Memoriam

Francis Jack Weeks, age 76, of Boston, Virginia passed away at his home October 12, 2022. Jack was born on September 22, 1946 in The Plains, Virginia to Anderson R. Weeks and Paige Elizabeth Anderson Weeks. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 23 years and was a Vietnam Veteran.

Jack was a member of the American Legion Post 157, Madison, Virginia, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 752, Culpeper, Virginia and the Randy Carter Chapter of the Float Fishermen of Virginia, Remington, Virginia.

Surviving Jack is his wife of 43 years, Greta Yvonne Teets Weeks of Boston, Virginia; his two sons, Clinton Weeks (Christa), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Anderson “Andy” Weeks (Carla), Culpeper, Virginia and his daughter, Kristie Ward (Brandon), Purcellville, Virginia. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Arya Ward and Ella Weeks, one step-granddaughter, Kathleen Weeks, two brothers, William Weeks and Delbert Weeks and one sister Dianna Gregg.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Weeks and Allen Weeks, and one sister, Elizabeth Leckey.

Robert (Bob) Cowan deRosset, Jr. died on Friday, November 12, in Boiling Springs, North Carolina in his home with his wife of forty years, Shirley Craft deRosset. He is survived by his children: Samual Mark Grainger and Lydia Grainger Powell (Jeff) of Boiling Springs, NC; Robert Cowan deRosset, IV (Leslie) of Raleigh, NC; Deborah Grainger Karahalis (Greg) of Huntsville, AL; and Ann deRosset Kovan (Andy) of Conway, SC. He is survived by his grandchildren: Jacob Grainger Powell; Sarah Caroline Powell; Theadora Lydia Karahalis;  Leah Rhiannon Powell; Georgianna Katherine Karahalis; Alexandria Jean deRosset; Gabrielle Ann Kovan; Robert Cowan deRosset, V; Samuel Gregory Karahalis; and Claire Marie Kovan. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Catherine Dean deRosset of Christiansburg, VA, his niece Katherine Frances deRosset Uziel, and nephews William Milton deRosset, Louis Henry deRosset, and John Phillip Dean deRosset.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William (Bill) Hammond Milton deRosset.  

Bob was born on May 23, 1934 at Rex Hospital in Raleigh to Robert Cowan deRosset, Jr. and Ann Milton deRosset. He spent his formative years in Norfolk, Virginia.  He studied at the University of Virginia and upon earning a Juris Doctor from University of North Carolina School of Law, Bob started his legal career in Belhaven, North Carolina. In Belhaven he met and married Sylvia Tripp, mother of their children Robert and Ann, and helped raise Sylvia’s other children, Joe Hassell, Mitch Hassell, and Sam Hassell. 

Bob learned his love of canoeing, and was introduced to the Float Fishermen of Virginia, by his brother Bill.  Bob and his family made many trips from Belhaven to Virginia in the family Peugeot, three canoes strapped on top.  It was during this time that Bob convinced his brother Bill to navigate the New River Gorge in open canoes.  They were among the first (and last) to do so and survived to tell the tale.  Bob’s love of canoeing and camping continued through his years and he spent many days camping with the Float Fishermen and floating the rivers of Virginia with friends and family.  As the years went by, the canoes got lighter, and the tents were replaced by camping trailers, but his love of being on the river stayed the same.   

Bob was also known for his love of reading, and his historical knowledge is legendary.  He was able to strike up a conversation with a stranger and, if needed, give them his last dime. No neighborhood or “grand” dog ever went without a treat. Known for his uniform of khaki or gray flannel pants, white button-down shirts, and black wool sweaters,  he was never far from a glass of Pepsi or his Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.  Bob believed that the only place for car keys were in the ignition, the only music for the radio was classical, and seatbelts were a nuisance.

Every night before he went to bed, Bob tucked in Shirley, and said goodnight.  When he went to bed he said, “I”m home. Thank you for saving my life.”  He was loved by many, and will be missed.

Jay Graves, 64, was born December 26, 1946, to the late J. T. and Helen Graves. He died Friday, January 28, 2011, from pancreatic cancer.

