Joyce Gruntler Barickman
Joyce Gruntler Barickman peacefully passed away on July 25, 2023, in Richmond, VA, at the age of 88. She was born on March 13, 1935, in Rochester, NY, to Oscar Walter and Mildred Estelle (Bean) Gruntler.
While attending Sacred Heart Academy in Rochester, Joyce also studied piano, harp, and flute at the Eastman School of Music and later attended Nazareth University. Soon after, she moved to Charleston, WV, to join her parents, where she met Woody Barickman, the love of her life, on a blind date. They married 3 months later and spent the next 35 years raising their family in Charleston, later moving to Wilmington, NC, and to Naples, FL.
Joyce’s life was one filled with passion and purpose. Her love for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was immense. Joyce embraced each moment with enthusiasm and exquisite taste. While raising their 4 children, Woody and Joyce’s homes were havens for family and friends, as they entertained them with grace and warmth, creating lasting bonds and treasured moments.
Joyce had a multitude of passions that kept her busy. Whether it was shelling on the beach, playing tennis or bridge or gardening, she always found joy in creating. She leaves behind countless needlepoint creations, as well as hand woven and knitted heirlooms. Her decorator’s eye was impeccable.
With Woody by her side, they travelled the world, sometimes re-tracing Woody’s travels while fighting in WWII. Joyce loved planning each and every trip, and her journals and photos will be cherished for generations to come.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Donald Gruntler, and her beloved husband of 52 years, L.E. “Woody” Barickman. Joyce will be forever missed by her four children: Mark (Elizabeth) and their children, Matt and Anna; Donald and his children, Stuart (Alison) and William (Gina); Mike (Sarah) and their children, Lilly and Haden; and Lucinda (John) Stanchina and their children, Bayn (Callie), Woody, and Joe. She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Norah, Riley, and August, who brought her much joy in the last days of her life.
A funeral Mass to honor and remember Joyce will be held at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral in Charleston, WV, at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 11, 2023, with a private inurnment at Eventide Cemetery in Spencer, WV.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.
Memories of Joyce may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Betty Belle McDaniel Pennington
Betty Belle McDaniel Pennington, 93, of Charleston, WV, passed away on July 22, 2023, at Complete Care at Oakridge.
Born January 3, 1930, to Andrew Cecil and Georgie Marvin (Knowles) McDaniel, she grew up in Charleston, graduating from Charleston High School. She attended South Ruffner Presbyterian Church all of her adult life, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and was an active member of the Women’s Circle.
Betty married the late Norman Louis Pennington and devoted herself to life as a homemaker and mother, raising three children. She had an artistic side, playing the piano in the family home for her own pleasure and taking classes in tole painting and calligraphy. But her greatest passion was for gardening, and her happiest hours were those she spent tending the large yard surrounding the family’s home.
In addition to her children, Betty loved the many animal friends who passed through her life over the years. She especially loved hosting family gatherings, making Christmas and birthdays special times for her family. Betty will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Norman Louis, her parents, and seven brothers: Cecil Allison (Ella), Ernest Lee, Peyton Ashley (Eleanor), Andrew Lee (Mary), Marvin Wesley (Margaret), Boyd Kay (Jane), and James Samuel.
Betty is survived by her children: Dr. Ernest Norman Pennington (Rebecca), Deborah Pennington Wright (partner, David Stiles), and Jeffrey Louis Pennington (Marsha); grandchildren: Brian Pennington (Leila), John Pennington (Andrea), Jessica Wright, Carrie Wright, and Kelly Pennington; and great grandchildren, Nolan, Levi, and Ava Pennington. Betty is also survived by sisters: Georgie Alice Mooney (Thomas), Eileen Gale Taylor (David); and brother, Bradford Murl McDaniel (Bethel).
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff and administration at Complete Care at Oakridge and the Hospice caregivers for the care they provided.
A service to Honor the Life of Betty will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Rev. Greg Hudson officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Alpha Cemetery, Charleston. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Memories of Betty may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Charles Clayton Bibbee
Charles Clayton Bibbee, 82, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2023, at Hubbard Hospice House after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Rossell Bibbee, his mother, Helen Swearengen Bibbee, and his sister, Rebecca Bibbee Deison, all of Clarksburg, W.V.
