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Givens Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Woodrum Street, Pearisburg, VA (2025)

11/21/2025

LeRoy Easley Minnick, 82, of Pearisburg, VA, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at his home.

LeRoy was born on December 14, 1942, in Pearisburg and was a son of the late Frank Andrew Minnick and Sara Earnestine Wilburn Minnick. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Parcell, and his brother, Arnold Minnick.

LeRoy proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves for six years, stationed in Hawaii. It was there, during a dance on Waikiki Beach, that he introduced himself to Noella, who was visiting from New Bedford, Massachusetts. That introduction led to a devoted marriage of 57 years.

LeRoy’s mechanical expertise was a defining trait throughout his life, a standard set during his military service. A letter of commendation famously detailed how he once worked through the night in cold, drizzling rain in New Zealand to replace a malfunctioning propeller on a C-97 aircraft. His precision allowed the crew to depart safely the next morning without a single further adjustment needed.

He brought that same perfectionism back home to Virginia. LeRoy dedicated over 30 years to Celanese and later served 16 years as a locksmith at Virginia Tech. A master of his trade, he simultaneously operated his own business, Lock & Key Repair Shop. Despite his busy schedule, he unselfishly dedicated his annual vacation time to driving his family to Massachusetts to visit his in-laws. These trips, filled with camping and time together, remain some of the family’s most cherished memories.

Known as a man who could fix anything, he maintained his own vehicles, built his own home, and treated the house as a lifelong project, constantly building additions and making improvements. He found peace working outdoors on his lawn, and in his spare time, he enjoyed tinkering with computers and technology.

Though a quiet man who shunned the spotlight, he was deeply respected by all who knew him. His family will fondly remember his tough love, his playful teasing, and the way he spoiled his grandchildren at every opportunity.

He is survived by his wife, Noella Rita Paradis Minnick of Pearisburg; his daughter, Sherry Keough (the late Michael) of Chesapeake; and his two sons, Kevin Minnick (Velvet) of Blacksburg and Scott J. Minnick (Christi) of Riner. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Altizer of Christiansburg, and his six grandchildren: Rebecca, Michael, Jordan, Andrew, Megan, and Cheyanne.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Givens Funeral Chapel in Pearisburg with the Charles Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Wilburn Cemetery in Pearisburg (Wilburn Valley).

The family will receive friends at the Givens Funeral Home one hour prior to the service from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.

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

11/15/2025

Doris Anne Rice Austin, 75 of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 14, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family and loved ones. Doris was born on January 4, 1950, in Pembroke, VA and was a daughter of the late Frank McKinley Rice and Margaret Virginia King Rice. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by 1 brother, James McKinley Rice and 1 sister Elizabeth Rice Knight.

Doris was a loving and very generous lady, who helped many. She loved her family and animals. She enjoyed having her rental houses and her many tenants who were special to her. She loved collecting items that caught her eye and cherished them. She enjoyed crocheting and caring for her many plants. She loved her family and always tried to keep them together. She will be truly missed by her family and loved ones.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Lee Austin of Pearisburg, 3 daughters, Karen Michelle Austin (Chris Pettrey) of Pembroke, Laura Nicole Halikman of Pearisburg and her precious baby daughter, Natasha Lee Austin (loving son-in-law, Stephen DeWayne Sanders) of Pearisburg, 5 grandchildren, Katherine Anne Austin (Michael Steven Willard), Kaylee Cruise (Cody), Ann Marie Neice, Christopher Matthew Combs, Jacqueline Louise Halikman, 2 brothers, Steve Alan Rice (Nancy) of Pembroke, Ronald Dean Rice of Rich Creek, numerous nieces, nephew and many special loved ones and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at the Givens Funeral Chapel, Monday, November 17, 2025, at 1 pm with the Rev. Clay Holt officiating with burial following in the Rice – Janney Family Cemetery (Clendennin Hollow) Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday evening from 6 – 8 pm.

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

11/08/2025

Larry Sherman Hodge, 74, of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 7, 2025. Larry was born on April 15, 1951, in Pearisburg, VA., and was a son of the late Charles Carson Hodge and Irene Miller Kelly Hodge.

Larry was a 1969 graduate of Giles High School in Pearisburg. After high school, he worked at the Lynchburg Foundry retiring after 36 years, then he went to work for Volvo in Dublin in 2004, retiring in 2019 where he was a proud Union Member. He loved his farm, tractor, horses and cows. He loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, great grandchildren, his 2 dogs and picking on his sister, Brenda. Larry always said, he was just an “Old Hippie.”

