![]() That basketball scholarship saved him from a life of coal mining.ĭuring the Korean War Bob signed up for the Navy’s Officer Candidate School. He was offered a scholarship to Shenandoah College, in the Blue Ridge mountains, in Virginia, where he would earn his associate degree. In high school, Bob’s basketball coach drove him to a small music conservatory that was starting a team. Then the foreman said: "Are you Rob Tyson's grandson?” He then said, "Come back in two weeks, and we'll find a job for you.” The foreman said they didn't have any work. They began training, but the Marines were winding down the war effort and sent them all home.Īfter being released by the Marines, Bob went down to the mine in Davis to see if he could get a job. His lifelong aversion to chicken started in her backyard, where Zella would send him to chase one down and prepare it for dinner.Īfter high school, near the end of World War II, Bob and some high school friends signed up for the Marines, shortly after the surrender of Japan. She would pay Bobby a dollar to beat up bullies in the neighborhood. ![]() Zella had a stark sense of right and wrong. It was a painful loss that would stay with him throughout his life. When Bob was in middle school, a cave mine collapsed, killing his grandfather, whom he adored. Young Bob would remember hearing his grandfather walking home from the mine on payday, after a few drinks, singing as he went down the street. His grandfather, Rob Tyson, was the foreman at a nearby coal mine. Bob (known then as Bobby) was raised by his mother's parents. Friends called him Bob.īob’s parents - both teachers - divorced when he was a child. Robert Thomas Heltzel was born on June 28, 1928, in a small town called Davis in the Canaan Valley of West Virginia. Per Brenda’s explicit request, her services are private and for immediate family only. Brenda was predeceased by her parents and her beloved son William Craig Sanders. ![]() Gray (Gloria) and her nieces and nephews. Left to cherish Brenda’s memory are her loving children Kimberly Sanders Creech (Tim) and Robert "Corey” Sanders her beloved grandchildren: Oliver, Mariah, Will, Becca and Kori her sister Karen Gray Sanders her brother John I. She was a kind, wonderful soul and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her children consider themselves so lucky to have had her as their Mom. Brenda loved animals and the beach (especially her annual getaway with the girls in South Nags Head), but above all she loved her grandchildren. She was retired from a long career as a Medical Billing Supervisor for Medical Reimbursement Associates and she was a member of Cobham Park Baptist Church in Warsaw, Virginia. Brenda was the daughter of the late William Irving Gray and the late Marjorie Grace Lamb Gray. The family wishes to thank the staff of Richmond Residential for their excellent care of and friendship to Ann, as well as the staff of James River Hospice who provided compassionate end-of-life care for Ann.īrenda Gray Sanders, 73, of North Chesterfield, Virginia, born June 8, 1949, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family. A reception following the service will be held in the Victory Baptist Fellowship Hall. Her nephew Pastor Todd Brown will officiate. on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Victory Baptist Church in Warsaw. "Zimm” Zimmerman.Ī memorial service for Ann will be held at 11 a.m. Opening their arms wide to receive her as she arrived at Heaven’s gate were her parents, William and Hilda and her brother-in-law G.B. Langdale her nephews Pastor Todd Brown and Brent Langdale her nieces Lisa Brown and Crystal Brown her special cousin Jane Harcum and many great-nieces and -nephews, extended family and friends. Left to cherish Ann’s memory are her loving sisters Betty S. No one left a visit with Ann without feeling a little bit brighter. Her favorite phrase was always, "I prayed for you last night.” She loved singing, especially her favorite song "Jesus Loves Me.” Ann enjoyed coloring, having her nails done, weaving potholders, and collecting purses. When her nieces and nephews were small, she was their favorite playmate. She endured many challenges in life, yet came through them all with her sweet soul and tender nature firmly intact. She loved with all her heart and in turn, was loved back immensely. Ann was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Totuskey Baptist Church.Īnn was truly a gift to her family. Lovingly known by her family and closest friends as Ann, she was the beloved daughter of the late William Alfred Smith and the late Hilda Marie Bell Smith. Virginia Ann Smith, 77, of Richmond, but originally from Warsaw, Virginia, passed away peacefully after a brief illness.
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