Chuck grew up in Clarksburg and, as a basketball standout at Washington Irving High School, was a freshman walk-on at West Virginia University men's basketball team. He was an outstanding athlete who focused on tennis and was a four-year letterman at West Virginia University.
Chuck moved to Pittsburgh after graduating as a civil engineer, where he met his wife of 57 years, Pat. They moved to Charleston in 1969, where they began a life with many friends and experiences.
Chuck enjoyed many years at the Charleston Tennis Club. He was on the USTA national championship men's tennis 4.0 team. He passed his love of the game to his son, Clay Bibbee, who also played on the West Virginia University men's varsity tennis team. He was a consummate athlete, and after his tennis career was over, he became an avid golfer.
Chuck loved his dogs and was always considered a dog whisperer. When he was a child, the boy next door said all he wanted for Christmas was a dog who would love him as much as Chuck's dog loved him. He and his daughter, Alison, shared this love of animals and nurtured rabbits, birds, and whatever animals wandered into their lives.
Chuck was president of Coal Fillers Inc. until his retirement in 2015. He loved his professional career, which took him all over the world.
His ten-year journey with Alzheimer's was filled with loving family and trusted friends who were with him every step of the way. Chuck’s friends have reflected that he was the kindest and most honest man they have known.
Left to remember Chuck are his wife, Patricia Sill Bibbee, his daughter, Alison Judge Bibbee, both of Charleston, his son, Charles Clayton Bibbee Jr., and his three beloved grandchildren, Caroline Anne Bibbee, Charles Clayton Bibbee III, and Sarah Jane Alison Bibbee (all tennis players) of Madison, N.J.
The family would like to thank Lesia Warner, who helped manage Chuck's care, and his Caregivers: Dawn, Becky, Pat, Connie, Maxine, Missy, Olga, and Karen.
The family would also like to give special thanks to Janice Hicks, Mick Givens, and Ted Priestly.
We also thank Cathy and Jared at Arthur B. Hodges Memory Care, Dr. Katherine Calloway, and the excellent staff at Hubbard Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute for Alzheimer’s Research, c/o the WVU Foundation, Attention Tim Bolling, (PO Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650) or online at https://rni.wvumedicine.org/ and St. Matthews Episcopal Church (35 Norwood Rd, Charleston, WV, 25314).
A Memorial Service to celebrate Chuck’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, August 25, 2023, at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Charleston, WV.
Memories of Chuck may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home of South Charleston is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Dr. Daniel Wood Taylor
Dr. Daniel Wood Taylor, a remarkable and beloved figure in both the dental community and his personal life, passed away on July 22, 2023, after a courageous battle with an extended illness. He was born on January 16, 1940, in Charleston, WV, to the late Edward Lee Taylor and Mary Porter Carper Taylor. Dr. Taylor’s life journey was marked by numerous accomplishments. He made a profound impact on those around him.
After graduating from South Charleston High School in 1957, Dr. Taylor pursued his education at West Virginia University, where he excelled both academically and on the men’s tennis team. His passion for dentistry led him to earn his dental degree from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1963. A dedicated patriot, he honorably served his country in the U.S.A.F., stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, and Orlando, FL.
Upon his return, Dr. Taylor settled in Charleston, WV, where he dedicated himself to his dental practice for four decades, earning a reputation as a well-respected dentist within the community. His commitment to serving others extended beyond his private practice. For an astounding 50 years, he served as the dental director at the Charleston Job Corps, impacting countless lives. Even in the latter stages of his career, he continued contributing to the community by volunteering his dental services at Charleston Health Right, earning the prestigious Health Right Volunteer of the Year in 2016.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Taylor led a life filled with diverse passions and interests. An avid sports enthusiast, he was particularly devoted to his beloved Mountaineers. Throughout his life, he explored the world through travel, the thrill of flying airplanes, the freedom of riding motorcycles, the serenity of fishing, and the grace of tennis, a sport he played passionately until age 81.
Dr. Taylor’s leadership qualities were evident in all aspects of his life. He actively contributed to the local dental society, served as past president of H.O.G. and Appalachian Motorcycle Club, and remained dedicated to organizing events for his cherished tennis group until his passing. Family was of the utmost importance to him, and he relished spending quality time with his loved ones, especially at his beloved and beautiful home away from home, Watauga Lake, TN.
