Donald Charles Hamm
Donald Charles Hamm, 79, of Charleston, passed away on February 21st, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Don was born on July 3, 1945, in Beaumont, Texas. He attended South Park High School where he was a letterman in both track and basketball. After graduation he attended Lamar University, earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. Don was especially proud of graduating at the top of his engineering class, receiving Top of Class honors from the University.
A few years later, in 1969, he proudly graduated with a master’s degree from Arizona State University. Later that year Don began his career with Union Carbide, working at the Texas City plant. In 1976, he relocated with his family to Charleston, where he worked for Carbide for the next 20 years. Don continued a successful engineering career by working with several businesses and special projects, specifically with NGI and MATRIC.
Faith was the foundation of Don’s life, and he made it the centerpiece of his family’s home. After moving to Charleston, he became a member of Boyd Memorial Christian Church and later played a key role in establishing what is today United Disciples of Christ Church. His church family meant the world to him, and he took great pride in his service, teaching Sunday school for over 40 years and guiding others in their faith journey.
Don never met someone that he would not call a friend. A handshake, a smile, a story, or a “fun fact” about the world, left all who met him better for it. Friends often laughed about family stories of his gruff and stern nature because all they ever knew was his generosity, compassion, and gentle nature, often tearing up when surrounded by the people he loved.
A devoted husband and father, Don was deeply committed to his children and their activities. He spent countless hours coaching baseball, soccer, basketball, and softball teams, always leading with encouragement and enthusiasm. His passion for the game extended beyond coaching, and he found true joy in umpiring baseball and softball games in various leagues throughout the valley.
In retirement, Don remained active in his community. He took great pride in working with Union Carbide’s Old Timers Club, volunteering to distribute food at the Covenant House, and, in what he considered his dream job, delivering fancy cars while happily talking people’s ears off with one of his great stories.
Don will be remembered for his strong faith in Christ, his unwavering love for his family, and his endless kindness that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Curley and Emma Hamm, his son Jeffrey Hamm, and his brother Roy Lee Hamm. Don is survived by his loving wife and companion of more than 57 years, Ann Hamm, his children, Rebecca Watson (Jason), Thomas Hamm (Leslie), daughter-in-law Kristine West, his sister Patricia Carpenter (Jim), brother Hoyt Hamm, and his wonderful grandchildren, Ella Watson, Matt Watson, Jack Watson, Sam Hamm, and Hoath Hamm. Along with dozens of nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, Don had a family who cared for him and loved him deeply.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Don’s life and legacy on Saturday, March 29th at United Disciples of Christ Church. Visitation will begin at 4:00 and the celebration of life will begin at 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Don’s church at United Disciples of Christ Church, 100 United Disciples Dr., South Charleston WV, 25309.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Carol Bryan
Carol Wilson Bryan, 87, of South Charleston WV, passed away on February 19, 2025, at Hubbard Hospice House West.
Carol was fabulously independent, quick to help anyone in need, loved going on adventures, and traveled every chance she got. She was an elder in her church, avidly encouraged participation in many charities, loved helping animals, and enjoyed a good beverage. One of her favorite things to do was sit on her porch, sipping coffee and watching all the birds that frequent her yard. She was a good friend, elder, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents John B and Gladys V Hover, her loving husband Robert L Bryan, Jr., her eldest son Robert P Maier, her sister and brother-in-law Judy and Paul (Bud) Chapman, and her dear friend and brother-in-law William H Bryan.
Carol is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Richard C and Marcella R Maier; her daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly D and Dwaine E Ennis; grandchildren, Danny Maier, Howard (Kayla) Miller III, and Michael Miller, great-grandson Mason Miller, nieces Hope Bryan (Terry Hudgins) and Beth Bryan (Bernie Walp) and great-nephews Heath (Dory) Hudgins and Oliver (M.K.) Hudgins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 1, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church in South Charleston with Ginny Taylor officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hubbard Hospice House West.
Memories and online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Franklin D. "Pete" McCoy
Franklin D. “Pete” McCoy, age 91, of Kanawha City, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born June 17, 1933 in Danville, WV, son of the late Charles Sullivan McCoy, I and Callie Caroline Garrison McCoy. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Ellen McCoy; sister, Clara Nichols and brother-in-law Don Nichols; brother, Lawrence McCoy; brothers-in-law, Johnny Angius, Junior Angius, Frank Angius, and Sam Angius; sister-in-law, Trace Sykes;
He was a member of Kanawha City Baptist Church and retired as a truck driver at Krogers. He was a dedicated Coach of Basketball, Baseball and Football for nearly 40 years, touching many lives.