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Izma Lea Tabor Hodge of Pearisburg, 3 daughters, Angela Hodge of Pearisburg, Tena Simpkins (Randy) of Pearisburg, Tammy Adkins (Randy) of Waynesboro, 5 grandchildren, Tyler Simpkins, C.J. Burleson, Trever Simpkins, Brooke Huff, Ashlee Ledet, 8 great grandchildren, Coleen, Wyatt, Mylan, Troy, Kinsley, Charlotte, Caden, Tatham, sister, Brenda H. Johnson (Benny) of Gretna and their son, Norman Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held, Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 1pm at the Thessalia Church, 125 Robertson Rd, Pearisburg (Wilburn Valley) with Charles Henderson officiating. The family will receive friends at the church 1 hour before the service from 12 – 1 pm.

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

11/03/2025

Phyllis Blanche Stafford Gordon, 85, Elyria, OH, formerly of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 31, 2025. Phyllis was born on May 18, 1940, in Pearisburg and was a daughter of the late Martin Lewey Stafford and Glenna Ellen Johnston Stafford. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Lawrence Denver Vaught and Charles Bernard Gordon, Sr. and 1 grandchild, Troy A. Gordon, 1 brother, Gary Dean Stafford and 1 sister, Margaret Kaye Raynes.

Phyllis was a Railroader’s wife and lived in various places throughout West Virginia and Ohio before retiring to Trigg in the late 1990’s. She was a wonderful Mother and Grandmother who provided a warm, loving home to her children and grandchildren. She was a member of Bear Spring United Methodist Church.

She is survived by 2 sons, L. Dean Vaught (Diane) of Waverly, OH, Charles Bernard Gordon, Jr. (Jeanne) of Indialantic, Fl, 2 daughters, Debra L. Cruz (Richard) of Bellevue, OH, Regina F. Gordon of Elyria, OH, 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 1 sister, Carole Ann Eaton of Pearisburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 1pm at the Givens Funeral Chapel in Pearisburg with the Rev. Gary Poff officiating with burial following in the Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the funeral 1 hour before the service, from 12 – 1 pm.

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

10/27/2025

Dorothy Miller Bales Strauss Thompson, of Pearisburg, VA, and formerly of Salem, VA, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Heritage Hall Rich Creek in Rich Creek, VA. She was 102 years old.

Dorothy was born on June 19, 1923, in Giles County, VA, to the late Edgar Loomis Bales, Sr. and Beatrice Whittaker Bales. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Walter Strauss in 1976, and her husband, Fred C. Thompson, Jr. in 2014. Dorothy was also predeceased by her sister, Annie Irene Moye, and two brothers, Edgar L. Bales, Jr., and “Moody” Eli Madison Bales.

Dorothy was a member of the first graduating class from the new Pearisburg High School. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg and enjoyed a lengthy career as a telephone operator in both Pearisburg and Roanoke.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Connie T. Smith of Pearisburg, VA, and her daughter, Joyce Thompson Skinnell of Midlothian, VA. She is also survived by her granddaughters: Kristi Smith Prillaman (Ron) of Salem, VA; Halona Skinnell Samuel (Cliff) of Amelia Court House, VA; and Erika Smith Reynolds (Adam) of Pearisburg, VA.

Dorothy leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Mason, Madison, Payton, Wren, Lark, Taylor Lynn, Ryan, and Max. Additionally, she is survived by one great-great granddaughter, Parker Mae.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the Givens Funeral Chapel in Pearisburg, VA, with Pastor Jim Tonnell officiating. Burial will follow at Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 PM, half an hour prior to the service.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to everyone at Heritage Hall Rich Creek in Rich Creek, VA, as well as to the Gentiva Hospice team for providing loving care and support to Dorothy during her more than four-year stay at Heritage Hall Rich Creek. Dorothy moved there on September 27, 2021.

Memorial donations may be made to the Giles Lifesaving and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 439, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or the Pearisburg Volunteer Fire Department, 720 Mountain Lake Ave., Pearisburg, VA 24134

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

10/05/2025

Marvin Eugene Munsey, 67, of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 3, 2025, at his home. Marvin was born on February 19, 1958, in Pearisburg and was a son of the late Ralph Marvin Munsey and Sara Ellen Dennis Munsey.

Marvin was a 1976 graduate of Giles High School in Pearisburg. He also attended the Giles Vocational School of Auto Mechanics, winning a national award in Chicago, IL. He was a 30 year plus employee at John’s Auto in Pearisburg where he was well known in the community. Marvin, when not working at the garage, loved farming and raising cattle with his brother Tim and the Robertson brothers, (Roger & Kirby).

