Horace E. "Mac" McKinney
Horace E. “Mac” McKinney, age 92, passed away at home on Monday November 28, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.
Mac was born on November 29, 1929 in Gaffney SC, son of the late Horace and Maggie Poole McKinney. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Carl McKinney.
He was a retired Greyhound bus driver. He served his country and retired from the US Navy, He worked for Cowboy White, and several delivery companies. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Mac is survived by his loving wife, Dee; brother, Dean McKinney or Gaffney, SC; sons, Karl Fitzwater (Linda) of Hurricane, Andy Fitzwater (Drema) of VA, Gene McKinney (Susan) of Gaffney, SC, Michael McKinney (Address Unknown), Mike Hornsby (Alicia) of Campbells Creek, and Timothy Hornsby of Rand; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A service to honor Mac’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday December 3, 2022 at Snodgrass Funeral Home with Mr. H.R. Whittington officiating. The family will receive friends one-hour prior to the services. Interment will be in Fredrick Memorial Gardens, Gaffney, SC.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W Charleston, WV 25387 or HospicecareWV.org
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Dr. Michael Ray Estep
Dr. Michael Ray Estep, 73, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on November 27th, 2022.
Michael was born in Ashland, Kentucky on February 26, 1949, though his birth was not recorded officially until March 7. His parents were Harkless Raymond Estep and Zetta Lucille Goldie (maiden) Estep.
“Mike,” as he was known by family and friends, grew up in a Christian home under the influence of a praying mother. Saved early in his life, a call to ministry came as a teenager. He started preaching at the age of 15 and pastored his first church at 18. He held an Associate of Arts from the University of Kentucky at Ashland [’69] and a Bachelor of Arts from Trevecca Nazarene University [’71]. Mount Vernon Nazarene University bestowed an Honoree Doctor of Ministry degree upon Michael in 1994.
After pastoring several churches, he led an international youth in-mission program for four years. He served at two universities in public relations and development and authored four books on church planting and missions. He was the Editor-in-Chief for Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City for seven years and was the editor and/or publisher of seven magazines.
He trained leaders and spoke in over 80 countries during his lifetime. He led a decade-long urban church mission project which focused on thirteen world-class cities around the world. Mike was a master of developing and finding funding sources for numerous not-for-profit organizations around the world, raising multiple millions of dollars for ministry, relief, and educational needs throughout his lifetime.
Mike’s creative imagination knew no bounds, and his entrepreneurial spirit resulted in the creation of several successful companies. He partnered with Steve Pennington to create The ProKids Show and ProKids Productions, Inc. – a leading producer of quality children’s programming since the mid-80s. In the ’90s, he helped create Animax Designs, a puppet, creature, and animatronics company producing characters for companies like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Opryland USA.
Known for his innovative approaches to communications, Mike established the first denominational network on DishTV with a reach of 15 million homes. He was an award-winning video producer, and as a certified meeting planner, he organized and managed events for as many as 50,000 people. In recent years, he developed and/or partnered with companies and non-profit organizations such as Pacific Grove, HCWC, Tamarack Foundation for the Arts, WV Greenworks, Fla.vor Alliance Records, Edu-Care International, Developing Potential, and Vincent Creative Group.
Never one to consider retiring, Mike’s last 17 years were spent serving educational and community needs. Mike came alongside pastor Rev. Dr. Les Mullings and the Far Rockaway Community Church of the Nazarene in 2012 to lead “Project Sandy,” a ministry, relief, and restoration project after Super Storm Sandy. Over 75,000 hot meals and thousands of clothing, cleaning, and household items were distributed in coordination with the New York Governor, FEMA, and countless state and local charitable organizations.
He also worked tirelessly with Rev. Mullings to provide better school choices for families in Far Rockaway, New York including Allied Health High School which opened in 2008 (now Medical Technologies High School), and Challenge Preparatory Charter School which opened in 2010. The latter currently serves 1100 scholars and their families across four school sites, including Challenge Charter High School, a Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Early College school, which will honor its first class of graduating seniors in June 2024.
Over his varied and vast career, Mike traveled the globe and made a home in multiple cities, and he considered his ultimate passing as a journey “on the road again.” In high school, he played the tuba, and as a young adult, he took up golf and bowling. He loved country music (especially Bluegrass, Reba, and Willie), going to Broadway shows, the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves baseball, UK Wildcats basketball, and WVU Mountaineers football.
Known for playing many a prank throughout his years of ministry, he kept his sense of humor to the end. When putting his name down for a reservation at a restaurant, he would often tell the host his name was “Good Lookin’.”
