Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford, VA (2026)

03/02/2026

Lendale Ray Mason, lovingly known as "PawPaw Lenny", 63 of Moneta, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at his home leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship and devotion to family and community. Lendale was born April 14, 1962 in Lynchburg, a son of the late Ray G. Mason and Josephine Mayhew Jacobs Mason. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Timothy Douglas Mason and a half-sister, Judy Overstreet Shields.

Lendale lived in Moneta all his life and grew up next to the fire department. Seeing those red trucks with red lights and sirens has been in his blood since before he was young enough to legally join the fire department. He would often share tales of his mother taking him to the fire scenes in her personal car when the calls went out. As a lifelong member of the department he served in many roles including President and Assistant Chief. Among some of his cherished memories were the years he served under his father, Ray, when he was Chief of the department. When the fire department was growing and was in the developmental stages of the station in the Diamond Hill area of the county to expedite turn out times, his home served as base to house the fire trucks to serve that end of the county. He instilled in his daughters the desire to help others in their time of need through the many episodes of having them "run" calls with him. They recall many times, sitting in his truck watching Lifeguard land somewhere and the pilots waving at the little girls. Nothing made him happier than being able to ride in those fire trucks, dump trucks and heavy equipment or to spend down time camping.

In addition to his over forty years of service with the fire department, Lendale was employed by VDOT for twenty-five years and was Superintendent at the New London area Headquarters in Bedford County. He was also owner of L. R. Mason Excavating and Hauling.

Surviving is his wife of forty years, Marcia Dinkle Mason; his daughters, Jessica (Brandon Reynolds), Andrea (Ben Criner); his son, Dock Epperly (Christina); five grandchildren; Easton, Madison, Harper, Avery and Sophia; a brother, Greg Mason (Phyllis); three half-sisters, Hilda Craft (Jim), Peggy McCauley (Jim), Vickie Burley (Marshall); a half-brother, Douglas Jacobs, not to mention a number of in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A special round of thanks to Diane Cunningham and Tracy Goodman for all the hours they spent caring for Lendale after his accident. Additional thanks to all the family and community members who have provided such strong support over the past six months.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Lendale to the Moneta Volunteer Fire Department, 12737 North Old Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121 or the Moneta Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 497, Moneta, VA 24121

Funeral services will be held at the graveside at Virginia Memorial Park at 11 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 PM until 8 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

03/01/2026

Larry Lee Hackworth, 71 of Lynch Station passed away Friday, February 27,2026 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. Larry was born on Friday, June 18, 1954 in Bedford, the son of late Lonnie Bradford Hackworth, Sr. and Doris Una Creasy Hackworth.

Larry retired from BGF.

He is survived by his sisters, Goldie Sunders, Ella Goodman; brothers, Lonnie Hackworth, Jr. (Brenda), Ronnie Hackworth (Joyce), Ray Hackworth (Tammy); a special niece, Rhonda Pair; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston.

02/28/2026

Thomas Edgar "Tom" Rawlings, 87 of Thaxton, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026 in the VA Medical Center. He was born on December 30, 1938 in Bedford County, a son of the late Edgar Rawlings and Makie Witt Rawlings Brown. He was also preceded in death by his sister, June Ellen Rawlings Crouch.

Tom was a graduate of Montvale High School, a retired employee of Rubatex Corporation, a proud veteran having served in the U. S. Army and enjoyed farming and raising cows.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of sixty-two years, Barbara Meador Rawlings; his eldest son, Edgar Rawlings and younger son, Jeff Rawlings (Kim); three granddaughters, Caitlin Hicks (Mac), Beth Rawlings, Tiffany Waldron; a great granddaughter, Jade Hicks. Tom was very proud of his children and granddaughters and enjoyed spending as much time with them as he could. Also surviving is his brother, Johnny Maynard Brown and sisters, Linda Rawlings Overstreet and Shirley Brown Witt.

The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford and a funeral service will follow at 1 PM in the chapel with Pastor Mike Miller officiating. Interment will follow in the Glade Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

02/26/2026

Thomas Vincent Clark, Sr., 99, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026 while in Georgetown, South Carolina. He was born on January 19, 1927, in Stony Point, New York, the son of Thomas Vincent Clark and Agnes H. Clark. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Clark, who passed away in 2021. He was preceded in death by oldest son Tom, Jr. and is survived by three of his sons: J. Kevin Clark of Copley, OH; Brian J. Clark and wife Mary Jo of Georgetown, SC; and Jeffrey G. Clark of Fairfax Station, VA.