He is survived by his wife, Emily Conwell Munsey of Pearisburg, son, Brett A. Munsey of Pearisburg, step-son, Jason Edward Harris of Pearisburg, step-daughter, Trisha Aiken (Mike) of Goose Creek, SC, brother, Timothy Anderson Munsey (Kimberly) of Pearisburg, 4 grandchildren, Amanda Perkins, Caitlyn Martin (Britton), Cory Falls, J.W. Harris, 3 great grandchildren and 2 aunts, Barbara Lucas of Pearisburg and Martha Spicer of Maryville, TN

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11am at the Thessalia Church in Pearisburg (Wilburn Valley) at with Charles Henderson officiating.

09/29/2025

Clifton Linwood “Tony” Meadows, Sr., 87, of Wilburn Valley (Pearisburg, VA.), went to be with the Lord, surrounded by family at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital on September 28, 2025. Tony was born on September 9, 1938, in Giles County, VA. Tony was preceded in death by his daughter Cynthia Lee “Cindy” Meadows Williams, his father and mother, Earl F. Meadows, Sr. and Mamie Chander Meadows and sisters, Faye Smith Carolyn Hamblin, Shirley McDaniel, Judy Dixon and Joyce Altizer.

Tony retired from Celanese after 34 years of work. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He loved his cabin and spending time gardening.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Linda D. Meadows, son Clifton L. “Kip” Meadows, Jr. (Kim) of Pearisburg, grandchildren, Kara Meadows (Aaron), Kala Cook (Conan), Leslie Whitlow (Brett), Anthony Meadows (Tori), great grandchildren, Payton and Wyatt Clark, Sawyer Cook and Madison, Emma and Luna Whitlow. He is also survived by brother, Earl Meadows, Jr., sisters-in-law, Susie Journell and Bonnie Spangler, brother-in-law, Leonard McDaniel, as well as many special nieces and nephews.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated and there will be a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Thessalia Church, 176 Sugar Run Rd., Pearisburg, VA., 24134

09/04/2025

James “Jimmy” Odell Harry 78, of Fishersville, VA, formerly of Pearisburg, VA, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Jimmy was born on October 2, 1946, in Pearisburg and was a son of the late James Otis Harry and Margaret Louise Butler Harry. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth “Bubby” Harry and a sister, Brenda “Sissy” Harry.

Jimmy grew up in Pearisburg, graduated Giles High School in Pearisburg in 1965, and then joined the U.S. Air Force later that year. After his service in the military, he went to work for the Leggett’s Department Store starting in Pearisburg, then working in many different locations including Luray, Covington, Lewisburg, WV, Waynesboro and retiring from the Staunton, VA store. In Jimmy’s later years he took up golf, where he loved playing and watching it on TV.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judith Ann White Harry of Fishersville, VA, 1 daughter, Angela Harry of Roanoke, 1 son, Sheldon Wade Harry (Kelly) of Roanoke, 3 grandchildren, Jackson (Caitlin), Haley, Paige and 3 great grandchildren, Kira, Amelia and Alice.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday September 12, 2025, at 2pm at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, VA.

09/04/2025

Angela Caryn Painter Gautier; Angel, Daughter, Wife, and Mommy returned to being an Angel on September 3, 2025, from Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke. Caryn is sadly missed by her husband Justin Gautier and three children: Theia Rose(7), Hilda Faith(5)and Titus Knox(17 months) and her parents Dr. Conley and Carolyn Webb Painter, all of Pearisburg. Her in-laws missing her are Alvin and Patty Gautier, Jim and Mary Gautier all of Narrows and sister-in-law Amanda Caudill(Richard) of Pearisburg. She is also mourned by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends. She is preceded in death by her late grandparents Jim and Annie LaFon Webb and the late Luther and Vada Worrell Painter.

Caryn was a graduate of Giles High School and Wittenberg University of Springfield, Ohio and considered herself a lifelong learner. When she received the diagnosis of cancer, she immediately became her own advocate to learn about the disease and treatments and her mission became one of encouragement for lifestyle choices for prevention.

Caryn has many special friends and became known as having a special place in her heart for her animal friends.

A visitation time to honor her life will be at Givens Funeral Home on Saturday September 6, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00pm. Funeral services will be held Sunday September 7, 2025, at 2:00pm at New Valley Fellowship, 200 Roberta St. Narrows Va. with Pastor Kevin Weaver officiating with family interment to follow on Monday AM.

09/04/2025

Donna Sue Higgs, 59, of Pearisburg, VA., passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Donna was born on May 8, 1966, in Pearisburg and was a daughter of the late Harvey Lee Higgs and Elsie Ann Caldwell Higgs. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Teresa Higgs Neice.

