Robin Smith Francis
Robin Smith Francis, 71, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025. She was born on December 1, 1953, in Charleston, where she lived her entire life surrounded by family, friends, and community.
Robin dedicated more than forty years of her life to education, serving as both a teacher and a vice principal. She touched countless lives with her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues. Her legacy as an educator lives on in the many people she inspired and guided.
Above all, Robin was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband, Kelly Francis; her children, Kerry and Katey; and her cherished grandchildren, Maxim, Avery, Wyatt, Everett, Myles, and Merek. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into every moment she spent with them.
A woman of faith, Robin lived with kindness, strength, and grace. She will be remembered for her deep love of family, her dedication to education, and her ability to make others feel cared for and supported.
A Service to Honor the Life of Robin will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service.
Memories of Robin may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Barbara Ruby
Barbara Louise Faull Ruby, 86, of South Charleston, West Virginia, passed peacefully after a long battle with dementia on September 5, 2025, at Meadowbrook Acres Nursing Center, Charleston, WV.
She was born November 24,1938 in Portage, PA. She was as raised in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and West Virginia as her father was a coal mining engineer. She attended Cumberland Township and graduated from East Bank High School in 1957. She completed medical assistant/secretary in Cleveland OH in 1958. She worked for Dr. Grubb, then at Union Carbide before becoming a homemaker. She enjoyed her many crafts and hobbies which included road racing her triumph, boating, camping, fishing, golfing, sewing, leather crafting, needlepoint, folk art, tole painting, China painting, beading, wire wrapping and jewelry making. She was honored to have two hand painted China ornaments displayed at the Smithsonian Institute. She volunteered with the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Charleston, WV before she and her husband retired in North Carolina. There she volunteered with the Ocean Isle Beach Rescue Squad.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, John B Ruby, Jr,; her son, John B Ruby, III; parents, Albion and Hazel Faull; brothers, Jack Faull and Arthur Faull; sisters, Virginia Runion, Patricia Robinette and Vivian Bragg.
She is survived by her daughter, Barbara "Bobbie" (Craig) Morton; grandchildren, Nikki (Adam) Hackney and Michael (Hollie) Smith; seven great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A graveside service to Honor the Life of Barbara will be held at 11 am, Saturday, September 20, 2025 in the Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
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.
Jane Hain Ray
Jane Hain Ray, beloved wife, mother, and “Nana,” died on September 14, 2025, at the age of 98. Born in Selma, Alabama, Jane was the daughter of Jesse Hardy Hain and Anne Foster Hain of Sardis, where she spent her childhood. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Lakin Ray, following 67 years of marriage, and a daughter, Lakin Ray Cook. Jane is survived by her other daughters, Anne Ray Silbernagel and Jane Ray Halpin (Steve); son-in-law, Thomas Stephenson Cook; five grandchildren: Frederick Lawrence Silbernagel IV (Lindsay), John Lakin Ray Silbernagel (Ashley), Andrew Riggin Silbernagel (Julia), Stephen Robert Halpin III (Kathleen), and Catherine Halpin Stephens (Eric); and eight great grandchildren: Emmarilla Jane Silbernagel, Frederick Lawrence Silbernagel V, John Nicholas Silbernagel, Madeline Ray Silbernagel, Henry Riggin Silbernagel, Lily Ray Silbernagel, Stephen Robert Halpin IV, and Charlotte Jane Stephens.
Jane attended Hollins College for one year and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1949, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Jane married John Lakin Ray in 1951; they lived in Charlottesville, Virginia, for John’s final year of law school, after which they made their home in Charleston, W.Va., and raised three daughters. Even though Jane was not a native of Charleston, she willingly embraced her new “life in the north” and, in addition to bringing up those three daughters, wove a unique tapestry of service, friendships, and philanthropy here for over 70 years.
Jane was an active volunteer of the Briar Hills Garden Club, the Junior League of Charleston, and the Kings Daughters group, which sewed infant clothing for needy mothers. She also served as a docent for the original Sunrise Museum in South Hills. Jane was a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames for over 50 years, where she held many positions, including Corresponding Secretary, Patriotic Service Chairman, Historical Activities Chairman, and the WV delegate, “Lady of Dumbarton,” for 4 years. In 2006, she was named to the Roll of Honor. One of Jane’s greatest delights was doing the needle-point depiction of the State of West Virginia, which hangs in the national Dames Headquarters of Dumbarton House in Washington, D.C.