Over the years, he made the way for many special memories with his family, and his bond with his granddaughter, Emma Marie, who lovingly called him “PBear,” was unmatched.
Mike was a giver. His family, friends, and many a stranger were blessed by his generosity which was the hallmark of his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Emanuel F. Estep, Harkless R. Estep, Jr., and David E. Estep. He is survived by his wife Ginger Estep, daughter Kimberly (George) Messer, granddaughter Emma Messer, brother Morton (Carolyn) Estep, and sister Kathy (Steve) Givens along with many loved nieces and nephews and their children.
A small family memorial service, hosted by Steve Pennington, will take place on Wednesday, December 28th in Wurtland, KY.
A public celebration of life service will take place on Thursday, January 19th at 7:00 p.m. at Far Rockaway Community Church of the Nazarene at 1414 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 with the Rev. Dr. Les Mullings officiating.
Memorial donations should be directed to “Special Fund: Dr. Michael Estep Memorial Scholarship” and sent to Challenge Preparatory Charter School, 710 Hartman Lane, Far Rockaway, NY 11691.
Thank you to Snodgrass Funeral Home of South Charleston, WV, the McConnell House, the Challenge Charter School community, and Far Rockaway Community Church of the Nazarene.
Memories of Mike may be shared by visiting www.Snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Roger Lee Green
Roger Lee Green, age 61, of South Charleston, passed away on Thursday November 24, 2022 in his home.
He was born on October 4, 1961, in Gary, IN. He was a 1979 graduate of DuPont High School and was a chemical operator with Union Carbide, Dow, and then Bayer.
Roger leaves behind his parents, Jimmie Lee and Geraldine Green, of South Charleston, WV; his brother Richard Green of Cross Lanes, WV; his sister Nancy (Barry) Brasseur of Myrtle Beach, SC; his two sons, Travis Green of Nashville, TN, and Austin (Katelyn) Green of Hurricane, WV; his nephews, Nathan, Matthew, and Michael, 2 great nieces, and many dear friends.
Roger lived with ALS for 12 years. His days were not easy, but he fought that battle with great strength for so long, and his passing marks the end of his suffering. Roger was a wonderful father who enjoyed watching his sons throughout their swimming careers and always gave them his love, support, and encouragement. He was a very selfless man who gave back to his community and always took care of others’ needs before his own. He loved to solve problems, whether they were for his own family or another, and he always seemed to have the solution. He loved to be out in nature, whether he was riding a dirt bike, spending time in the woods hunting, or simply watching the birds.
A memorial service to honor Roger’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, December 5, 2022, at Snodgrass Funeral Home. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service.
Friends may share condolences at our website: www.snodgrassfuneral.com. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Ray Lewis Boggs, Ph.D.
Ray Lewis Boggs, age 84, died on Thursday November 24, 2022 at Hubbard Hospice House.
He was predeceased by his wife, Beverly Hall Boggs, his parents, Nathan and Luella Boggs, three older brothers, Clinton, Hugh, and Winford. His survived by his children, John of Hurricane and Kristin of Kanawha City, one brother, Don and his wife, Nola, of charlotte, NC and sister-in-law, Faye Boggs. He had many wonderful nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Elkview high School and Glenville State College. He returned to Kanawha County and taught on the West Side of Charleston two years after integration, a positive experience he always regretted not having put into print form. He left the state to teach in Delaware public schools and then was as an educational representative for NASA, traveling extensively throughout the United States. He went to Michigan State University where he earned his MA and PhD. For the next thirty years, he was a professor, and academic dean, and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Alma College, West Virginia Institute of Technology, and Rio Grande University. He also served as provost at a branch of Rio Grande University in Japan for one year.
After retirement, he worked with adult education and adult literacy programs. He spent seventy years as an active member of the Presbyterian Church USA and was a charter member of the Seaford Presbyterian Church in Seaford, Delaware.
He supported the arts and enjoyed dancing, especially western and contra styles. He became a Master Naturalist at age 78.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Village Chapel Presbyterian Church or the Kanawha State Forest (the gem of West Virginia) Foundation.
There will be no viewing or funeral services. A committal service for family and friends will be held at 2:00 pm at Elk Hills Memorial Park, Big Chimney, Friday, December 2, 2022, conducted by the Rev. Todd Wright.
Memories may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
A.C. "Buddy" Jones
A.C. “Buddy” Jones, age 86, of South Charleston, passed away peacefully at his home, Wednesday November 23, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on May 29, 1936 in Roderfield, WV, son of the late Earl Jones and Margaret Jones Phillips. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Loretta Jones and a son, Terry Wayne Jones.
