News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | January 22, 2026
Obituaries
Randall Larry Kelley
Randall Larry Kelley, 78, of Charles City County, Virginia, was called home to his Lord and Savior on Jan. 14, 2026. Randy was the eighth of nine children born to Mary Oma and Calvin Layton Kelley in Lewisburg, West Virginia. The family later moved to Williamsburg, Virginia. Randy was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Doris, Vernon, Mary, Nancy, Carol, and Penny; and his grandson, Gavin Adkins. He is survived by his loving wife; Nancy Kelley; his siblings, Denny (Linda) Kelley and Velora Mae Bradley; brothers-in-law, Charlie Adams and Alton Bradley; his children, Sheri Adams, Karen (Roger) Barker,…
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John T. Bragg Jr.
John T. Bragg Jr., 76, of New Kent, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 7. 2026. John retired as a Major with the West Virginia Army National Guard and retired as an environmental manager with Charles City County. He was a dedicated volunteer of Promise Land Storehouse, a member of the New Kent County Wetlands Board, and an avid photographer. He was a member of Kentwood Hights Baptist Church in Quinton. John was preceded in death by his father, John T. Bragg Sr. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bragg; mother, Arbutus Bragg; sisters, Willa Shumate (Greg) and Julia…
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Lillian Gay
With deep love and gratitude, Lillian “Red” Gay, 84, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Jan. 1, 2026. Lillian lived a beautiful life marked by grace, devotion, and quiet strength. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth filled every room she entered. Known for her gentle wisdom, sense of humor, and generous heart, she left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Lillian took great pride in her family and found her greatest joy in time spent together. She had a special gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued,…
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David Jerry Mauney
David “Dave” Jerry Mauney, 84, of Providence Forge, Virginia, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 22, 2025, surrounded by his family. Dave served his country during the Vietnam War as a United States Marine Sergeant. He was a member of First Baptist Church in West Point and had been a restauranteur. Dave was also an avid golfer. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, David and Dolly Mauney. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sandra Ward Mauney; daughter, Karen Whitcomb and her husband, John; sister, Judy Capps and her husband, Larry;…
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Barbara England Hayes
Barbara England Hayes, 85, of Charles City, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. Barbara was a long-time member of Memorial United Methodist Church and the New Kent Women’s Club. She was a also a long-time member of the Charles City Electoral Board and was on the Charles City Fair committee. She loved cooking and spending time with her family. Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Donald Earl Hayes. She is survived by her daughter, Kim Moyer (Kevin); her son, Phil Hayes; two sisters, Patricia Schelhorn and Phyllis Penn (Bill); along with numerous…
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David John Rondeau
David John Rondeau, 78, of New Kent, Virginia, passed away on Oct. 10, 2025. David was a proud U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, having served in Vietnam. He would go to work at Park Superior Sales and then retire after 35 years of service as Praxair. Retirement would not keep him idle however, and he chose to keep himself occupied working as a technician with VA Bio Diesel. David was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Rondeau. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara; lifelong friend, Boyd Hazzard (Alice); son, Joe Rondeau (Laura); three granddaughters, Randi Rose…
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George N. Simmons
George N. Simmons lost his long battle with cancer and gained his angel wings on Oct. 7, 2025, surrounded by what meant the most to him, his beloved family. George was born on Dec. 15, 1948, in Bath County, Virginia, where he grew up on a dairy farm. He joined the United States Army in 1965. He worked hard throughout his life as he worked for the Firestone Plant, owned his own fencing business while also running a farm, became an electrical engineer for Daniel’s Construction at the Bath County Pump Storage Plant, and continued to work for them in…
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William Samuel Bowery Sr.
William Samuel Bowery Sr., “Bill”, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at the age of 86. Bill was born in New Kent County and graduated from New Kent High School, where he drove the school bus from his sophomore until his senior year, and it’s where he lived until his last day. In his younger years, Bill was a member of the Civil Air Patrol at New Kent Airport. He was the last founding member of the Company 2 Volunteer Fire Department, serving eight years. He was also a part-time Animal Control Warden for New Kent…
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Jurgen Alvin Authur Ruehle
Jurgen Alvin Authur Ruehle, 74, of New Kent County, Virginia, passed away on Aug. 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Jurgen was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Janet Ruehle. He is survived by his children, Mary Ann, Hans, and Katerina; his siblings, Heidi Strauss, Helga Jandera, and Ed Wellman; his partner, Denise Norred; as well as a host of extended family and friends. Tributes may be posted at www.vincentfh.com.
Tonya Nicole Brown
Tonya Nicole Brown, known by many as “Peaches”, 59, of Charles City, Virginia, passed away in her slumber on Aug. 17, 2025. Tonya was born on Apr. 18, 1966 in Newport News, Virginia, to Lebious C. Brown Sr. and Alene Wilkins Brown. She wore the titles of mother, friend, and caregiver. Tonya was a coffee lover and crime show enthusiast who collected every season of the NCIS series on DVD. She was a huge Prince fan and always ready to party like it’s 1999. Tonya was creative when she drew sketches, wrote poetry, and most of all, loved creating beaded…
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