Pete is survived by his children, Wayne (Carla) McCoy of Charleston, Carolyn Sue Devitt of Charleston, and Charles S. II ( Leora) McCoy of St. Albans; sisters-in-law, Rose (Jim) Hayes of Radford, VA, Mary (Harold) Webb of NC, Patty Wooten of Oak Hill, and Josie (Artie) Wriston of Oak Hill; brother-in-law, Jackie Angius of Oak Hill; sisters in law, Brenda and Sandy Angius; six grandchildren, Elissia Devitt, Jeremy (Tressie) McCoy, Zach (Trinity) McCoy, Alex (Alan) Martin, Charles “Chaz” (Meen) McCoy III, and Ella (Garrett) McCoy; and eighteen great grandchildren.
A service to honor Pete’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Kanawha City Baptist Church with Pastor Don Toler officiating. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley, WV. Committal service will be in the mausoleum chapel at 2:30 pm. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 am until service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org/ ; HospiceCare of Charleston 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W, Charleston, WV 25387-2536; or Exceptional Possibilities of WV at exceptionalpossibilitieswv@gmail.com.
The family wishes to thank Amanda Hackney at CenterWell Health and HospiceCare, for all his care and love.
Memories may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Sharman Mickel
Sharman Kay Mickel, 68 of Charleston, WV, passed away on February 17, 2025 after a short illness. She was born on October 22, 1956 in Denver, CO. Sharman was preceded in death by her parents, Retired Lt. Col Mitchell M. Mickel and Linda Thabet Mickel.
Sharman graduated from South Charleston High School in 1975. She was passionate about wearing jewelry and collecting stuffed animals. Sharman lived at the Prestera Health House in Charleston, WV where she was under the care of many loving and generous people. The family would like to thank them for their kindness and support over the years.
Sharman is survived by her sister, Denise Mickel Russell, her brother-in-law Ron and their children Melaina and Garrett.
Following a family private viewing, there will be a public viewing held at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston on Monday, February 24, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Sharman will be laid to rest with her parents in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Sharman’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Teresa Miller
Teresa Frances Banhart Miller, 59, of Charleston, passed away after a short illness on February 13, 2025.
Teresa was a graduate of East Bank High School and attended West Virginia Institute of Technology. She was a realtor for Keller Williams Realty, where she loved her work family, and they loved Teresa as well. Teresa’s game was pool, and when she wasn’t working, you could find her with her pool stick and her “pool family.”
Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, James Banhart and Lucy Billo Banhart.
Teresa is survived by her son, Leith Miller of Charleston; her daughter, Francis Verity Miller of Miami, FL; her aunt, Helen Berry of TN; the father of her children, Scott Miller of Charleston; her sister and best friend, Laura Morrison of Hurricane; and her boyfriend, Ben Craze of Charleston.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of Teresa will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, February 23, 2025, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 36 Norwood Road, Charleston, WV 25314, with the Very Rev. Kim Webster officiating. A private family interment will be held in the St. Matthew’s Episcopal Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (https://adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today).
Memories of Teresa may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Barbara Clark
Barbara Ann Clark passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, at the age of 68. Born on January 10, 1957, to Richard "Dick" and Kathryn "Jo" Clark, she was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and a member of Rock Lake Presbyterian Church. She was known for her kindness and unwavering love for her family.
Barbara is survived by her devoted sister, Susan Spurgeon (Mike) of Saint Albans, and her brother, Neil Clark (Nan) of Cary, North Carolina. She also leaves behind her cherished nephews Bruce Clark (Molly) and Wesley Clark (Amanda), both of North Carolina; Andrew Spurgeon (Arika) of Roanoke, Virginia; and Jason Spurgeon (Bambi) of South Charleston. Additionally, she will be lovingly remembered by her great-nieces and nephews: Finley, Hazel, Ryan, Elizabeth, Charlee, Wyatt, Grayson, Cooper, and Merritt. She was also blessed with the lifelong friendship of Mike Cash and Kelly Lively, who were very dear to her.