Jay graduated from Lane High School in 1965 and attended Beckley College. He was owner/operator of Yellow Cab Company. Jay is survived by daughters, Courtney Graves Wells, Lauren Graves and Cristey Graves; sister, Kay Graves; and brother, Lee Graves. He is also survived by the love of his life, his fiancee' Bay Shepherd Coleman. He enjoyed canoeing and kayaking and was a member of Float Fishermen of Virginia/George Dickel Chapter. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 2011, at First Baptist Church, Park Street, Charlottesville, Virginia, with reception to follow at the church Fellowship Hall.
Jay requested that his friends share memories and stories of him at the service.
Donations in Jay's memory may be made to Hospice of The Piedmont; 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway; Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911.
Friends may sign the guest register at teaguefuneralhome.com
Published in the Daily Progress from January 29 to February 3, 2011.

Sometimes an Obituary Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

An obit will tell us Jay T. Graves, 64, born December 26, 1946, to the late J.T. and Helen Graves, died Jan. 28 of pancreatic cancer. It will tell us that he graduated from Lane High School, Class of ‘65, attended Beckley College and was proprietor of Charlottesville Yellow Cab Company, the taxis with one-liners on the trunk lids such as “faulty boomerangs are non-returnable.”
It won’t tell us that his illness came up suddenly, that his death shortly followed or that both shocked his friends, family and employees.
“It just floored everyone,” said Becky Graves, Mr. Graves’ ex-wife and long-time friend. “He was diagnosed the week before Thanksgiving with stage four pancreatic cancer that had gone into the liver and the doctors said he had about nine months to live.”

The doctors were wrong. He had only nine weeks.
"It all happened so fast. People thought, ‘I have nine months to see him,’ and a lot of the drivers and his friends didn’t have a chance to say goodbye. No one thought it was going to be like this. It’s so hard. It’s terrible, but that’s how it is.”

Jay Graves, the obituary will say, enjoyed canoeing and kayaking and was a member of Float Fishermen of Virginia/George Dickel Chapter. It won’t say that the fishermen float up and down the commonwealth’s rivers cleaning the banks, lobby legislators or that Mr. Graves won awards for his efforts, including one from Gov. George Allen. The obit can give us the names of Mr. Graves’ next of kin, including his daughters Courtney Graves Wells, Lauren Graves and Cristey Graves; his sister, Kay Graves; his brother, Lee Graves; and of the love of his life, fiancée Bay Shepherd Coleman. It won’t tell us that Mr. Graves and his children would ride up into the mountains nigh on to every weekend, rolling up the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive.
"He had a complete love of the outdoors and nature, of camping and fishing and just being out,” Ms. Graves said. “He’d just go up to Skyline Drive and just drive. He’d take his daughters with him and they’d drive along and whenever they saw a bunch of big rocks he’d stop and everyone would get out of the car and climb up the rocks.”
The obituary likely won’t mention Mr. Graves’ love of all things Charlottesville or a sense of humor that found its way onto taxicab trunks. It won’t tell of his love for the cab business.
“His grandfather started the taxi company with one car over 70 years ago and his father ran it and then he did,” said Ms. Graves, who will take over daily operations of Yellow Cab. “There are pictures of him as a child in the front seat of the cab, in the Dogwood Parade.”
“He would come in first thing in the morning and buzz around all day getting tires or ordering parts or fixing something on a cab,” said Brenda Goodloe, Yellow Cab office manager. “He loved what the business was about and I’d often have to run along with him to get answers from him on some question I had.”
Most of all, the obituary can’t explain how much friends, family and employees will miss Mr. Graves.
"He had a witty sense of humor and he was a lot of fun to be around,” Ms. Goodloe said. “He was a good friend and a great boss. We’re going to miss him a lot.”

By Bryan McKenzie
Published: February 04, 2011
The Daily Progress   Charlottesville, VA

 William Ralph Britton Jr., 64, was born in Charlottesville to Dorothy Marie Wootton and William Ralph Britton Sr. He died peacefully at home in Charles City County on Monday, July 9, 2012 after a long duel with cancer, winning for years until the final round.

