William Michael (Mike) Babich, 76, of Providence Forge, Virginia, departed life peacefully on Feb. 22, 2024. Mike was born on Feb. 12, 1948, in Richmond, Virginia. He was a self-described lifelong student of the internal combustion engine and a machinist by trade. There was nothing Mike could not fix. He loved fishing, target shooting, motorcycle riding, and figuring out how things worked. A master craftsman in his trade, Mike developed countless friendships throughout his 35-plus years operating Babich Machine Company. He loved his country and his family. His smile, wit, and soul will be missed. Mike was preceded in death…
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Jack Eugene Lee, born Feb. 19, 1943, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, surrounded by family at his home he designed and built in Lanexa, Virginia. Jack was a retired Senior Chief, husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, builder, and hero upon his passing. He grew up in the small town of Auburn, Nebraska after moving from his birthplace of Cando, North Dakota as a child. Of the many different jobs he had growing up, carpentry and building led Jack to enlist in the United States Navy as a Seabee (construction battalion) in 1968, just before the United States’…
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Kenny Driscoll, 78, of Lanexa, Virginia, passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at home. Kenny was born in Alexandria, Virginia, to Jack and Essie Driscoll, and spent most of his years between Buena Vista and Williamsburg. Kenny retired as a machinist supervisor for Phillip Morris. His after-retirement ownership of Stewart’s Grocery in Lanexa brought him great joy and earned him many valued friendships in the county. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Augustine Lilton “Jack” Driscoll and Mary Catherine Driscoll; biological other, Essie Jaunita Cash Lawhorne; and his great-grandson, Coleman Tucker Young. He is survived by his…
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Robert Wayne Mallory, of Lanexa, Virginia, passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his wife and sons, after a short but brave battle with cancer, on the morning of Dec. 30, 2023. Rob was born on Aug. 15, 1969, in Newport News, Virginia, to Harold Wayne Mallory and Beverly Ann Conley. He was raised in Hampton, Virginia, where he graduated in 1987 from Bethel High School. Rob made his way into a 34-year career in fire protection where he was certified in backflow, fire pumps, and waterboard systems. He earned Levels 1 and 2 of his NIACETS and made…
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Cheryl Moon Kelly, of New Kent, Virginia, passed away on Dec. 9, 2023, after a valiant 19-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Cheryl was born in Syracuse, New York, on May 21, 1964, to Daniel F. Moon and the late Carol Ann Moon. Cheryl held a business degree from Christopher Newport University. She was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, stepmother, aunt, and friend. Cheryl’s lifelong passion was Shetland Sheepdogs. She spent many years training, breeding, and showing her prized Shelties. Cheryl constantly strived for the betterment of the breed. Her love and care for all her family and friends will be…
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Mary Pearson Fisher Bryant, 90, of Quinton, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. Born May 4, 1933, she was the daughter of the late C. Linwood and Alice Vail Ware Fisher. Mary graduated from New Kent High School in 1950 and received her degree in Education from Madison College in 1954. Prior to the birth of her children, she taught in Prince William, Virginia, and Mineral Wells, Texas. After a break to start a family, she joined Fairfax County Public Schools where she spent 28 years as a first and second grade teacher…
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Linda Schurz-Vaught, 63, of Providence Forge, Virginia, passed away on Nov. 29, 2023, at her home. In the midst of a 27-month battle with an exceptionally rare cancer, Linda departed for heaven with her family at her side. Linda married Ron Vaught on Apr. 24, 2013. Linda and her husband Ron serve as senior pastors at The River Church in Toano, Virginia, and The ROC in Charles City County, Virginia. Linda is a worshipper, a warrior, a fighter, a giver, and a servant of Jesus, and her work is just getting started. She could often be found within the cancer…
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Phyllis E. Buchanan, born Feb. 11, 1933, passed away on Nov. 27, 2023. Phyllis had to be busy all the time. She volunteered with many groups, her church, Providence United Methodist Church, served on the Ladies Auxiliary for the fire department, LaSeratoma, at the elementary school as a substitute nurse or working with special needs children in reading, as an officer with the Virginia Learning Disabled program, at the county fair by either judging, helping with set-up, or entering one of her handmade quilts, with the girl scouts, as an officer in Eastern Star of Roanoke, and her most favorite…
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Peggy June Howard, 72, of Quinton, Virginia, passed away on Nov. 12, 2023. She was a native of Roanoke, Virginia, and moved to Quinton later in life. Peggy loved Yankee Candle, but her greatest joy was to camp and have a good time with her friends. Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, William and Minnie Stamper; two sisters, Iris Faye Coles and Linda Oliver; and her beloved dogs, Diamond and Chloe. She is survived by her husband, Douglas Howard; her daughter, Angie Puckett; two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, Nov. 25,…
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Richard Wallace Morris Jr., 81, of Providence Forge, Virginia, was surrounded by his loved ones as he left to join his departed family after a short battle with brain cancer on Nov. 6, 2023. Richard was a talented woodworker and skilled craftsman. He was always busy with some project. Richard retired from the Ford Motor Company after over 30 years of service and later retired again as a First Sergeant from the New Kent Sheriff’s Office. He proceeded to start his successful gravel driveway business “Morris Hauling.” Richard was a founding member of the Providence Forge Volunteer Rescue Squad and…
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