Barbara was preceded in death by her loving parents, Richard "Dick" and Kathryn "Jo" Clark, whose love and guidance shaped her into the wonderful person she was.
In respect of Barbara’s wishes, there will be no services.
Barbara was a beloved aunt and great-aunt whose presence will be deeply missed. Her love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuenral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
James Walton
James Eric Walton,66 of Charleston, West Virginia passed away on Wednesday February 12, 2024. He was born July 4, 1958 in S.E., District of Columbia. He graduated High School from the Francis L. Cardozo High School.
James retired from the army in 2014 in the State of West Virginia. He worked at Lorton Penitentiary prior to coming to West Virginia. After moving to Charleston, he was employed with Charleston Job Corp, Shawnee Hills, Mt. Olive Prison, and PAAC.
James also graduated from West Virginia State College, now known as West Virginia State University, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Then he went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Marshall University.
James was preceded in death by his parents James Edward and Hilda B. Walton and brother Timothy Walton and father- in -law Ralph S. Galloway. James leaves behind his wife, Melanie, daughters Deidra, Melissa, Janae’ and son James II. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren; LaTeef Jr., LaRaun, LaTwaun, Melina, Lee, Jaivyn, Joi’a, Josohn. James also leaves to cherish his sisters Tanya, Tina, Tracey, and Theresa, and also his mother –in-law of thirty-four years, Edna E. Galloway and a host of nieces and nephews and friends.
A service to Honor the Life of James will be held at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston with Rev. Linda Duncan officiating. Friends may visit at the funeral home one hour prior to the service beginning at 11:00 am. Interment and Full Military Rights will follow in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Sherry Adkins
Sherry Ann (Spurlock) Adkins, of Charleston, WV, entered into eternal rest with our Heavenly Father. She died on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, after suffering complications from her recent surgeries and illnesses. She had been hoping to recover enough to complete another knee surgery this spring.
She joins beloved grandparents, William E. and Virginia B. Hogshead; Cyril and Ethel Spurlock; Guy and Ruth Adkins (and children, Sharyn and Larry Adkins); and uncles, William E. Hogshead, Jr. and Gary Spurlock; plus, great-grandparents on all sides.
Sherry was married to Glen O. Hudson for 22 years. They enjoyed many happy years together, and remained friends until the end of his life.
She is survived by her mother, Martha V. (Hogshead) Ross and husband, James; father, Danny R. Spurlock (Gail); adopted father, Winston Adkins (Nancy); sister, Donna M. Bowers (Brad), their daughter, Amelia G. Bowers; brother, Tony Adkins (Ellen); aunt, Mary K. (Hogshead) Rizzo (James); their sons, Joseph Rizzo (Trisha) and Michael Rizzo (Alicia). Also, Danny’s sisters: Phyllis (Spurlock) Anderson (David), Connie Spurlock (Lenny), and Chuck Spurlock; plus, other family members and numerous cousins. Of special mention, too, are long-time loves, John McCallister and her beloved Jerry Smeal.
Sherry graduated from Hurricane High School, Class of 1987. Afterwards, she attended WV Junior College in Charleston, attaining a 2-year degree in accounting studies. She attended Judson Baptist Church in Winfield in her younger years, as well as other churches wherever she lived.
Sherry was very talented and worked alongside her husband, Glen, in their sign business, Hudson Signs, for many years. He sketched, while she helped prepare, paint, and install all the various signage, including both signs and billboards for hundreds of businesses throughout the Kanawha Valley. She also handled the accounting duties for this business.
We will miss Sherry very much. She had a beautiful singing voice, really enjoyed all genres of music, and loved singing Karaoke songs too. Her love of music was very real. She also was so proficient in fixing anything that was a gadget! She installed thermostats, privacy cameras, etc. She was very mechanically-inclined. And she loved everything in nature … her flowers, birds, and other animals, but especially her cats and kittens! That love may have been instilled by her grandpa, Bill Hogshead, because he was a true cat lover as well. Sherry would wish that her remaining three cats (of the six she loved so much) … will be adopted. Those cats were most definitely very special in her life, her very own “FUR BABIES!”
We will remember Sherry as a very fun-loving, sassy, and loving person; every happy-go-lucky … AND, ever hopeful for better things to come!
FAREWELL, dear Sherry! May you rest in everlasting peace with the angels, until we shall meet again. LOVE AND KISSES FOREVER!!