Mr. Britton lived his life to the fullest and he leaves a legacy of Bill Britton stories, all of them true. He also leaves a host of friends whom he loved dearly. It has been said he never went anywhere without running into someone he knew.

He was educated in Charlottesville (Lane High School) and Richmond (VCU). He was proud of his role in the legendary "STREAK" at Lane when the football team went undefeated for seven years in the 1960s. He began his career in local government in Farmville as building inspector and moved to Appomattox to serve both the town and the county for many years. Mr. Britton was named County Administrator in Powhatan County in 1986, and became Director of Development in 1989 for Charles City County, serving until his retirement in 2008.

Mr. Britton loved hunting and fishing and whitewater canoeing. He was a longtime member of Float Fishermen of Virginia and a longtime member of Virginia Ducks Unlimited, serving as Marsh Chairman for several years. He helped start the DU Chapters in Lynchburg, Powhatan and Charles City. He received the Virginia Wildlife Federation Conservationist of the Year award in 1998.

He is survived by his wife, Keane Hollomon Britton; stepdaughter, Catherine Anne Boe; sister, Barbara Lee Britton; sister-in-law, Jane Hollomon Graettinger; niece, Alison Graettinger; nephews, Will Graettinger and Eric Paul; and numerous cousins. We wish to acknowledge his cousin Betsy Combs who, without hesitation of any kind, gave him one of her kidneys in 1994, providing him with 18 years of extended good life. We are forever grateful. He was deeply honored to have two children named for him, Britton Hewit and William "Little Bill" Dickerson. His home was known to his niece and nephew as "Camp Britton."

Mr. Britton loved his many trips to Ireland and his extended family there. He lost his left arm to metastatic cancer in October 2011 and went deer hunting as soon as he was released from MCV Hospital. He loved Charles City County and his own little piece of heaven on the Appomattox River in Prospect (known to generations as Sheltering and Shelton's Rock). Seven weeks ago he was hunting in Montana; two weeks ago he was in Pittsburgh to see his favorite niece receive her PhD. No matter the obstacle, he adapted to conquer it. He often said he never did anything he didn't think he could do - and he did nearly everything. It was easy to love Bill Britton, his sense of humor, his desire to help others, his sense of adventure, and his loyalty to his family and friends. We are better people for having him in our lives.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Harry Bear, Dr. Algin Garrett, Dr. Anne King, Dr. Todd Gehr, Cindy Clark, RN, Dr. Olubunmi Abayomi and Dr. Sherman Baker for all their kind attention and friendship. A special thank you to Hospice of Virginia for their wonderful care.

Robert Clayton Leonard, Jr., a loving husband and father, passed away May 11, 2009 due to complications from cancer.  He was born on Oct. 5, 1939 in Roanoke, VA to Evelyn and R.C. Leonard, Sr. Robert graduated from Roanoke’s Jefferson Senior High School, where he served as the President of his class, and from Hampton Sydney College.  He then built a successful career in banking and real estate appraisals.  After that he joined his wife Vicki in her business, Interior Source.  Robert was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed canoeing, biking, hiking and cross country skiing.

At the time of his death, he resided in Lanexa, VA with his wife, Vicki. In addition to his beloved Vicki, he is survived by his three daughters and one step-daughter, Susan Leonard of Statesville, NC, Sarah Blackburn of Lexington, VA, Anne Gregory and Carol Barner of Roanoke, VA, and by two grandchildren.  He is also survived by his aunt, Lucille Armistead, who raised him as her son, and his cousins, Robert Armistead, Randolph Leonard and Peggy Jean Walker.  Also, he is survived by his father-in-law, Howard Fain.

KOENIG, Lindsay Edward "Linny," 55, of Beaverdam, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2015. He was preceded in death by his sister, Laurel M. Koenig. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Mary Kay Koenig; parents, Edward and Rosewell Koenig; sister, Leslie Koenig-Stack (Frank Rizzo); nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; his cat, Pumpkin; and many loving friends. Linny was a graduate of Benedictine High School, Class of 1978. He was employed by Bass Pro Shops, working in the marine electronics and boating departments. Linny and his wife enjoyed canoeing, fishing and boating. He loved anything that pertained to water. He was a loving husband, son and friend. Memorial contributions may be made to James River Association, www.jamesriverassociation.org or American White Water, www.americanwhitewater.org.