Jane was a member of Christ Church United Methodist, where she again contributed her needle-point talents. In the early 1980’s, 23 women of Christ Church labored to create 21 kneeling cushions, illustrating the life of Christ in symbols. The cushions were to surround the communion rails of the Sanctuary, and are still used today. Jane was solely responsible for one cushion (staff and torch), as well as aiding with many others. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing curtains and bedspreads for the home early in her marriage and one-of-a-kind clothing for her daughters and herself in later years, not to mention a myriad of ballet recital and Halloween costumes.
Along with John, Jane was a loyal patron of the Kanawha County Public Library and the Arts in Charleston, in particular the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Clay Center for the Arts. Jane was an active participant of the Charleston Alumni group of Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters, recently receiving her 50-year pin. She enjoyed playing Bridge, and belonged to several friend groups over the years.
Although Jane was raised in the South at a time when girls weren’t encouraged to play sports, she was a proficient swimmer and could execute certain dives quite well. She played the xylophone as a young girl and studied ballet for many years. Along with John, she taught her children (and grandchildren) the art of body surfing in the ocean during many family vacations at Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head. A rumor has surfaced that Jane once modeled swimsuits for Peck’s clothing store… A long-time member of the Edgewood Country Club, Jane took up tennis while living in Charleston, tried golf and left it to John, though she always supported his passion for it. She sat through many CCUM girls’ basketball games, and often performed a double-dinner shift to feed everyone in the family through the activities. Jane was a fierce patriot of her Alabama Crimson Tide. She rarely missed watching the games and was always “in the know” about the players.
Jane loved travel and she and John and the girls took many trips throughout the U.S. and Europe in addition to the beach vacations. She and John toured Alaska, the Panama Canal, Costa Rica, and parts of the Mediterranean on their own, and often went up to New York City for Broadway shows.
The family wishes to thank Conya Huffman, Jacqueline Brandon, and the caregivers at Hubbard Hospice House for their care and kindness to Jane.
A Funeral Service will be held at Christ Church United Methodist on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston. Snodgrass Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kanawha County Public Library (https://www.kcpls.org/about/support-the-library/donate) or the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (https://wvsymphony.my.salesforce-sites.com/donate/?dfId=a0n1G00000O2Zl2QAF&) .
Memories of Jane may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary.
Erma Kennedy
Erma Lou Kennedy, 70, of Harts, WV, went home to be with the Lord on August 31, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born to the late Jake and Geneva (Layne) Wolford of Phelps, Ky, Erma lived a life rooted in faith, family, and love. She shared her life with her devoted husband, Larry Kennedy, and together they built a home filled with care and lots of laughter.
She was the proud mother of three daughters, Brenda Coggins, Jessica Smith and husband Charles, and Amanda Baltusnik and husband Peter. Her joy multiplied with her grandchildren—Stephen Epling, Christina Blankenship, and Jacob Rannenberg and wife Hannah—who were her heart’s delight. She is also survived by her sister, Ocie Smith, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will cherish her memory.
Erma loved Jesus with all her heart and reflected His kindness in the way she lived. She found happiness in simple treasures—time with her family and the companionship of her beloved little dog Minnie, and faith that she nurtured throughout her life.
Her legacy of love, faith, and strength will continue to shine through all who knew her.
A celebration of Erma’s life will be held at a future date, when all of her daughters are able to be present.
Stephanie Anne Haaland
Stephanie Anne Haaland, 49, of Charleston, passed away on September 6, 2025, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, following a sudden illness.
She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Robin Joy Haaland. She is survived by her father, Donald Haaland; daughters, Aurora and Kaitlyn Haaland; granddaughter, Maya; aunt, Kim Burford; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.
Stephanie found joy in life through her faith as a Christian, helping all those she could, meeting new people, and any friendships made along the way. She touched the lives of many and is greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at the Bible Believers Fellowship Church, formerly known as St. Paul Methodist (4606 Kanawha Tpke, South Charleston), at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, with Pastor Tony Saunders officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life for Stephanie on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston. The family welcomes you to come with love in your hearts.
Memories of Stephanie may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Michael Alan Atkinson, II
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Alan Atkinson II, affectionately known as Mikie, who left us on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the age of 39. A native of South Charleston, Mikie was a devoted son, father, brother, and uncle whose impact on the lives of those around him will be felt for years to come.