After graduating high school in Haverstraw, NY, Tom proudly joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his service, he graduated from Xavier University, beginning a long and dedicated career in the civilian military service. He started in the US Army Corp of Engineers located in Richmond, Philadelphia, and New Jersey. He moved on work for the Navy in Charleston, SC and Washington DC as he advanced through the that organization.

As a proud father of four sons, Tom dedicated all his efforts to his young family with many hours spent on coaching baseball, basketball, Boy Scouts, school band, and a million things in support of his kids.

Following retirement, Tom settled in the Bedford, Virginia, where he enjoyed a full and active life. He was a devoted golfer at the Bedford Country Club for many years. He was a committed member of his church, Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church and volunteered time as a docent at Bedford’s D‑Day Memorial, and the Bedford Christian Ministries soup kitchen.

He and Betty found the time to travel and did a lot of that: Germany, Austria, Spain, Ireland, Canada, Rocky Mountains, Alaska, northwest US, southwest US, and others all were experienced.

Tom’s life was marked by service, humility, integrity, generosity, humor, unwavering dedication to family. He will be remembered for the gentle wisdom and the love he gave generously to all who knew him.

In honor of Tom's life please consider making a donation to Heath Wagon, P.O. Box 7070, Wise, VA 24293.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Bedford, Va. Interment will be in Resurrection Catholic Church Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

02/24/2026

Mary Elizabeth Reynolds Nichols Howell (“Mary Liz”), 91, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital in Bedford. Born on January 18, 1935, Mary was the daughter of the late Raymond Earl Reynolds and Beulah Beatrice Manley Reynolds. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her first husband, Troy Lee Nichols (1972), and her second husband, Samuel Orville Howell (2011); brother, Garvis Musgrave Reynolds; sister, Sarah Reynolds Branch; and grandson, Eric Scott Nichols.

Mary is survived by her son, Tony Lee Nichols, of Bedford; grandson, Troy Nance Nichols and his wife, Amanda, of Abingdon; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Burke Nichols and Benjamin Nance Nichols, of Abingdon; daughter-in-law, Gypsy Roberts Nichols, of Bedford; nieces, Bonnie R. McKinney (Billy), of Coahuila, Mexico, Tina Reynolds, of Big Island, Shelby B. Byers (Frank), of Big Island, and Sheila B. Turpin (Dennis), of Big Island; nephew, Garvis M. Reynolds, Jr., of Roanoke; and numerous other family members and many friends.

Mary was a retired postmaster from the United States Postal Service and loyal member of Mentow Baptist Church in Huddleston, Virginia. She loved her church Joy Group and the many special friends she had in the church congregation. Mary was no stranger to hard work. In addition to postmaster, she worked diligently maintaining her farm and garden, and took pride in having an open kitchen where she cooked for so many to enjoy her delicious meals. For many years, she successfully ran her convenience store and restaurant, offering many of the same home cooked dishes. She enjoyed her various initiatives with real estate development and was well respected for having a high business acumen. Most importantly, she loved her family dearly and cherished every moment spent with them.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Mentow Baptist Church Cemetery in Huddleston, Virginia with Rev. Dr. Rick Foster officiating. There is no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mentow Baptist Church, 3282 Mentow Drive, Huddleston, Virginia 24104.

Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.updikefuneralhome.com.

02/21/2026

William Lee "Billy" McMillion, 79 of Bedford, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born October 10, 1946 in West Virginia, a son of the late William Russell McMillion and Irene Danbury McMillion. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Larry McMillion, James "Jimmy" McMillion, Danny McMillion & Michael McMillion.

Mr. McMillion was retired from the U. S. Army having been medically discharged after being wounded in the Vietnam War. He received the Bronze Star with V device, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign medal with Device, Republic of Vietnam Service medal and the Sharpshooter medal. He worked from sunup to sundown and enjoyed farming, cutting wood and he provided his daughter wood every year for her home. He never met a stranger.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Anderson McMillion; his daughter, Sonya McMillion Beheler (Jeff); his son, William Russell McMillion II (Spring); his grandchildren, Jane Blessing Beheler, William Lee McMillion II (Autumn), Leland Ryan McMillion (Samantha); his brother, Samuel "Sammy" McMillion (Sherri); his sister, Drema Sue Bowden; his sisters-in-law, Jenny McMillion, Barbara McMillion; his pets, Spike & Poncho as well as numerous nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment, with full military honors, will be held at 1 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in the Evergreen United Methodist Church Cemetery in Wytheville.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

02/20/2026

Nancy Hartman Byrd, 95 of Moneta, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026 at Our Lady of the Valley. She was born on Monday, March 3, 1930 in Roanoke, a daughter of the late Wade Hampton Hartman and Flossie Augusta Chewning Hartman. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Ford Byrd, brothers, Fred Hartman, Tommy Hartman and a sister, Carrie Lee Staggs.

