William A. Rice, Jr.
William A. Rice Jr., passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 78, due to a long illness. He was born in Charleston, WV, on November 15, 1946, to William A. Rice Sr. and Shirley J. Rosenbaum Rice. Bill graduated in 1964 from KMI and went on to WVU, earning a business degree, and in 2016, he was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Charleston. Bill was also a Captain in the U.S. Army before returning to Charleston to run the family business, Virginia Welding Supply, eventually doubling its size and later selling it to Airgas. Before retiring, he worked in various roles, including COO of Airgas, Executive Director of the American Welding Society, and CEO of OKI Bering.
Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cherry Rice; son, David L. Rice, and daughter-in-law, Janine; two grandchildren, Avery and Elle; and three dogs, Beau, Bob, and Will. He is also survived by two brothers, Mike Rice and Joe Rice; sister-in-law, Cathy Rice; nephews, Chris and Ryan.
Bill was predeceased in death by his son, Adam Rice “WAR III”; father, William A. Rice Sr.; mother, Shirley Rice Lewis; and dogs: Sonny, Brandy, Sugar, Spice, Blue, Ginger, Blue II, Mick, and Rose.
Bill was an avid golfer who enjoyed traveling and collecting items from around the world and playing poker with his buddies. He was heavily involved in his community, serving on several boards, including The University of Charleston, American Welding Society, Precision Pump and Valve, BB&T, One Valley Bank, Huntington Bank, and The Bank of WV. He was also Chairman of the Board for CAMC (Vandalia Health System) for 34 years.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of William will be held at 12:30 pm, Thursday, May 15, 202,5 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. A private family interment will follow the service in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit from 10:30 am until service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the William A. Rice Nursing Scholarship Fund, CAMC Foundation, 3414 Staunton Ave, Charleston, WV 25304. Donations can also be made to the William A. Rice Family, Women in Welding Scholarship at the AWS Foundation. Donations can be mailed to the American Welding Society (issue check to: AWS Foundation), Attn: William Rice Scholarship, 8669 NW 36th Street, Suite 130, Miami, FL 33166.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Lindell Bowen Griffith
Lindell Yvonne Bowen Griffith, 74, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in her hometown, Spring Hill. Lindell is predeceased by her mother, Audrey Florence Duncan Bowen and her father, Francis Luther “Tucker” Bowen and late husband, Greg Griffith.
Lindell is survived by her lifelong friend and companion Ray McCoy. She was the youngest of four siblings. Her surviving siblings include: Frances Luana Bowen Chandler, Judith Tucker Bowen Romano, both of whom reside in Daytona Beach, FL and Eddie Warren Bowen, of Villa Rica, GA. Nieces and nephews include Gerald Ross Chandler Jr. of San Diego, CA, Vicki Billups Vaughan of South Charleston, Gina Louann Billups of Daytona Beach, FL, Paula Potter, EdD, of South Charleston, Dr. Robert Paul Romano of Clarksburg, WV, Jennifer Jean Bowen of Marietta, GA, Carrie Lynn Bowen O’Bryant of Marietta, Ga, and Lindsey Della Bowen Malone of Roswell, GA.
Lindell attended Spring Hill Junior High School where she was a majorette and was a 1968 graduate of South Charleston High School.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Ray McCoy for his kindness, support, and care for Lindell.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of Lindell will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston with visitation beginning at 1:30 pm until service time.
Memories of Lindell may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuenral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Sharon Kay Walker
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sharon Kay Walker, who went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 17,2025. Sharon was born in Logan, WV, on December 8,1956, and lived in Chelyan, WV.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband, her best friend, Tommy Walker. She is also survived by her brothers, Levi and Robert (Bob) A. Miller Jr.; as well as her nieces, Amber, Kristin, and Malissa; and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert A. Sr. and Helen Miller, as well as her loving sister-in-law, Paula Miller.
Sharon was known for her unwavering kindness and gentle spirit. She was an avid baker and loved to decorate for the holidays. She served many people through her love of baking throughout the years. She loved her savior Jesus Christ, and the family reunion in heaven has just begun, but her family on earth cannot wait to be reunited with her. A memorial service will not be held at this time.
