in 1954. She and Harold made their home in Pearisburg, where they raised their four children and later spent their golden years faithfully attending their children’s and grandchildren’s many activities.

A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church since 1965, Norma sang in the church choir.

She will be remembered for her famous boiled custard and brownies, her years as a dedicated employee of Celanese, her love of card games with friends and family, and her joy in hosting family gatherings. After her retirement, she enjoyed her card-playing friends – Dottie Perdue, Ann Mulheren and Shirley Stafford, sharing fond memories around the table. She cherished her friendship with her lifelong friend and neighbor, Amy Lucas.

A special blessing to Norma and to her entire family was her grandson, Josh, who dedicated nearly three years of his time as her primary caregiver.

Her life was a testament to faith, family and unwavering love, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue for generations to come.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Pearisburg First United Methodist Church, 1101 Valleyview Drive, Pearisburg, VA with Pastor Clay Holt officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:30 pm until 6:00 pm.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

02/09/2026

Michael Lance Dickerson, 43, of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on January 30, 2026, at the home of his mother. Michael was born on June 10, 1982, in Blacksburg, VA and was the son of Marian Jeanette Dickerson. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Millard and Violet Dickerson and his uncle Danny Dickerson.

Michael was a graduate of Giles High School in Pearisburg. He love spending time with his family and friends and never met a stranger. An avid Va Tech fan, he spent many times going to the ballgames with his uncle Danny and uncle and aunt Stevie and Tina and his friends. He enjoyed the outdoors with his son, taking him fishing and enjoyed taking his son to the beach. He also enjoyed spending many wonderful time with his grandfather Millard and grandmother Violet.

Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife, Jay Trad, son, Andre Dickerson, stepson, Andrew Murray, aunt, Mary Carol Dickerson Gray, all of Pearisburg, uncle and aunt, Stevie and Tina Dickerson of Blacksburg, uncle Samuel Gray of WV, cousins, Ashley Dickerson and Sierra Dickerson both of Radford, favorite cousin, Sienna French, special friends, Jeremy Hundley, T. Peoples, Joey Northington, Jimmy Justice and his furry buddies.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2pm at the First Baptist Church, 152 Ballard St., Pearisburg, VA. The family will receive friends 2 hours before the service from 12 – 2pm at the church.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

02/07/2026

Cheryl, more affectionately known as Sherry, passed peacefully after a long and difficult battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy on January 29th, 2026. She was 66years old. Sherry was born October18,1959 to the late Charles Edward Hawk Jr. and Evelyn Blackwell Hawk. Left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Pamm Bryant (David), Gwendolyn Hawk, and Charles “Chuck” Hawk (Cindy). Her children, Jessica Bryant Gwaltney (Wesley), Laurran Bryant Shoemaker (Scottie), William Hunter Edward Arrington (Samantha Carter), as well as grandchildren Brynna Shoemaker, Alaina Gwaltney, Ella Gwaltney, and Amelia Arrington. Mom was known for her many passions, careers and hobbies throughout her life. She worked as a school bus driver in both Goochland and Powhatan counties off and on for 30 years. She was a 911 dispatcher in Goochland County for nearly 10 years. Her love for helping others through EMS gained her the honor of life member with Manakin Company 1 Volunteer Fire and Rescue. She was also very proud of her volunteer work for Girls Dixie Youth Softball. She served in local, district and state director roles, and was most recently inducted into the Dixie Youth Softball Hall of Fame. Mom’s hobbies included being active and always on the go. She did not know how to sit still for very long. She was an active and accomplished bowler. She enjoyed gardening, being in the sun, and earlier in life, tending the cattle and other critters. She was known to collect strays of both the animal and human variety, as she welcomed and nurtured them both. Mom didn’t care where you came from as long as she thought she could help you out. Mom didn’t miss a family function or good party. She wasn’t afraid to make an appearance and jump right into any situation. Although, she would probably be a little late carrying a mug of Pepsi, which was her most humorous, predictable trait. The family is beyond grateful for the care given to her by the staff at Heritage Hall Rich Creek, Carilion Hospice, as well as her private caregiver, Cassie. They became her family for the past three years, and their generosity and kindness will not be forgotten. Arrangements will be Saturday, February 7th, at 3:00pm, Elpis Christian Church, Maidens, VA. There will be a celebration of life service followed by a floating reception in the church fellowship hall. Contributions can be made to the Heritage Hall Resident Fund, Rich Creek, Virginia

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

02/05/2026

Shelia Gail Johnson, 64, of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Shelia was born on April 28, 1961, in Pearisburg, VA. and was a daughter of the late Larry Leonard Graham and Lindy Ellen Meadows Graham. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Graham, father-in-law, Donald R. Johnson, mother-in-law, Charlotte Jennelle.