One of his most outstanding accomplishments was his ability to epitomize the essence of a true gentleman. Balancing his familial, professional, and recreational pursuits with grace and finesse, he became an exemplary role model. He selflessly helped many people who needed help, whether family, patients, friends, or even strangers.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 26 years, Linda Sue Taylor, and Cynthia Hansbarger Johnson, mother of his children and a dear friend. He is fondly remembered by his sister, Barabara Ann Taylor; three loving daughters, Susie Taylor Nichols (Robbie), LeeAnne Taylor Sampson (Brad), and Dr. Julie Taylor Vines (Jeff); his grandchildren: Taylor Nicole Frazier (Cody), Braylen Sampson (Remi), Danni Vines, and Hunter Vines; and great-granddaughter, Woodleigh Nicole Frazier. Dr. Taylor also leaves behind his niece, Lisa Kirkpatrick Stephens (David); cousin, Blair Taylor (Ginna); stepchildren, Mark Oxley and Melissa Mangus (Brian); nine step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. Also left to cherish his memory are special neighbors, Matt and Gabe Harkins. Dr. Taylor was preceded in death by his precious parents, Edward Lee Taylor and Mary Porter Carper Taylor.
Dr. Daniel Wood Taylor’s life was a testament to the values of dedication, compassion, and leadership. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his legacy inspire us to live with purpose and grace, cherishing our loved ones and embracing life’s passions as he did.
To celebrate and honor the life of Dr. Daniel Wood Taylor, a gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at the Charleston Tennis Club, 1600 Tennis Club Road, Charleston, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (https://adoptcharleston.com/give/donate/) or to West Virginia Health Right (https://wvhealthright.org/).
Memories of Dr. Taylor may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Jean M. Surbaugh
Jean M. Surbaugh, 95, of South Charleston, passed away on July 13, 2023. She was born on March 2, 1928, to the late Gladys Martin and Denver Carte.
In addition to her parents, Jean is preceded in death by her husband, C.W. Surbaugh; brother, Lee Williams; and sister, Ann Westfall. She is survived by: daughters, Beth Thomas (David) and Mary Love (Jim); sons, Tony Surbaugh (Connie) and David Surbaugh (Susan); seven grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society (www.donate.cancer.org)
Memories of Jean may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Bobbie Jane Walker
Bobbie Jane Woods Walker, age 97, of South Charleston, WV died on Wednesday July 12, 2023 at Arthur B. Hodges after a brief illness.
She was born on April 26, 1926 in Brookville, MD, daughter of the late Oma and Anne Porter Owen Woods. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Charles Walker, Jr.
Bobbie graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Journalism. After raising her boys, she received her teaching degree from West Virginia State University. She retired from Kanawha County Schools as an elementary school teacher. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of South Charleston.
Bobbie is survived by her two sons, Owen and his wife Martha of South Charleston and Ed Walker of South Charleston.
A service to honor Bobbie’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday July 15, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, with Pastor Ginna Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends at the gravesite from 10:30 am until service time. The family invites friends to a celebration of her life at the church for a time of food and fellowship.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of South Charleston, Youth Group: 508 Second Ave. South Charleston, WV 25303 or at fpcscwv.org
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Andrew Nathaniel Wiley Gordon III (Drew)
Andrew Nathaniel Wiley Gordon III (Drew), was called home on July 2, 2023, after a three-decade old battle with kidney disease. He appreciated the sacrifice his sister Lolly made of one of her kidneys, as well as the treatment he received from his long-time surgeon, Dr. Ussino, and the excellent care he received from the Dunbar Dialysis Center (his home away from home and second family).
Drew was an Army Veteran, following in the footsteps of his family. He was allowed to join in 1973 at the age of 17 because he enlisted on the buddy plan, with his childhood friends, Garvey Price and Calvin Moore. While serving in Europe as a Sargent in the 82nd Engineer Battalion, he received the Certificate of Achievement in 1976 and the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in 1977.
When his military service ended, Drew pursued his love of building through the masonry arts, a skill which he acquired and perfected from his father and great uncles at an early age. His excellent work with an eye for detail made him a valuable commodity, sought after wherever he plied his trade. His work can be seen throughout the neighborhood, both in West Virginia and Ohio.