She, along with her husband were owners of Byrd's Restaurant & Waterwheel Marina for many years.

She is survived by her sons, David Herman Byrd & wife, Tina, B. Steven Byrd & significant other, Tina; her granddaughters, Amanda May Byrd, Megan Beth Byrd, Haleigh Ann Byrd; a great granddaughter, Oaklynn Grey; a great grandson, William White.

Funeral services will be held at 3 PM on Monday, February 23, 2026 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in the Byrd Family Cemetery at Radford Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 4 until 6 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

02/17/2026

SERVICE UPDATE:

The visitation, service & meal has been moved to Palestine Baptist Church, 9244 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, Huddleston, VA. DATE: Sunday, February 22, 2026 - Visitation will begin at 2 PM, service at 4 PM and the meal will follow.

********************

Willis Randall Mitchen, 85 of Huddleston, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 at his residence. He was born on Wednesday, July 31, 1940 in Huddleston, a son of the late Fred Lathan Mitchen and Celestia Estelle "Essie" Howell Mitchen.

Willis was without debate, the best father and "Poppy" ever - a dearly loved man who left fingerprints on countless lives and probably a few tomato stakes too. Humble to his core, he never sought the spotlight, though it often found him anyway. A man of many talents, he sang for twelve joyful years with the Palestine Baptist Quartet, recording four albums and lifting spirits wherever harmony was needed. Music was only one way he connected with people; friendship was his true gift, and he shared it generously. He was also known for mowing the grass THE RIGHT WAY - in carefully planned patterns, straight lines only, no shortcuts, and absolutely no missed strips. To him, a well-mowed yard was a matter of pride and principle, much like everything else he did.

Athletic from an early age, he still holds the Huddleston High School basketball record with an impressive 2,000 career points - proof that determination and heart go a long way. When not cheering on this favorite race car, you could find him teaching, mentoring, fishing, hunting, or tending to his garden, where his tomatoes were as legendary as his stories.

Above all, he was a solid Christian man and a devoted father who lived his faith quietly but consistently. He taught by example - showing his family what it means to love, serve, work hard, and do right even when no one was watching.

A great teacher in life, he showed others how to work hard, laugh often, stay grounded, and always make time for what matters most. He lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, friendship, and a whole lot of good memories.

He will be remembered in every hymn sung and every story shared, in basketball gyms and baseball fields, with each shot taken and every ball tossed, on quiet fishing banks, and in gardens where tomatoes grow strong and steady - just like him.

He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-five years, Nancy Overstreet Mitchen; his daughters, Sheila M. Page (Frank), Sabrina M. McCarty (Chris), Selinda M. Tolley (Sean); his grandchildren, Willis Page, Caleb Page, Sawyer Ann Tolley and Spencer Tolley; his sister, Carolyn Goin & a special friend, Cathy Eggleston.

Special thanks to his caregivers, Crystal Howell, Yolanda Garlough, Allison Spradlin, Eva Irvin for the wonderful care.

We are having his Memorial service this Sunday, February 22, 2026 at momma and daddy's house, 4510 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, Huddleston, VA 24104. Visitation will start at 2:00 and the service will start at 4:00. We will be offering time for those that choose to share their special times they had with Daddy. Casual dress... jeans, camouflage and/or flannel...his go to attire. There will be a meal after the service. We are asking you to bring a side dish or a dessert if possible. Fried chicken and beverages will be provided. Parking will be across the road in the Huddleston Parkway Church and also in Huddleston Elementary School parking lot. A "shuttle" will be provided to transport those unable to walk over to the house. In the event of inclement weather we will move the service to the Huddleston Parkway Church.

In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to be made to the Huddleston Fire Department, P. O. Box 436, Huddleston, VA 24104 in Daddy's honor. We hope to see you all there to celebrate our amazing father's life.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service

02/13/2026

** UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION

Sandra Stephens, 85, of Thaxton, VA passed away the morning of February 12th. She spent her final days in the company of her loved ones.

Born Sandra Jean Foster on May 24, 1940, she was the daughter of William Francis Foster and Susie West (Garrett) Foster. Sandra grew up in Bedford and spent her early adult life there. She later moved to Roanoke and then spent the final 40+ years of her life residing on Taylor’s Mountain in Thaxton.

Sandra spent many years working for Kroger and for Kessler Refrigeration. In her retirement at age 70, she discovered both a love and a talent for pottery. She made many beautiful pieces and sold some of her work locally. She described working with clay as one of the greatest joys of her life. In addition to making pottery, Sandra loved reading poetry and mystery novels and learning about history, geography, religion, and philosophy.