Shelia was a member of New Village P.H. Church in Staffordsville. She loved spending time with all of her family and kids, playing bingo, sewing, playing cards and spending time at the lake with her sister. She was known as “Mawmaw Shelia,” to the many family and kids that she babysitted.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Donald “Don Johnson” W. Johnson of Pearisburg, son, Daniel W. Johnson (Kristin) of Pearisburg, 2 grandchildren, River Johnson, Kinsley Frazier, 1 sister, Cindy Raines, 2 brothers, Donald Graham (Missy) of Narrows, Eddie Graham Peterstown, WV, sister-in-law, Leeanna Bland of Pearisburg, 2 nieces, Audrea Bowers (Scott), Christina Richardson, 4 nephews, Ryan Taylor, Jeffery Graham, Matthew Graham, Brian Keith Brown, great nieces and nephews, Alydia Bowers, Brock Bowers, (Brianna & kids), Trent Bowers, (Bella & kids), very special extended family, Billy and Megan Clark and their kids and Steven and Cindy Fisher and their kids and special little buddy, Matthew “Cooter” Brown.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:30am, at the Givens – Riffe Funeral Chapel in Narrows, VA., with Pastor Todd Carr officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 1 hour before the service, from 10:30 – 11:30am.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Service in Narrows, VA, (540) 726-2442; online at riffefuneralservice.com.

02/05/2026

The world lost a great lover of cars today. George McKinnley Martin died unexpectedly. Despite valiant efforts to save him, he succumbed to a fatal heart attack. He is preceded in death by his mother, Helen L. "Lori" Shaw, his stepfather, Don Shaw, and his father Clinton Carroll "CC" Hill; grandmother, Hassie Rogers and grandfather, George "Doc" Rogers; father-in -law, Wiley Blake "WB" Buchanan; grandmothers, Annie C. Buchanan and Ella H. Hedrick; and several dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Coming from a long line of military service, George served as a Navy Corpsman and Assistant Company Commander during the Vietnam era and was also a Platoon Leader and Assistant Drill Instructor in the Army and Reserves . After his stint in the Navy, he joined the Army, serving with a battalion based in Seattle, WA. While living in Seattle, he worked for Todd Shipyards. Later, he moved to VA and worked for Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock.

George graduated from Bryan Adams High School in Dallas, TX in 1969. In his 30's, George decided to pursue the college degree that he was unable to complete in his youth. He attended New River Community College, earning his AS degree, Magna Cum Laude; then ETSU where he majored in manufacturing engineering earning a BS degree. He went on to pursue a Master's degree, but grew tired of the poverty stricken full-time college student life, and left ETSU to work in management for manufacturing companies in TN and VA. His specialties were injection molding and metal fabrication. He retired from Valcom in Roanoke, VA.

George's passion was cars, mainly vintage European sports cars, but he could tell you about most any make and model from the earliest vehicles to the obscure to new releases. He found them fascinating and beautiful, especially convertibles. He owned several vintage sports cars throughout his life, including Porsches, an Austin-Healey, Triumphs, a Jaguar, and several MGBs and MGCs. Early in their marriage, he and Anna traveled to car shows in VA, TN, and NC on weekends. He enjoyed a few years with a BMW Z3, and loved cruising in it with W.B. George supported himself as a mechanic in his youth, helping build Formula Fords, and later paying bills for college as an import sports car mechanic. He loved spending weekends at area cruise-ins, meeting others and admiring their cars. He also enjoyed watching circuit racing and occasionally got to go round a circuit during audience events. He met friend and fellow Porsche enthusiast, Richard Lindsey at a European car event at Road Atlanta. They enjoyed meeting up for races and car events over the years, even going to the Concours d'Elegance on Amelia Island, FL and a Barrett Jackson auto auction in Palm Beach, FL. George spent lots of time with good friend, James "Sarge" Sargent at car events and assisting Sarge with various auto projects. Watching the annual LeMans race with Anna was a tradition and on his bucket list to experience. Even though it had become more physically difficult to work on his beloved cars, he still spent hours researching and watching instruction videos on the internet and would discuss them with friends, especially neighbor and mechanic, Tim Bowen. George frequently swung by Tim's business to discuss projects.