Mikie was a proud graduate of South Charleston High School, class of 2004. His commitment to serving his community was evident throughout his 20-year career in emergency services, where he held various roles including volunteer firefighter, police officer, parole officer, EMT, paramedic, and 911 operator. Most recently, he served with dedication at Metro 911. Mikie was a true hero, always putting the needs of others before his own, even as he faced his own personal battles.
He is preceded in death by his beloved father, Michael Atkinson, and his cherished grandparents, Steve and Winnie Atkinson, and George and Betty Mitchell. Mikie leaves behind a legacy of love and strength through his daughters, Addisyn Watson and Brynleigh Atkinson, and his partner, Samantha McKenzie. He also embraced his role as a bonus father to Kaylin, Caroline, Shelby, and Kai, who will forever hold him in their hearts.
Mikie is survived by his loving mother, Angela Lovejoy, and step-father, Steven Wilson. He shared a special bond with his brothers, Shawn Atkinson, Tyler Atkinson, and Stephen Deweese, as well as his niece, Aubrielle Atkinson, and nephews, Camden Atkinson and Fenway Atkinson. Each of them carries a piece of his spirit and will remember him fondly.
A Service to Honor the Life of Mikie will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, located at 4606 Kanawha Turnpike Access, South Charleston, WV 25309 with Pastor Jarrod Caltrider officiating. A graveside ceremony will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park in St. Albans, where we will honor Mikie’s life and legacy. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service beginning at Noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made through the funeral home donation link https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/michael-alan-atkinson-ii/14273/ to assist with funeral expenses.
Mikie’s unwavering spirit, kindness, and dedication to others will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace, knowing he made a difference in the lives of so many.
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, WV.
Darrell Dewayne Herold
Darrell Dewayne Herold, 75, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on August 31, 2025, at WVU Thomas Memorial Hospital, surrounded by loved ones and confident in his faith as he went to be with the Lord.
Darrell was raised up on the Elk River and was a graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. He then served his country, four years in the United States Air Force, where he met the love of his life, Cindy, in Bangor, Maine. Darrell and Cindy enjoyed 53 years of marriage and made their life-long home on Spring Hill Mountain in South Charleston. Darrell worked at DOW/Union Carbide, where he retired after 38 years of service.
Darrell loved the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and riding his side-by-side. In the springtime, he enjoyed “molly mooching,” but never told but a few where he found them! He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and having a cold one-or-two. He was full of life and personality, a natural jokester, and always happy. He would want everyone around him happy and smiling.
Darrell was preceded in death by his father, Edsell Monroe Herold; his mother, Jaunita Ann Herold; and brother, Herbert Holly Herold. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Cindy Herold; son, Toby Herold; daughters, Mandy Whitman (Jeff) and Jody Herold (Josh); grandchildren: Briah, Kaylee, Maci, Brock, Rowan, and Myla; brothers, John Herold and Mike (Debbie) Herold.
A Celebration of Life for Darrell will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV. A private family entombment with Military Honors will be held in the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, WV.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Jogenpally, all of the staff at WVU Thomas Cancer Center, and 4 Pavillion, for all of their kindness, support, and care to Darrell during his fight against cancer. In the words of Darrell, “Yee-Haw!”
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the WVU Thomas Memorial Hospital Cancer Center.
Memories of Darrell may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Dennis "Denny" Warren Westover
Dennis Warren Westover (Denny), 75, passed peacefully in his sleep on August 29, 2025, at his home in South Charleston, WV, after suffering for many years with pain from 2 knee replacements, pins in his right ankle, and Tinnitus - (ringing in his ears).
Denny became an Electrical Engineer after earning his engineering degree from Grove City College, a conservative Christian college in his home state of Pennsylvania. He moved to West Virginia in 1980, and worked for many years as a construction supervisor at ThyssenKrupp (now TKE), managing elevator installations across 5 states from his office in Charleston.
Denny was a strong warrior for the Lord, and an ardent activist working with our state legislators and other community and church leaders, fighting for righteousness, justice, and truth throughout society, in the Church, and in our public school system. He positively impacted the lives of many recovering from addiction, those formerly incarcerated as felons, and children, through his longtime work with Celebrate Recovery, the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, the Boys to Men youth mentoring program, and through his own conservative activist organization, Christian American Patriots-WV, which focused on protecting our kids from grooming, social indoctrination, and obscenity in schools and in library books.