Drew was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel Wiley Gordon II and Barbara Ophelia Moody Gordon; and his uncle, Carl Moody, with whom he shared a close bond.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa; four bonus children: Terrance, Terran, Cierra Foster, and Brittany Tan; bonus grandchildren: Tayshaun, Malia, Deontay, and Jaiden Foster; sisters: Laura/Lolly (Sylvester) Clark of KY, Sherree Curry and Nancy Gordon of WV; and brother, Peter (Vanessa) Gordon of WV. Space does not permit his many family members that preceded and survived him in death.
“Uncle Drew” will be sorely missed by a host of family members, as well as many friends, all who fell under the spell of his charming wit, sense of humor, infectious smile, and warm and generous heart, sometimes hidden behind a gruff exterior. Drew genuinely cared about others, always ready to extend a helping hand, in spite of whatever adversities he might be experiencing at the time.
We would like to thank a few people who helped Drew during his end-of-life time: through their prayers, support, and just being there with him. His wife, Teresa; neighbors, the Cyrus’s; special friends, Pastor Kevin and Michi Witcher, Jimmy Curry; his church family, the West Side Church of the Nazarene; and the Sons of Boaz, with whom he looked forward to their Saturday Morning prayer gatherings.
We would be remiss if we failed to mention the one person responsible for the joy in his life, his smile, and the ability he had to endure and overcome the many obstacles life placed in his path along the way: his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be all honor, glory, and strength forever.
A service to Honor the Life of Drew will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the Institute Church of the Nazarene, 208 Washington Avenue, Institute, WV, with a repass following. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will take place on Monday, July 17, 2023, at 12:00 noon, at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Institute, WV
Memories of Drew may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Brent Best
Brent Allen Best, 55, of Charleston, WV, passed away on July 5, 2023 at his home.
He was born on May 3, 1968 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Brent was a 1986 graduate of GWHS and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Marshall University, Huntington, WV. Brent never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him. He loved fishing, golfing, hunting and watching his boys ride and race ATVs.
He was preceded in death by his father, Don C Best; grandparents, Ralph and Wilma Deushane and Paul and Elizabeth Best; nephew, Ian Morris.
Brent is survived by, ex-wife, Marty Halstead Best; sons, Will and Ryan Best, bonus sons, Austin Harmon and Hayden Fields all of Cross Lanes, WV; mother, Sharon Best; sister, Norma Morris (Steve); nephew, Chris (April) Morris all of Chas, WV; as well as great nieces and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Gathering to Honor the Life of Brent will be held from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral Home. A time of sharing stories and memories of Brent will begin at 4:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to assist with services. A memorial fund has been set up by Snodgrass Funeral Home for the family please donate by selecting this link. https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/brent-allen-best/8136/ Cash and check donations may be made to the funeral home directly.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Brenda J. Rowe
Brenda J. Rowe, age 80, of Charleston, passed away Monday July 3, 2023 at HospiceCare CAMC Memorial after an extended illness.
She was born on January 6, 1943 in Charleston, daughter of the late, Jack D Edens and Helena Pritt Edens. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Jackie Edens.
Brenda was a member of Goldtown Community Church. She was a homemaker, loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Brenda is survived by her loving husband, Ronald “Ronnie” Rowe; two daughters, Rhonda Shamblin (Randy) and Leisa Reed (Jimmy); Grandchildren; Miranda Howard (Jeremy), Christian Shamblin (Kayla), Abby Gary (Sam), and Mackenzie Reed; Brother; Gary Edens (Pansy), 4 Great-Grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
A service to honor Brenda’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday July 7, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral Home with Pastor Al Mendez officiating. Interment will follow in Sissonville Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until service time at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Brenda’s memory to HospiceCare at HospiceCareWV.Org
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Alex Paolini, Jr.
Alex Paolini, Jr., 82, of South Charleston, passed away on June 28, 2023.
Alex was born in Bedford, PA to the late Alex and Pia Paolini. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Walter, and his wife, Barbara.
Alex received a Degree in Landscape Architecture from Penn State University and worked on many Architectural projects across West Virginia. He was also the owner of the Athletic Club on 7th Avenue in South Charleston for many years.
Alex is survived by his son, Alexander (A. J.) Paolini III, and daughter-in-law, Lisa Paolini. He is also survived by his companion, Sherry Otey.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memories of Alex may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.