George loved history. He enjoyed many hours of History Channel documentaries, militaria, and sharing his own knowledge about the past. He and WB spent one of their Z3 road trips going to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA, and he enjoyed trips to Colonial Williamsburg with Anna, and several of WB's Air Force reunion trips to various museums throughout the country. He also enjoyed discussing European and Scottish military history with family friend, Hugh MacAlpine of Wick, Highland, in the United Kingdom.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Anna Buchanan Martin; sister, Barbara (Moe) Blanchette; brother, McKinley C. Hill; mother-in-law, Mary H. Buchanan; two close cousins, Kenneth (Tammy) McManus and Roger Germany, along with an extensive list of Rogers cousins; brothers-in-law, Tom (Kim) Buchanan, Ken (Tracy) Buchanan, and Phil (Kate) Buchanan; sister-in-law, Ella Buchanan; nieces, Kathryn Blanchette and Josalyn (Evan) Bell; nephews, Rick (Bethany) Lovering, Tyler (Yessica) Buchanan, George Buchanan, James Robert Buchanan; Blake (Elaina) Buchanan, Holden Buchanan, and Graham Buchanan; and three great-nieces, Eve, Rose, and Mae; dear friends James "Sarge" (Resa) Sargent and James (Sandra) Simpkins.

Also surviving George is his beloved cat, Precious, who misses him very much. She is waiting for him in their special recliner - the one he bought so she had plenty of space to rearrange herself when not napping on his lap. Precious was a stray/neuter foster fail who was treated like a princess by her Daddy.

The family would like to thank special neighbors, Tim and Diana Bowen and their sweet son, Gabriel. The Grandneighbor is grateful for your constant support, help, and friendship. Not sure what we'd do without you.

We would like to thank NRV 911, the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, Christiansburg Police Department, and the Lewis Gale Montgomery ER and ICU staffs for their quick response, skill, care, and kindness.

George is in the care of Givens Funeral Home. He will be interred at the Southwest Virginia Veteran's Cemetery in Dublin, VA. A memorial event will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to your local animal shelter or cat rescue/TNR group; Christiansburg Rescue Squad; 190 Depot St NW, Christiansburg, VA 24073; Vittles for Vets Radford; 7757 Walker Farms Drive; Radford, VA 24141-8089; the Southwest Virginia Veteran's Cemetery; 5550 Bagging Plant Road; Dublin, VA 24084; or your local branch of the American Heart Association

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

01/25/2026

Mark Wilbur Simmons, 75, of Pearisburg, VA passed away peacefully at his home on January 20, 2026. He was born in Radford, VA in 1950 to the late William G. Simmons and Ruth H. Simmons.

Mark was raised in Narrows, VA where he grew up with his 5 siblings whom he loved dearly and looked out for. He had a profound love for athletics and the Green Wave. He graduated from Narrows High School in 1968. He then attended college at Virginia Military Institute where he was an avid Rugby player and graduated in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After college Mark enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a Computer Engineer with a rank of First Lieutenant. After his service he worked at Potomac Electric Power in Washington, DC for a year before returning home to begin his 48 years of dedicated work in construction for The William G. Simmons Company. Throughout those years he worked alongside many members of his family.

In his time away from work, Mark enjoyed spending time on his family farm, a place he deeply cherished. For many years he spent countless hours coaching youth sports in Giles County where he touched numerous lives. He was the biggest fan of his children and grandchildren and rarely missed an opportunity to attend a sporting event or activity that they were involved in. He was an avid collector of model trains, knives, and guns. He enjoyed vacationing with loved ones and spending time fishing on his boat with his wife Denise. He was a dedicated member of The Wilderness Lighthouse in Bland, VA and later Cornerstone Pentecostal Holiness in Narrows. He has many dear friends from both churches. He loved the Lord with all his heart and so loved to tell others about his faith. His biggest wish in life was for those he cared about to give their hearts to the Lord. In the last few months, he loved playing choo-choos with his grandson and playing fetch with his best dog Ginger.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents William and Ruth Simmons, father-in-law Kenneth Anderson and mother-in-law- Alene Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Denise Anderson Simmons, son Andrew (Jennifer) Simmons, daughters Brittany Simmons (Joe) and Olivia (Kyle) Yost. Grandchildren Abby, Kylee, Abigail, Summer, Isaac, Beckett, and a grandson due in March. Siblings John (Donna) Simmons, Bill Keith (Sarah) Simmons, Kevin Simmons, Jeanne (Kerry) Armentrout, and Merry Simmons. Sister-in-law Gina (Mike) Dalton, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Mark was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and paw-paw. He never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. He never missed an opportunity to help those in need. Mark had the biggest personality, was so humorous and loved to laugh and carry on. He is loved beyond measure and painfully missed by his family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 7th at Cornerstone PH Church in Narrows. There will be a visitation from 2-4 pm, with a service immediately following.