Memories of Sharon may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Frances Virginia Buchanan
Frances Virginia Buchanan, Born August 24, 1955 to Eleanor Johnston Buchanan and John Willis Buchanan in Charleston, WV passed away on April 20, 2025.
She is survived by three siblings: her twin sister, Ann Buchanan Griffith of Vienna, WV, her brothers, John Rolla Buchanan (Gina), and William Byron Buchanan (Sallie, deceased) all of Kanawha County. She has one niece, Erika Buchanan, and two nephews, Jack Buchanan Griffith of Memphis, TN and Robert Owens Griffith of Parkersburg, WV, one great niece, Abigail Griffith of Memphis, TN., and a step niece and a step nephew.
Frances graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School and studied landscape design at West Virginia University, which remained a passion of hers throughout her life. She ultimately chose to study Community Health and received a Master Degree in that subject. She worked at Public Employees Insurance Agency for many years before her retirement. She also worked part time for Adult Education.
During her retirement, she continued to pursue her passion of community health and landscaping by volunteering with Meals on Wheels and the Garden Club at St. Christopher Episcopal Church, where she was a long-time member. She enjoyed seeing new places and meals with friends and family, but found that she was happiest when serving others. She will be sadly missed by her friends, family and neighbors. She was a good friend to all of us.
Friends may call from 11:00 AM- 12:00 at St. Christopher on Monday, April 28 followed by a Funeral Service beginning at Noon. Father Chris Thompson will officiate. Internment will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to St. Christopher Garden Club or Peterkin Conference Center in Romney, 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, South Charleston.
Pauline "Polly" Scragg Johnson
Pauline “Polly” Scragg Johnson, 93, of Charleston, died on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in HospiceCare at CAMC Memorial Hospital after a short illness.
Polly was the daughter of the late Ernest and Ebble Scragg, and was born on March 31, 1932, in Boone County, WV.
Polly was predeceased by her sisters: Lillian Keeney, Jennie Scragg, Vivian “Bibbee” Marcum, and Peggy Scragg; and brothers, Ernestine Scragg and Harold “Curly” Scragg. She was also recently predeceased by a special nephew, Harold Dean Miles, in November of 2024.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and John Frail; grandchildren, Robert “JR” Kerns, Whitney Kerns, and Haleigh Frail; great-grandchildren, Elle and Kellan Kerns; and sister, Anna Miles.
A private graveside service for Polly was held at Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston.
Memories of Polly may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Louise A. Simon
Louise A. Simon, 88, of Charleston, passed away on April 19, 2025, at her home.
Louise was a life-long resident of Charleston and a graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School. She worked at the Diamond department store for many years before working for the Charleston Newspapers, where she became a District Manager before her retirement. Louise was also a life-long member of the St. George Orthodox Cathedral, loved animals (especially her dogs), and was a fierce protector to anyone she loved.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Mary Simon; and her brother, George Simon. She is survived by her sister, Nancy Sammons; nieces, Suzanne Wilson and Carol Simon; nephews, Louis Simon and Richard Simon;
several great-nieces and nephews; and her long-time friend, Joyce Brown.
A Service to Honor the Life of Louise will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Charleston, with Rev. Fr. Alex Mackoul officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. George Foundation (https://stgeorgecharleston.org/donate/) or to HospiceCare (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/).
Memories of Louise may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Betty N. Oakes
Betty N. Oakes, age 91 of South Charleston, passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Hubbard Hospice House after a short illness.
She was born August 9. 1933 in Volga, WV daughter of the late Rex and Eva P. Barker Nuzum. She was preceded in death by her husband and soulmate John Oakes as well as her bothers Darious and Elbert Nuzum and sister Karen Adams.
Betty is survived by two daughters, Angela Combs of Blacksburg, VA and Deanna McClung (Jay) of Wilmington, NC: son Frank Oakes of South Charleston: grandchildren Andrea, Hannah, Madison, Noah and Annie Kay: and great grandchildren, Landon, Riley, Levi, Finley, Leo, and Avilene. She is also survived by sisters Agnes Murphy and Cheryl Crouse.