Buddy attended Goldtown Community Church. He loved his family and animals of all kinds. Christmas was his favorite holiday and he often listened to Christmas music all year.
He is survived by son, Todd Jones and his wife Sabrina of Given, WV; daughter, Debbie Carolla, and her husband, Al of Bradshaw, WV; grandchildren, Daniel Carolla, Jonathan Carolla (Jill) and Austin Jones; and great grandchildren, Emilee Looney, Isaiah Carolla, and Samuel Carolla.
A graveside service to honor “Buddy’s” life will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday December 1, 2022 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton.
Memories may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Billie V. Bosher
Your beauty should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. This line of scripture so aptly depicts the manner in which Billie V. Bosher lived her life.
Sometime during the afternoon of November 21, 2022, the gentle and quiet spirit of Billie V. Bosher unexpectedly slipped into the arms of God, with all the grace and dignity that defined her.
Billie V. Newman was born November 25, 1937, in rural Arkansas to Cornelius and Maude Newman. During Billie’s early teens, she moved from Arkansas to live with her sister, Margie, and brother-in-law R.D. Holbrook, in Chesapeake, WV.
Billie attended and graduated from East Bank High School where she was a majorette and member of the band.
Billie met a local boy named Billy Gene Bosher, and a short time later Billy and Billie shared the same last name following their marriage on October 7, 1955. They bought their first and only house on Noyes Ave. SE in Kanawha City, which was transformed in her image to create a warm and comfortable home. Their union was soon blessed with the birth of their first daughter, Penny, in May, 1956, and later the birth of a second baby girl, Robin, in September, 1960.
Once the girls were old enough for school, Billie began contributing as more than wife and mother. She began a career as marketing and supply rep for the Handleman Corporation, distributing records and tapes to retail chain stores. She excelled in her work, and was recognized companywide for her appealing, theme-oriented displays of various record label products. Billie managed to balance multiple careers for nearly thirty years.
Billie retired in 1995. She was a grandmother of two and soon to be a great grandmother.
Billie valued her love for God and family as the most important things in her later life.
She was a member of her beloved United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, WV.
Holidays and birthdays were her time to shine as hostess to family and friends with her soul warming food and hospitality.
After 64 years sharing her life experience, Billie was widowed on March 20, 2019. When Bill passed away, Billie’s loneliness was tempered by spending time shopping and beach trips with her family.
Billie lived her years with all the qualities of grace, dignity, and humility. She exuded peace and tranquility from her heart; seemingly, that she knew something that we didn’t. Billie’s loss for us is heaven’s gain. She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Billie was predeceased by her husband, Billy Gene Bosher; father and mother, Cornelius and Maude Newman; sisters; Margie, Becky and Betty; brothers Don and Rudolph.
Those left to bask in her light are daughters, Penny (Dean) Stone of Charleston, Robin (Ralph) Bush of Charleston; grandchildren, Deena Stone of Charleston and Neal (Darby) Stone of Charleston; great-grandchildren, Austin Stone and Mason Stone; sister-in-law, Nancy Hodges of Chesapeake; and cousin, Jeannie Harper of Jacksonville, FL.
A celebration of life service will be held in Billie’s honor on Friday, November 25, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, West Virginia, with Pastor Christopher Hudnall officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memories of Billie may be shared by visiting www.Snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Nelly Cabascango Bagyi
Nelly Cabascango Bagyi, 88, of Charleston, WV, passed away on November 20th. She was born in Otavalo, Ecuador on December 20, 1933 to Cesar and Ines Cabascango.
On September 26, 1959, Nelly married the love of her life, Nicholas Bagyi. Together they raised a family, they traveled the world, and they shared an undeniable and pure love for many years. Nelly gave birth to two boys, Nick and Leslie. She was a devoted wife and mother, who spent every day nurturing and providing for her family. She also showed that same love and compassion to her three grandchildren. Nelly cared deeply for those in her life. She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was.
Nelly was proceeded in death by her husband, Nicholas Bagyi: her parents, Cesar and Ines Cabascango; sister, Carmen Cabascango; and brother, Cesar Cabascango.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Nick (Tammy) Bagyi of Charlotte, North Carolina and Leslie Bagyi of Charleston, WV; Grandsons, Jon Bagyi and Steven Bagyi of Charlotte, North Carolina; Granddaughter, Ava Bagyi of Charleston, South Carolina; Sisters, Enoe McDonough of Chicago, Illinois and Zulma Buitron of Quito, Ecuador; and a host of nieces and nephews.