Denny worked with national Christian organizations, such as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Promise Keepers, to organize large Christian events, including the 2016 National Day of Prayer with Franklin Graham at our state capital.
Denny married his wife, Gail, "the love of [his] life" on April 4, 2021.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Warren Henry Westover and Helen Louise Hartle; and is survived by his wife, Gail; sisters, Kim Oyler and Joyce Williams; and children, Doug and Christin Westover.
Denny enjoyed spending time with his children and sisters. He was especially proud of Kamaya Cogar, his step-granddaughter from a previous marriage.
A Home-Going celebration to Honor the Life of Denny will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Valley Christian Assembly, 1703 Bigley Avenue, Charleston, WV.
Memories may be shared by visiting www.Snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting his obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Andrew James Paterno
Andrew James Paterno, affectionately known as Andy, 77, of South Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025. Andy was born on September 5, 1947, in Charleston, WV.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Mafalda Paterno; his brother, Mike; his in-laws, Joe and Evelyn Femia; his brother-in-law, Sam Femia, and many others waiting for him to join them in heaven. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Jo Paterno; his Children, Niki Paterno Kurten (Mark), Tony Paterno (Erica); his grandchildren, Sophia, Gia, Dominic and Vincent; his brothers, Louie (Janna) and Joe (Karen); many in-laws, nieces, and nephews; and special cousin, David Houchins (Donna).
Andy was a distinguished professional whose career spanned several decades and numerous leadership roles. He served as the CEO of Centurion Insurance Services, where his visionary leadership was instrumental in driving the company's growth and success. Prior to this, he held the position of President for the West Virginia Region of Huntington National Bank for over five years, demonstrating his exceptional ability to lead and inspire teams.
Andy’s career also included significant roles, such as Vice Chairman at Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, and Managing Director for the Mid-Atlantic Region, overseeing 35+ locations. His dedication to public service was evident through his tenure as Assistant Director of the WV Civil Service System and his contributions as a staff member in the Governor’s Office of Economic and Community Development.
His achievements were recognized through numerous honors and accolades. Andy was inducted into the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame in 2018 and the University of Charleston Hall of Fame in 2008. He was named Alumnus of the Year by the University of Charleston in 2021, and received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Charleston in 2019 and Concord University in 2016. His contributions to the community were further acknowledged when he was named Italian American Man of the Year in 1999 and Son of the Year by the WV Society of Washington, DC, in 2000. He was also listed in Who’s Who in West Virginia Business in 2014.
Andy held a B.A. in Geography and Economics from Concord College and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Charleston. After college, he spent time serving in the United States Army.
Beyond his professional achievements, Andy was deeply involved in his community. He served as Managing Partner of the Charleston Alley Cats and held board memberships with several organizations, including the West Virginia Roundtable, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, West Virginia Banker’s Association, Foundation for Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals, Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of WV, Girl Scouts Black Diamond Council, Concord University Foundation, and Coal Contractors Insurance Limited Board.
Andy’s legacy is one of dedication, leadership, and community service. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the organizations he served and the people he worked with. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to excellence and his profound impact on the community.
Beyond Andy’s career success and accolades, he was an exceptional human being. Andy never met a stranger, and when he did, he was usually offering them a ride, a room in his home, or some of his wife’s food. Andy was one of the most generous men you would ever meet. He cared deeply about everyone, always wanting to help and do whatever he could to make others’ lives a little easier. He had the innate gift of making everyone feel special, loved, and important.
Andy loved many people in his life, but none more than his wife of fifty-two years, Mary Jo. There was no one he would rather spend time with. Andy loved showing off Mary’s cooking skills and would often invite friends and co-workers over to join them for a meal. They spent fifty-two years loving and taking care of each other. They enjoyed many travels and wonderful times together. Andy never wanted to be away from Mary Jo, and he got his wish.
Family was everything to Andy. After his wife, his other great loves were his two kids, Niki and Tony. He was an amazing father and always proud of his kids. They would often laugh and fight over which one was the “golden child.” In reality, it was both of them. He loved his children deeply and unconditionally. He gave them the best life imaginable.
Andy also loved his four grandchildren, his brothers, in-laws, and all of his nieces and nephews. Andy loved taking care of his family, his people. He found great joy in doing things for them and making sure everyone always had everything they needed. He loved being around them and cherished his relationships with all of them.