Cornerstone PH Church, 809 College Street, Narrows, VA

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

01/22/2026

Lottie Anne Gusler Loving, 86, of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Lottie was born on July 14, 1939, in Giles County, VA., and was a daughter of the late Lacy Cardell Gusler and Winnie Wilburn Gusler. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Alton Loving, son, C.A. Loving, daughter, Sharon Loving Blinsinger,

Lottie was a graduate of the Pearisburg High School Redevils. She worked at Wal-Mart for 28 years at different locations in Virginia.

She is survived by her son, David Loving (Sharon) of Pearisburg, 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, Donnie Gusler (Betty) of Pearisburg, Paul Gusler of Pearisburg, 4 sisters, Kathleen Minnick of N.J., Gean Young (Curtis) of Pembroke, Connie McCroskey (Ernie) of Pearisburg, Mary Trenar of Pearisburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11am with Charles Henderson officiating in the Wilburn Valley Cemetery in Pearisburg, VA.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

01/19/2026

Anna Christine Hockenberger Abel, 86 of Bedford, VA., formerly of Pearisburg, VA., went to her heavenly home to see her husband on Friday, January 16, 2026. Anna was born on July 7, 1939, in Pittsburgh, PA and was a daughter of the late Harry Hansen Hockenberger and Dorothy Reithmueller Hockenberger. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her, husband of 53 years, Edward Ronald Abel, her brother, William Hockenberger and his wife, Lynn, her 2 brothers-in-law and their wives, Bruce Abel and his wife Helene and Glenn Abel and his wife Carol.

Anna grew up in Pittsburgh and after high school, attended Penn State University and was a Tri Delta, earning her B.S. in education in 1961. She married her lifelong partner, Edward Ronald Abel, in August, 1961. With her husband Ed playing professional baseball for the Chicago Cubs, then when he became a pilot in the Navy, they had multiple residences, before they settled in the Philadelphia area, having 3 children. They moved to Pearisburg, VA in 1981 where she and her husband were longtime members of the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg. She was a substitute teacher for the Giles County School System. She enjoyed being an avid Bridge player and a square dancer. She loved being the family and town videographer and photographer. In her later years, her greatest love was playing with and spoiling her grandchildren.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Jill A. Stump (Rowdy) of Pembroke, Wendy A. Burgess (Matt) of Apex, NC, son, Todd Abel of Evington, 6 grandchildren, Nikki Johnston (Rickie), Ryan Spicer (Karli), Ethan Burgess, Emerson Burgess, Logan Abel and Matthew Abel, 3 great grandchildren, Ave-Lee Johnston, Weston Spicer and Kallie Spicer, a brother-in-law, Lee Abel (Connie) of PA and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Givens Funeral Home from 5 - 6:30pm Friday, January 23, 2026. A Celebration of Life following at 6:30pm at the Givens Funeral Chapel in Pearisburg, VA.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg, VA.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

01/15/2026

Martin Andre Rafferty, age 92, of Pearisburg, VA, died on January 13th, 2026, with his family by his side. Martin was born on June 24th, 1933, in Gardner, MA, to Emerson and Madeleine Rafferty. He received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Worchester Polytechnic University. Martin was a veteran of the United States Army. Martin began his professional life working for Esso (now Exxon) in New Jersey. His work took him all over the world, from Spain to Libya to Saudi Arabia. He was fortunate to be able to share those experiences with his family. Martin retired to Salisbury, NC in 1985 with his wife Maria Teresa and son Terry. He was active in Civitan, the Locke Volunteer Fire Department and as a practicing Professional Engineer. He also became a licensed motorcycle driver in his 60s and enjoyed touring with his wife, Terry and Terry’s friends. Martin loved his family, trains and working on construction projects.

Martin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Maria Teresa and children Michael, Kathleen and Phillip. He is survived by his children Patricia Douckas, Gardner, MA and Terrence (Jessie), Pearisburg, VA, six grandchildren and four great grandsons. He is also survived by his brother, Michael (Linda) Rafferty, sister-in-law Giovana Cortina and several nieces and nephews. Per Martin’s request, there will be no services

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

01/10/2026

Melinda Jane Blankenship Gusler, 59, of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at her home. Melinda was born on December 21, 1966, in Princeton, WV and was a daughter of the late Donald Whittaker and Linda Brown Blankenship.