Sandra loved nature and had a deep respect for God and all of His creation. Dubbed the “Snow White” of the mountain by her family, Sandra spent much of her time caring for both domestic and wild animals, alike. Both people and animals gravitated to her and benefited from her nurturing instincts. More than once, a doe would bring her fawn by Sandra’s house to introduce them to one another. Over the years, Sandra could sometimes count up to 25 hummingbirds enjoying her feeders at once, before making their southward journey. She even had a way of reasoning with bears and encouraging them to “move along” when they came too close to her house. Though she lived quite remotely, Sandra also had a beautiful knack for collecting a diverse group of friends; and, she celebrated each of them and their unique gifts.

Sandra was the heart of her family, and family was incredibly important to her. Her son, David Key, was the light of her life, and her granddaughter, Kelly (Key) Hemler, was like a daughter to her. The three of them lived many of their years as a tripod — each leg supporting the other and finding steadiness together. Sandra, David, and Kelly were fortunate to enjoy travels to Ireland, Italy, and the U.K.; but, their favorite memories are the ones they shared together at Sandra’s home on Taylor’s mountain.

Sandra is survived by David and Kelly (Jon), as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Richard “Dick” Stephens; her parents, Francis and Susie; her brothers, William “Billy,” Richard, and Thomas “Tommy”; and, her daughter-in-law, Mary Gilmartin Key.

Sandra will be remembered for her remarkable strength and resilience, her care for creation, her desire to make every day count, and her deep love and devotion towards her cherished family and friends.

A memorial service will be held for Sandra at 1 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

02/09/2026

Thomas Edward Custer, 87, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026. He was born on May 27, 1938 to the late Wilson O. Custer & Lucille Andrews Custer.
Thomas served in the United States Navy as a welder.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Custer; sisters, Betty Custer Fariss, Brenda Custer Dooley & Carolyn Custer Bryant; brother, Barry W. Custer; several nieces & nephews.
A graveside will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia, VA, 23002.
Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

02/05/2026

Shirley Alletta Millner Webber, 97 of Lynchburg, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Oakwood Health & Rehab. Center in Bedford. She was born on Friday, June 1, 1928 in Lynchburg, a daughter of the late Joseph Samuel Millner and Maynie Millner Millner. She was also preceded in death by husband, Morris Thomas Webber, a daughter, Joan Alletta Webber, a grandson, Jeffrey Roger Webber, her daughter-in-law, Linda Webber and a sister, Joyce Millner Dolan.

She was retired from Craddock Terry Shoe Company. She was a member of Forest Road United Methodist Church.

She is survived by a son, Roger Webber; a daughter, Deborah Webber; and sisters, Gaile A. Millner & Debra A. Millner; three great granddaughters, one great great grandson and one great great granddaughter as well as several nieces & nephews.

A special thanks to the staff of Oakwood Health & Rehab and Centra Lynchburg General Hospital for their loving care and also to her special nephew, Tony Evans for his unselfish care over the years.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford

02/04/2026

*** UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION

Billy Joe Overstreet, 65, of Altavista, Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at Smith Mountain Lake, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.

Born on February 4, 1960, in Altavista, Billy was the son of the late Graydon B. and Bernice F. Overstreet. He was a proud graduate of Altavista High School and went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering. Billy dedicated over 40 years of his career to Hewlett-Packard Enterprises as an engineer, where his expertise and steady presence were greatly valued.

From his earliest days, Billy cherished the outdoors. As a young boy, he delighted in caring for and riding the family horses. Throughout his life, he found joy in camping with loved ones, fishing, gardening, playing golf, painting, and woodworking-creative pursuits that allowed him to express his hands-on spirit and bring beauty to the world around him.

Billy is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Overstreet; his two daughters, Lindsay (Robert Cronise) and Haley (Stephen Delli Priscoli); his brother, Tommy Overstreet; his cherished grandchildren, Kevin, Aurora, Graydon Cronise, and soon-to-be-born Sophia Delli Priscoli; his beloved dogs, Tristan and Bentley; and a wide circle of dear friends and neighbors who were like family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Donna Overstreet.

The memorial service will be held on Monday, February 16th, at 11:00am at Updike Funeral Home: 1140 W Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, Bedford, VA 24523. The service will be led by Rabbi Harley Karz-Wagman of the Agudath Sholom Congregation.

A gathering with hors d'oeurves and drinks will follow the service at The Traveller in Bedford, VA: 3763 Peaks Rd, Bedford, VA 24523.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Billy's memory to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 4110, Glen Allen, VA 23058 in honor of his brave fight and the hope he held for others facing similar battles.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

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