Andy was an epic storyteller and would captivate those around him with the stories of his life. Living a life without regrets is an ambitious goal. Andy not only met it, he exceeded it. Andy loved life. He woke up every morning, happy about the day ahead of him. He took full advantage of his time on earth. He laughed, he cried, he loved, he won, and he lost. Andy ate great food, he drank great wine, he smoked fine cigars, had incredible friends, and a heart bigger than any of us deserved. Andy left this world better than he found it.
His family and friends will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to share in his wonderful life, to have been gifted with his humor, and to have been on the receiving end of his giant heart.
A visitation will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Charleston on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 6-9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Grade School, to help cover the costs of student needs. Andy loved helping the kids who needed it. We will continue that legacy for him.
Memories of Andy may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Patrick Clifford Graney, III
Patrick Clifford Graney, III of Charleston, West Virginia, died on August 29, 2025, peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and four sons. He was 72 years old.
Born on June 27,1953, in Charleston, WV, to the late Patrick Clifford Graney, Jr. and Anne Revercomb Graney, Pat’s family moved to Mt. Hope, where he grew up. He attended Mt. Hope Elementary School and Mt. Hope Junior High School. During his childhood, he had a brief career as a pet fish breeder (with over ten tanks), formed a band with several buddies called the Sons of Freedom, and played as much golf as he could at White Oak Country Club. Following in his father’s footsteps, he attended boarding school at Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, MA, where he graduated in 1971. He then matriculated to the University of Virginia, where he was actively engaged in academic and student leadership activities, including Managing Editor of the Cavalier Daily, an Honor Committee Adviser, a member of St. Elmo Hall, a member of the IMP Society, and held the esteemed honor of living on the Lawn. He earned the distinguished Raven Award at UVA for service and contribution to the University. At the end of his first year at UVA, he was invited to a surprise birthday party for a classmate he hadn’t yet met; the birthday girl was Jessica Ann Smith. This was the start of their lifelong partnership. After Pat graduated from UVA in 1975 with a B.A. in University Studies, with an emphasis in History and Economics, he and Jessica were married on July 26, 1975, and moved to Beckley, West Virginia, to begin their life together. Pat returned to the University of Virginia and earned a Master of Business Administration in 1981. Pat and Jessica moved to Charleston, West Virginia, in 1985.
Pat started his career working in the coal industry for the businessman Jack Long, and at the encouragement of his grandmother, Thelma Snyder Graney, purchased a small petroleum distributorship in 1975 called Petroleum Products, Inc. Beginning in 1988, Pat turned his attention fully to growing Petroleum Products and his other business, the One Stop Convenient Store Chain. Over his career, Pat grew Petroleum Products from eleven West Virginia employees to a multi-state business, serving the coal, construction and oil and gas industries. He also grew One Stop, alongside his brother, to a 50+ store regional chain. After selling his businesses, Pat officially “flunked retirement” and continued his professional career through various endeavors in real estate, the oil and gas industry, and other entrepreneurial ventures. In 2014, he was one of the proud founding members, along with his two oldest sons, of Nacelle Solutions. He has also served on several corporate boards over the years, including The Bank of Mount Hope, Appalachian Tire, City National Bank, The Mountain Company, Truist Bank, and Ramaco Resources. Pat was inducted into the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame in 2014. Pat also served as an investor, mentor, and advisor to companies and entrepreneurs across several industries nationwide. During this “retirement,” Pat helped his four sons launch businesses and served as their top advisor, mentor, and supporter.
In addition to his impressive business career, Pat dedicated a significant portion of his life to public and government service. Pat served as Financial Strategist to the Governor of West Virginia in the Office of Community and Industrial Development from 1985-87. He also served as volunteer Co-Chairman of the successful bipartisan campaign to enact the Stock Investment Amendment in 1997, positively impacting the financial landscape of West Virginia for generations to come. In December 2008, Pat was appointed to the Board of Trustees for the Richmond Federal Reserve, serving from 2008-13, advising the Richmond Fed President on business issues and concerns on behalf of his fellow West Virginians. Pat also served in leadership roles for many government advocacy organizations, including the Board of the West Virginia Coal Association, President of The West Virginia Oil Marketers and Grocers Association (OMEGA), and as a Board Member and Chairman of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, as well as on several national advisory boards in the coal and petroleum industries. In addition, Pat was a part of the team that founded the Mountain State Chapter of the Young President’s Organization (YPO) and was active in YPO for many years, serving as President of the organization. He counts his YPO forum mates amongst some of his best friends and confidantes.