Melinda was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved camping, fishing, riding side by sides and having dinner with friends and family. She never missed a bargain at yard sales or at goodwill. She was also a retired U.S. Mail Carrier.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Paul F. Gusler of Pearisburg, son, William L. Gusler (Christina) of Staffordsville, 2 step-children, Bobby Ray Gusler of Pearisburg, Paula Ann Smith of Pearisburg, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, 5 brothers, Dean, David, Bubby, Dwight and Joe. one sister, Vickie and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6 – 8pm at Thessalia Church in (Sugar Run) Pearisburg, VA. with Charles Henderson officiating.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

01/01/2026

Peggy Lafon Lucas went to be with the Lord on January 1, 2026, on her 87th birthday. She passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, C. F. Lucas along with her parents, Houston and Lorine Lafon, and her four siblings.

Peggy graduated from Pearisburg High School in 1957. While a student, she worked at McLean Drug at their soda counter. After high school, she attended the Bluefield School of Business and was later employed by Leggett in Pearisburg.

Her greatest joy and accomplishment would be as a loving mom to her children and grandchildren. She leaves to cherish her memory, Rene Proco (Gary), Sandra Lucas, and Paul Lucas. Her blessings continued with grandchildren, Ryan Proco, Caitlyn Proco (fiancé Will Gilmore) Kyle Chafin (Beth), Elise Chafin (fiancé Justin Wohlfarth), Presley Lucas and Avery Lucas and two great-grandchildren, Stockton and Elly Chafin.

Peggy was a lifelong Christian and a member of Pearisburg First United Methodist Church. She was a faithful caregiver to many.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Carilion Giles Memorial and especially the amazing care given to her by the nurses and the social worker at Good Samaritan Hospice.

There will be a private family burial at Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home, Pearisburg, VA.

01/01/2026

Celebration of Life for Our Beloved Father

It is with both sorrow for our loss and joy for his eternal reward that we announce the passing of Alfred Francis Katz Jr., of Pearisburg, Virginia, who passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 85. He left this world as he lived it—on his own terms. Alfred was a devoted member of his community and will be remembered for his enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to serving others.

Born on April 27, 1940, in New York City, Alfred—known to family as Al or “Kit”—was the son of Alfred F. Katz Sr. and Geraldine Patricia O’Sullivan Katz. He was a graduate of Pace University and proudly served in the United States Army as a Military Police officer from 1959 to 1961. Alfred was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church and retired from Celanese in 2002 after 26 years of dedicated service.

Alfred was actively involved in the Town of Pearisburg and took great pride in giving back. Over the years, he was active in the Chamber of Commerce, served as President of the Merchants Association, helped organize the town’s annual Festival Around Town, and participated in Relay for Life. His dedication and leadership played an important role in strengthening the sense of community in Pearisburg. During retirement, he taught classes at New River Community College in Dublin, Virginia, and remained busy with Lions Club events.

One of Alfred’s greatest passions was the Pearisburg Lions Club, which he dearly loved. He devoted countless hours of time and energy to the Lions Club and its mission of service, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. He received numerous awards and accolades for his work, but he always felt the work itself was reward enough. Alfred and his wife Mary believed deeply in helping others.

In his free time, Alfred enjoyed cooking. In addition to his civic involvement, he also enjoyed acting with the Little Giles Theatre and found great joy in the performing arts. One of his proudest moments was appearing in the film Wish You Well, which was filmed in Giles County.

Alfred was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. One of his greatest joys was preparing delicious meals for his loved ones and upholding cherished family traditions. To his children, he was known for his wisdom, kindness, dedication, and wry humor. He always made time to talk—whether about cooking or simply to lend an ear and offer advice about work and life. He was affectionately known as “Opa” to his six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary J. Katz, and his brother, Michael K. Katz. He is survived by his brother Peter R. Katz (Donna Katz) of Brick Township, New Jersey.

His precious memory will forever be cherished by his children: Kenneth R. Katz (Donna T. Katz) of Goldbond, Virginia; Lisa K. Martin (David E. Martin) of Pearisburg, Virginia; and Frank J. Katz (Cordairo A. Whitworth) of Kernersville, North Carolina. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Karen K. Braiman (Alain Braiman), Danielle M. Collins (Chris Collins), Heather K. Ferrara (David Ferrara), Michele M. Eppling (Andrew Eppling), Kaitlyn K. Gueta (Alex Gueta), and Matthew R, Martin; and his great-grandchildren: Brantley and Vanessa Ferrara, Milo and Daisy Gueta, Elizabeth and Isabella Braiman, and Banks and Brewer Eppling. He is further survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who loved him deeply.

A Celebration of Al’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, VA., from 5 – 7pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to holy Family Catholic Church in care of Justice and Peace Committee Pearisburg in Alfred F. Katz, Jr.’s honor.

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