Betty was much loved by her family and friends. Her sweetness and sense of humor continued even as her health declined these last weeks. She will be greatly missed.
A service to honor the life of Betty will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday April 21, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Patricia Jarvis officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at the funeral home.
In memory of Betty a donation may be made to Kanawha Valley Senior Services, Inc. (KVSS), 1710 Pennsylvania Avenue, Charleston, WV 25302-3934. KVSS provided Betty with meals for several years, allowing her to continue living independently.
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.
Barry Lisenbee
Barry Lisenbee, 75, of Charleston, WV, passed away on April 12, 2025.
He leaves behind his loving sister Gail Lacroix, twin brother, Kenneth Lisenbee, and baby sister, Tammy Jarrell and her husband, Glenn.
Barry was employed by the State of West Viriginia Department of Health Statistic Center. He was a former employee of Columbia Gas as well as holding many other jobs over his lifetime. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, history and the arts and would frequently visit Taylor Books. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
The family will hold a private memorial at a later date. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Stephanie Lynn Donahoe
Stephanie Lynn Donahoe, 61, of South Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on April 11, 2025, at Thomas Memorial Hospital.
Stephanie is preceded in death by her mother, Orita Jean Bonnett, and grandmother, Anna Eugenia Webb.
Stephanie is survived by her daughter and best friend, Amanda Donahoe; one beloved sister, Jennifer Grady (Michael); one brother, Duncan Bonnett (Delilah); and three nephews, Alex Grady, Ben Grady, and Chris Grady. Stephanie is also survived by her two bonus daughters, one great-niece, two great-nephews, and many special friends and loved ones.
Stephanie was a local of South Charleston, West Virginia. She graduated from South Charleston High School in 1981. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in accounting from West Virginia State University. Stephanie spent her career working for Associated Architects and Pickering Associates, where she took great pride in her work. She especially enjoyed the events she was able to partake in through her work that allowed her to give back to the community that she loved.
Stephanie was fearless, strong, protective, and funny. She loved horses, spending time at the barn, pickleball, music, and being surrounded by her family and friends. However, Stephanie’s greatest joy in life was being a mother to Amanda. From hours spent on the phone together to hiking trips at Summersville to attending Barry Manilow concerts, they made countless memories that made up a life well lived.
A celebration to honor the life of Stephanie will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Pastor William Basham officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The service will follow at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association.
Memories of Stephanie may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
John Edward Grandon
John Edward Grandon, 84, of South Charleston, passed away on April 13, 2025, at WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital.
John was born on June 9, 1940, in Hundred, West Virginia, to the late Glen Edward Grandon and Virginia Lee Main Grandon. He grew up in Charleston, graduating from Charleston High School, Class of 1958, where he helped plan class reunions for the 1950’s classes.
John loved sports. He was the place kicker for the Charleston High School football team, played catcher on the Marshall University baseball team, played golf on the Dupont Chemical plant’s golf league, played softball for his church league team, coached the basketball and baseball teams that his children played on, refereed high school football for the WVSSAC for over 35 years, worked the finish-line at the Charleston Distance Run for decades, and was a season ticket holder for WVU football for more than 40 years.
John was also a hard worker. In his high school years, he would deliver newspapers, and then as a father, helped his children do a Sunday paper delivery route. His career was with the Dupont Chemical Company, retiring from the Belle plant.
John was blessed to meet the “love of his life” – Sharon “Bunny” Eads -to whom he was joined in marriage on January 24, 1959, and enjoyed 57 anniversaries with her.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Glen Grandon and Virginia Grandon; and his beloved wife, Sharon “Bunny” Grandon. He is survived by his children: Mark Grandon, Kim Heath (Ron), and Mike Grandon (Shelley); grandchildren: Joshua (Brittany), Lindsey, Dylan, Haley, and Colin; great grandchildren: Alex, Bentley, Anthony, James, Piper, and Brooklyn; and his faithful, furry companion, Luci.
A Service to Honor the Life of John will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Rev. Cindy Briggs-Biondi officiating and Rev. Monty Brown bringing the eulogy. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Memories of John can be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.