Donna was a 1984 graduate of Giles High School in Pearisburg. She was a former supervisor of the Virginia Department of Transportation with 32 years of service. Donna was an avid crafter, specializing in making wreaths for family and friends, but her most joy in life, was playing with her “Ellie Belle.”

She is survived by her significant other of 20 years, David Fields of Pearisburg, daughter, Jessica Renee Duncan (Jacob) of Pulaski, 2 step daughters, Pepper Wilson of Rich Creek, Melissa Biggs of Pulaski, 2 brothers, Stanley Higgs (Kathy) of Pearisburg, Mark Higgs (Lee) of Narrows, 1 sister, Julia Diane Higgs of Pearisburg, 8 grandchildren, Alexis, John and Shelby Biggs, Emma and Sarah Lucas, Luke and Leia Duncan her “Angel Baby” Ellie Duncan, 2 great grandchildren, Landon Christian, Owen Duncan and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11am at the Givens Funeral Chapel in Pearisburg with Charles Henderson officiating with burial following in the Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 – 8 pm at the Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg.

09/01/2025

Larry Ross Houchins 71, of Pearisburg has moved from his earthly residence to his heavenly mansion prepared by the Master. His move was made on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at UVA Medical Center after a hard-fought battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Larry is now singing in the Heavenly Choir and walking the streets of gold with his parents, Homer Roscoe Houchins and Avis Shrewsbury Houchins and his brother Gerald Wayne Houchins. We know there was a glorious celebration and reunion upon his arrival.

Larry was born in Pearisburg on September 11, 1953, and was a lifelong resident of Pearisburg. He was a proud Spartan, graduating from Giles High School in the class of 1971, and later attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Larry worked 29 years for Celanese in Narrows, then for Hercules in Radford and retiring from Volvo in Dublin. While working he was sent to Canada, Mexico and Australia numerous times to do training of other employees.

Larry's passion and favorite sport was hunting, but also enjoyed biking, golfing, skiing, white water rafting and recently kayaking. He loved being in the woods spending quiet time meditating, reflecting on his life and talking with God. He loved music and God blessed him with a beautiful tenor voice which he loved sharing by singing in his church choir, Giles Community Choir, at weddings, funerals and many other venues.

Those left to cherish their love and memories and celebrate his extraordinary life are his sons, of whom he was extremely proud. Cole Ross Houchins and wife Olivia and Dr. Beau Reese Houchins and Fiancée Elena Cantwell all of Richmond, and Vince Gallo of Blueridge. His grandchildren, Kallie and Olivia Gallo and his latest, Clara Grace, who brought much joy and was the apple of his eye.

Survivors also included his brothers, Rodney Houchins and girlfriend Diane Bradley, of Pearisburg and Frank Six and wife Jane of Chester. Also, Larry's partner, companion, best friend, caregiver and beloved girlfriend of over 19 years, Terry Dunford. His aunts Gladys Lucas, Pembroke and Rita Shrewsbury, Bluefield and many family members and friends.

Larry loved and was loved by his family of the heart, Dr. Michael and wife Dreama McMahon and family and Rose Dunford whom he loved as his second Mom.

A time to gather in celebration of Larry's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Pembroke, visitation will be 6-8pm on Tuesday September 2, 2025, with the funeral from 1-2pm on Wednesday September 3, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his church, Shady Grove Church, 392 Walkers Creek Valley Rd., Pearisburg, VA 24134 or to a charity of your choice.

Special thanks to Larry's angels (his name for them), 10th floor, Oncology Unit of Carilion Medical Center of Roanoke, Dr. Mock of Blue Ridge Cancer Center and Dr. Findel, Oncology Department Carilion Medical Center and numerous friends who lifted him up in prayer throughout his entire medical struggle. He was extremely grateful for each and every one. The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

08/24/2025

Michael Lee “Mike” Perdue, 73 of Pearisburg, VA., passed away after a brief illness on August 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born on August 2, 1952, in Bluefield, WV., and was a son of the late Bonnie Lee Perdue and Flora Bell Lewis Perdue. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Bobby Perdue and a sister, Caroline Perry.

Mike was a tradesman by heart. There was nothing that he couldn’t fix. He also loved being outdoors. Mike loved all older and antique vehicles of all makes and models.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Crystal, his children, Leslie Billips (Jonathon) of Statesville, NC, Michael Lee Waddell (Robin) of Statesville, NC, Shane Perdue (Cheyanne) of Pearisburg, 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, Jimmy Lee Perdue (Donna) of Bluefield, WV, Richard Dale Perdue of Bluefield, WV and 2 sisters, Linda Duff (Pete) of Bluefield, WV and Ruth Bates of Statesville, NC.

As per his wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no service.

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

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