A Service to Honor the Life of Sherry will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. Family and friends may visit 1 hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to assist with the funeral expenses by selecting this link, www.tmcfunding.com/funds/sherry-adkins/12557/. All donations will be sent directly to the funeral home.
Memories of Sherry may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
David Michael Higginbotham
David Michael Higginbotham, 75, of South Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on February 7, 2025, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia, with his niece Amanda and nephew Christopher by his side.
David was born on December 11, 1949, to the late Frank and Oleta Verne Simpson Higginbotham. He graduated from South Charleston High School’s Class of 1967, and he was a member of the First United Methodist Church of South Charleston.
David led a remarkable life; he spent much of his career as a general radiotelephone operator working on radio towers. His love for adventure extended underwater, where he became a master scuba instructor. Later in life, he served as a perimeter security officer for Dow and a surveillance officer for Mardi Gras Casino in Cross Lanes.
An avid outdoorsman, David found joy in fishing and hunting. He spent countless hours on the Kanawha River aboard his boat and took memorable fishing trips to Michigan where he reeled in many prized catches. His passion for history and collectibles led him to amass an impressive collection of old paper currency and rare gold and silver coins.
David deeply loved animals, especially rescue dogs, whom he cherished as constant companions. His most recent dog, Whiskers, was his faithful sidekick accompanying him on early morning walks at 3:30 AM.
He also cherished time with his niece and nephew and enjoyed traveling to his niece Amanda’s house in Thornton, West Virginia, every Thanksgiving, creating cherished holiday memories.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lynn Higginbotham Smith; brother-in-law, William “Bill” Smith; grandmother, Ruby Adele Simpson; uncle, Eugene “Gene” Simpson; and aunt, Ruth Simpson.
David is survived by his niece, Amanda Eliese Smith Stolzenfels of Surprise, Arizona; nephew, Christopher William Smith of Thornton, West Virginia; great-nieces Lilliam Soo Stolzenfels of Surprise, Arizona, and Madison Eliese Smith of Thornton; great-nephews Trevor William Smith of Grafton, West Virginia, and Briar Anthony Smith of Thornton, West Virginia; along with several cousins.
A graveside service to honor David’s life will be held at Glendale Cemetery on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM. He will be laid to rest beside his mother and grandmother.
Memories of David may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ralph Lee Barnes
Ralph Lee Barnes, 92, of South Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025.
Born on October 17, 1932, to John Barnes and Ruby Kessinger, Ralph spent his early years in Charleston, growing up on South Park Road. He attended Charleston High School before continuing his education at Morris Harvey College.
In 1953, while proudly serving in the U.S. Army, Ralph married the love of his life, Mary Lou Miller. After his military service, he began his professional career at Union Carbide before joining Brown & Root in 1968, which took him and his family to Houston, TX. In 1980, he returned to the Kanawha Valley to work with MTI, which later became CDI. His career spanned decades in the engineering and construction industries, where he contributed to major projects and built lifelong friendships.
Ralph’s career provided opportunities for international assignments, sparking a deep love of travel that remained with him throughout his life. He spent extended periods working in London and Oslo and explored much of Europe, including a particularly meaningful visit to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. His adventures took him even farther, from a trip to Beijing to an unforgettable experience at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. Later, he returned to Europe multiple times with his sons and took one final trip with Mary Lou to London, Paris, Munich, and Frankfurt.
Family was the heart of Ralph’s life. He and Mary Lou relocated multiple times – including to Houston, Orlando, and Charleston, SC – always staying close to their children and grandchildren while maintaining their home in South Charleston. By 2021, Ralph had earned the affectionate title of “Cool Ass Grandpa,” a moniker he embraced so fully that he signed his cards to his grandchildren with the phrase.
Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Lou; infant son, Richard; and his grandson, Keith Stockman. He is survived by his children: Debbie Kempe, Cindy (Thomas) Hargrave, Lee (Candy Frazier) Barnes, and Randy (Cheryl) Barnes; and his grandchildren: Courtney Hargrave, Beck Hargrave, Chandler (Andrew) Jessup, Ryan Barnes, Erica (David Moore) Barnes, and Brooke (Jacob Moore) Barnes.
The family will hold a celebration of Ralph’s life at a later date.
Memories of Ralph may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.