Pat has been a dedicated community member, involved at a deep level with countless civic and charitable ventures throughout West Virginia, including the United Way of the Kanawha Valley (past Chairman), the Clay Center for Arts & Sciences (past Board Member), the Buckskin Council of BSA (past Chairman), the University of Charleston (Board Member for 27 years, Chairman for 5 years), Chairman of the CAMC Foundation gala, Board Member of the WV Drug Intervention Institute, and many others. A man guided by his faith and unwavering convictions, he was a dedicated parishioner and served on the Finance Committee for the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of Sacred Heart for over 35 years. Pat was honored to receive the Good Scouter Award, along with his wife, in 2019, and the Spirit of the Valley Award in 2022.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick C. Graney, Sr. of Mt. Hope, and Senator and Mrs. William Chapman Revercomb of Charleston. He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty years, Jessica, four sons: Patrick, IV (Dabney) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Gov (Claire) of Charleston, Kevin (Emily) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Michael of Santa Monica, California. Pat is also survived by nine adoring grandchildren, each of whom he first met at the hospital dressed in a full business suit and tie: Patrick V, Charles, Magnolia, Woodrow, Celeste, Sylvie, Burns, Lee, and Lucie Ann, all Graneys, and according to Grandad, “Boke Wokes,” his very own original moniker. He is also survived by his sisters, Sharon Graney Bibb (Thomas) of Charlottesville, VA, Sara Graney Schroeder (Fred) of Charlottesville, VA; brother, Mike Graney of Charleston; and his sister-in-law, Mary Smith Siegel of Washington, DC. He was the true patriarch of an expanded extended family, including many nieces, nephews, cousins, family friends, and community members.
Even with these many business, civic, and philanthropic achievements, Pat’s greatest joy in life was serving humbly as the leader of his family. At Thanksgiving every year with the extended family, he was the lead guitarist and vocalist in the Family Band, leading incredible renditions of House of the Rising Son, The Weight, and Country Roads. He was the permanent Center during the Gravy Bowl, where he was always ready to call “Play B” (the blitz package), and the ultimate manager of the annual wood splitting operation. More importantly, he served as an enthusiastic supporter and listener to all of his extended family members. Pat loved spending time with his grandchildren, nicknamed by them “Captain Oreo” for bestowing his favorite cookie upon them any time of day. He was always ready with one of his “This Boy Stories,” which gave enthusiastic listeners a vivid window into his early boyhood and fatherhood and created lasting memories for his grandchildren to cherish for a lifetime. He was the ultimate role model to his sons, delivering many needed “lecture series” in their youth, which transitioned into wisdom and counsel as they grew older. Pat especially enjoyed advising them on their businesses, beating them in golf, and taking them on ski trips for 40+ years. His boys will miss their hero, best friend, and mentor every day, but will celebrate his legacy and know that he always believed firmly in them and wanted them to live their best lives. Above all, Pat’s favorite thing to do was to spend any time he could with his beloved wife. They especially loved travelling the world together, which began with a whirlwind honeymoon in 1975 to Europe, and included visiting more than 30 countries on six of the seven continents over the years, a dream “mancation” in Alaska later in life, and also a six week trip around the world in 2015. Just as much as he loved these world travels, he enjoyed the beauty and blessing in the mundane day-to-day life of marriage, relaxing in the den, having an extremely acceptable glass (or two) of wine, and even begrudgingly watching Jessica do her crossword puzzles.
There will never be enough accolades or stories to fully encapsulate the complete character of Patrick Clifford Graney, III. Known affectionately as “The Big Dog” or “The Man” by all four of his sons, Pat was absolutely the man, the man who will be loved and missed by all. Until we meet again.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Visitation on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Clay Center for Arts and Science from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of Sacred Heart on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM. A reception will be held at the University of Charleston in the Rotunda in Riggleman Hall following the funeral service.
In honor of his generously benevolent spirit and passion for all to enjoy lifelong learning, Pat’s family requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the University of Charleston. Contributions can be directed to the Patrick C. Graney III Endowment Fund, University of Charleston, 2300 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304.
Memories of Pat may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.