Peter Van Deman, 79, of Marshall, passed away Jan. 7, 2020, at Fauquier Hospital. Pete was born Nov 26, 1940, in Nashville, Tenn., to the Frank E. Van Deman and Kathryn Ayers. He was owner/agent of Van Deman Insurance Agency in Marshall for 41 years. After his two-day retirement, he became the principal broker/co-owner of Fauquier Realty.

Pete moved to Marshall with his family when he was 12.  He graduated from Marshall High School in 1959 and attended Bridgewater College. He served his country in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. He was a charter member of Boy Scout Troop 177, a charter/life member of the Marshall Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department and a charter member of The Fauquier Citizens Academy.  He served on the board of directors of The Fauquier Heritage Society, a life member of the Fauquier Lions Club, a member of Cochran Masonic Lodge, past president Randy Carter Chapter of Float Fishermen of Virginia, Eastern Virginia Surf Fishing Team, Ocracoke Island Realty Surf Fishing Team and N.C. Beach Buggy Association  Pete was a member of Marshall United Methodist Church.

He is survived by Marge, his wife of 37 years, and his beloved children, John Nalls (Dana) and Susan Owens (Frank); his grandchildren, Lauren Owens, Thomas, David, Brigid, Steven and Karen Nalls; his niece, Judy Russel; his grandniece, Elizabeth Payne, and his grandnephew, Zac Payne.

Pete's great love was fishing and spending as much time as possible on a river or beach.  He loved carpentry and worked on many rehab projects with both the Marshall United Methodist Church Mission Team and with “Miss” Anne Davis; mission projects at Pine Ridge Native American Reservation in South Dakota.

He was predeceased by his brother, Frank Van Deman; his nephew, Chuck Van Deman, and his niece, Stacy Payne.

William Randolph Moore Palmer II, "Duff", died unexpectedly of natural causes Friday, March 28, 2003. He was born October 8, 1954, in Charlottesville, Va.

Duff was a respected outdoorsman, with a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing.  He made his vocation his avocation.  His prowess in the sporting world resulted in the opening of The Albemarle Angler, an Orvis Shop, in the Barracks Road Shopping Center in 1996.  A sought-after guide and sportsman, teacher and mentor, he was an active participant in numerous conservation and environmental organizations. Among them were Ducks Unlimited and the Coastal Conservation Association.  He sponsored and participated in an annual fishing tournament for the benefit of the C.C.A.  He received a notable award for his excellence from the Orvis Company.

Duff was a devoted father, husband, son, and friend, and a generous donor to various organizations.  He was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ivy.

He is the son of Martin Amorous Palmer, of Charlottesville, and the late Maria Jones Palmer.  He is survived by his wife, Hunter Wright Palmer and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Nick Wright of Virginia Beach; two children, Caroline Maria Palmer and Martin Randolph Palmer; his aunt, Susanne Gier Palmer, wife of the late George C. Palmer II; cousins, Elizabeth Palmer Mossman of Bedford Hills, N.Y.; and her son, Alexander Palmer Mossman; George C. Palmer III, of Charlottesville, and his wife, Constance Daniel Palmer; their three children, William Matthew Palmer, Elizabeth Moore Palmer, and George Nelson Palmer; and a host of loving friends and extended family.

Birthplace: Saco, Maine
Resided In: Warrenton Virginia

Margaret Jean (Graves) Tylek Strawser, 75 of Warrenton died at Fauquier Hospital on Friday, September 2, 2011. Born in Saco Maine on March 17, 1936 to the late Robert Edwin and Catherine Elizabeth (Devlin) Graves.Mrs. Strawser was a Certified Public Accountant and graduated from Ohio University, she was a member of The Float Fishmen Club of Virginia, Warrenton Newcomers Club, Needlework Club of Moffett Manor and National Alliance of the Mentally Ill.In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Andrew G. Tylek.