The Bagyi family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Perez family and Lowe family for a lifetime of friendship and assistance in caring for Nelly; Julie Ciccarello, for keeping Nelly’s hair always styled, as she would have it no other way; David Hoyer, for being an exceptional neighbor; Casey (who Nelly often called her third son) and Tammy Robinson, for being extraordinary friends; James Williams and Nathan Williams, for caring for Nelly like they would their own mother; and Brent Wilson, a lifelong best friend of Nick, who has always loved and supported the Bagyi family, especially Nelly.
The family is respecting Nelly’s wishes of not having a service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on behalf of Nelly to the Union Mission and the Salvation Army in Charleston, WV.
Memories of Nelly may be shared by visiting www.Snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Mary Katherine "Katy" Gillespie
Mary Katherine (Katy) Gillespie went home to be with the Lord on November 19, 2022 at the age of 97 at the Arthur B. Hodges Center in Charleston.
Born on the west side of Charleston on October 17, 1925, Katy was a member of the first graduating class from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1943. She later moved to South Charleston and lived there for her entire adult life. She worked at Columbia Gas which is also where she met her husband, Lyle, to whom she was married for 33 years prior to his death in 1984. Katy retired from Columbia Gas in 1985.
After her retirement she was blessed to be able to travel to many parts of the world including Israel, Australia, and Europe. Katy was a devoted Christian and a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church for 80 years. She was involved in many volunteer efforts over the years at church as well as the Ronald McDonald House, CAMC Hospital, and the American Baptist Conference Center in Green Lake Wisconsin. Her desire was to never draw attention to herself for her volunteer work.
She was preceded in death by husband J. Lyle Gillespie, parents Victor and Blanche Daoust and sister Aileen Sauzer. She is survived by daughter Donna Bell (Michael), son David Gillespie (Marjorie), grandchildren Brian Arden (Linsay), Timothy Arden (Kara), Paige Ricci (John), Andrew Gillespie, and great grandchildren Emma and Nola.
Visitation will be held on December 2, 2022 at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm with Rev. Ron Stoner and Rev. Don Biram officiating. Entombment will follow at Cunningham Memorial Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, Katy requested that donations be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church building fund, 1401 Washington St. W, Charleston, WV 25387.
Memories may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Eleanor A. Puskas
Eleanor A. Puskas passed away at the Cedar Ridge Nursing Home on November 17, 2022. Eleanor was preceded in death by her father, Laslo Puskas, mother, Anna Puskas Benedict, and sister, Mary L. Snuffer. She is survived by her brothers; Joseph Benedict (Diane), and John Benedict; her sister, Ilene B. Harper (Jason), as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Cedar Ridge for their long and supportive care. A private family graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley, WV.
Memories of Eleanor may be shared by visiting www.Snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
David M. Lowman
On November 14, 2022, David Michael Lowman, son of the late David Clark Lowman and Sandra Jean (Richie) Fierbaugh, passed away at his home in Charleston, West Virginia.
David was born March 27, 1960, in Gallipolis, Ohio, and was a 1978 graduate of Gallipolis High School. He was intelligent and personable, and worked in many vocations throughout his life, including government, technology, medical, and services fields. He had formerly resided in North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Oregon, among others. A born entertainer, David readily acknowledged that he always loved being on stage, and his performance talents were remarkable. He was befriended by many celebrities, including Reba McEntire, and won Miss Gay America 2011. David was a peaceful soul and was extremely compassionate for animals; he rarely missed an opportunity to adopt or help a creature in need. Indeed, many will remember David through his acts of humane kindness which typified his life. David will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and pets, as those who sought merciful ways were drawn into his company.
He is preceded in death by his father, David Clark Lowman (Ella Jean) and step-brother, Derek Martin Badgley (Susan).
He is survived by: mother, Sandra Jean (Richie) Fierbaugh; step-mother, Ella Jean (Meadows) Lowman; brother, William Mark Lowman (Angela); sisters, Melinda Lee Wooden (Don) and Lori Lynn Lowman; half-brother, Benjamin Meadows Lowman (Melinda); half-sister, Allison Underwood; step-sister, Jennifer Lee (Badgley) Young; and step-brother, Dalton D. Badgley. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cherished friends and neighbors, and appreciative animals that sensed his caring spirit. At his request, his ashes will be scattered at the burial site of his beloved paternal grandparents, the late Willard H. Lowman and Dorothy V. (Clark) Lowman, in Ironton, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the humane rescue organization, www.chasehealingfund.org, would be David’s thankful wishes. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
A memorial service to honor David’s life will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday December 10, 2022 at Snodgrass Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services.
Memories may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.