Survivors are her son Todd Tylek of Warrenton, a daughter Terri Davis of Manassas, step daughter Christina Warren, stepson Darryl Strawser, her sisters; Eleanor(Graves) Bauer and Muriel White and her husband Harry. Additional survivors include her grandchildren Lauren Warren and Adam Warren and nieces and nephews.

Donald Mitchell Sims Sr., 62, formerly of Charlottesville, passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2012.
 

"Don" was born on March 3, 1950, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Donald Lafayette and Evelyn Rosser Sims. He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy and attended Virginia Military Institute and University of Virginia He was a founding member and owner of Buckingham Parachute Center for many years before moving into the office equipment industry. He worked for Monroe prior to finding his dream job as a technical trainer for Cobb Technologies in Richmond, where he worked for 17 years.

To say that "Dickel Don", lived life to its fullest would be somewhat of an understatement. He loved skydiving, canoeing, traveling, civil war and World War II history, the Blue Ridge Mountains, gardening, storytelling, his dogs, and walking at least 1,000 miles a year. He was 62 going on 30, and he never turned down a good time. He is survived by his son, daughter and their spouses, three grandchildren, two sisters, six nieces and nephews, countless river children and "dumb" children.

"River Daddy", a long-time member of the Float Fisherman didn't get a chance to enlighten his grandchildren on the intricacies of paddling a canoe, but enough of us paid attention, some of the time, to pass his canoeing expertise on. He was as unique as they come, and he had a moral compass second to none. Don was loved by more than he knew, and he will be sorely missed.

Retired Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judge, William Samson (Sam) Kerr, 69, of Bent Creek, died unexpectedly Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, in Williamsburg.

He is survived by his wife, Lola Osborne Kerr; two daughters and their mother, Anne Leigh Kerr of Richmond, Amy Watkins Boyd and her husband, Andrew, of Williamsburg and Anne Abbitt Kerr of Richmond; three grandchildren, Corinne, Camille and Stuart Boyd; a sister, Betty Kerr; and a nephew, John Kerr.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009, at Grace Hills Baptist Church. A reception will be held at the church following the service to allow time for family and friends to visit and remember the joy and laughter Sam brought into our lives.

The family requests that memorials be made in Sam's memory to the
JacksonField Homes, 546 Walnut Grove Drive, Jarratt, VA 23867.

"Retired Judge Dies Suddenly"

Appomattox,VA - A retired judge from Appomattox passed away suddenly, while getting ready to celebrate Christmas with his family in Williamsburg. Friends tell us Judge William "Sam" Kerr died Monday night.

The family was planning to celebrate the holiday Tuesday morning. Kerr retired as Appomattox J&D court judge in 2004.   He also served as Commonwealth's Attorney for 12 years - until 1984.A memorial service is set for Thursday at 1:00 - at Grace Hills Baptist Church in Appomattox.

Edward Dillon IV, “Ned”, 74, of Ashland, the son of the late Edward and Eleanor Dillon, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer. He is survived by a son, Dave and wife, Barbara Dillon; two sisters, Eleanor Dillon of Williamsburg and Amanda Taylor and husband, Jim, of Port Hayward, VA; three grandchildren, Danny, Jackie and Tori Dillon; and his loving companion, Tayloe Moore.

Ned served proudly in the U.S. Army and was very proud of serving on the Board of Hanover Arts and Activities Center, and the board of directors of a family business, E. Dillon and Co. in Swords Creek, Va. He was an avid outdoorsman, a dedicated member of the Float Fisherman of Virginia and Coastal Canoeists.

A Celebration of his life was held Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, 500 South Center St., Ashland, Va. 23005.

From: Tayloe Moore
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 4:21 PM
To: FFV
Subject: Ned Dillon

Thank you all for the lovely notes, wishes and remembrances. With all these emails I feel I should be calling Ned and reading them to him.
We will be having a Celebration in memory of Ned on Sunday, October 4, 2009, 3 pm in Ashland, Virginia at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 Center Street. It is right in the downtown of Ashland, on the railroad tracks .Look forward to seeing you,
Love,
Tayloe