Warner: Nyholm Is Virginia Resident

Supporters Rally To Tobacco Commission Appointee’s Aid After Reports Surface Questioning Residency

Governor Mark Warner is satisfied that Connie Nyholm, recently appointed to the Virginia Tobacco Commission, is a resident of Virginia, a spokesman for his office said yesterday.
Ellen Qualls, Warner’s communications director, said that despite reports questioning Nyholm’s legal residence in the state, “we had checked out her residency prior to announcing her appointment because we were aware that was an issue. We are convinced she is a Virginia resident.”
“Governor Warner thinks she’ll do a great job on the Commission,” Qualls added. “There’s no doubt she’s a huge proponent of the right kind of economic development for the region.”
Claims that Nyholm is a resident of Semora, North Carolina, surfaced this week, allegations that the co-owner of Virginia International Raceway vehemently denies. Nyholm’s Virginia driver’s license lists her legal residence as Plantation Road, Alton.
She readily acknowledges that she maintains a lake home in North Carolina, but maintains that her primary residence is on the VIR property. “I’m still going to keep my lake house and my beach house, too,” she said. “But I live here (at VIR).”
“When I was approached to serve on the Tobacco Commission, I was in the process of changing my residency,” she said. “I didn’t know there was a residency requirement (to serve on the Tobacco Commission), but I had already started the process of establishing a residence here. Now, I have completed that process and I don’t know what the issue is. If the question is one of loyalty, I don’t think that should even be questioned.
“I have a Virginia driver’s license. I get my Visa bill at this address. My heart’s always been in Virginia and I own multiple properties, both residential and commercial, in Virginia,” she added. “I live in Virginia!”
State Senator Charles Hawkins, who serves as the Tobacco Commission’s chairman, echoed his support for Nyholm.
“Connie is a resident of Virginia,” he said. “She has a good background in business and is a gubernatorial appointee that I look forward to working with.”
Tom Arthur, the chairman of the Southside Economic Development Committee who was quoted in a report alleging Nyholm resided in Semora, N.C, said he would not press the issue.
“I spoke at length with Connie yesterday (Wednesday) and she’s in the process of moving her residence to Virginia. I think she’s addressing the issue and I’m not going to be the one who casts a stone at her. This is a gubernatorial appointment and it’s his (Warner’s) prerogative to appoint whom he wishes. There’s nothing else that needs to be said,” he said.
About The Money
Allegations claiming that VIR is in arrears on water bills and 2005 taxes were assertions Nyholm was quick to refute.
“There should be no question at all,” she said. “We sent a $10,000 check today (to cover two $5,000 payments for water and sewer service) to cover through the end of January.”
Records indicate that VIR paid the August bills on August 29 with check 8222, the September bill on October 5 with check 8452, the October bill with 8584 on October 27 and the November bill on December 5 with check number 8623. Each check was for $5,000, according to the cash disbursement journal.
Two of those checks were never received, according to Assistant County Administrator Jerry Lovelace. “We don’t know where they are and they have never been cashed. VIR said they will cancel those checks and issue two more checks.”
But Lovelace said he didn’t doubt the checks were sent.
“If they told me the checks were sent, I believe the checks were sent. They have always been as good as their word. We have never had a problem with them paying their bills,” he said.
Because the Halifax County Board of Supervisors haven’t set a utility rate for the motorsports park, the complex is paying the county $5,000 monthly for the service.
Nyholm also said that VIR paid $5,922 on its property tax on December 5, and says that additional payments will be made throughout the year.
“Our real estate taxes have always been paid in full by the end of the year,” she said. “We manage our cash like any good business in a growth mode does. We pay them over the year will all interest and penalties attached. I don’t see it as a problem.”
Currently, VIR is constructing 12 buildings on the property that cost in excess of $7 million, she said.

 

SoBo Planners

Taylor Building Lofts Permit Recommended

The South Boston Planning Commission unanimously recommended Wednesday the approval of a special use permit for a North Carolina firm who wants to build 46 multifamily residential apartments in the old Taylor Building in South Boston.
The Commission’s recommendation will now be forwarded to South Boston Town Council.
Prior to Landmark Asset Services’ plan to renovate the building, located at 340 Ferry Street, Town Council had planned to raze the structure and create a downtown park as part of its Church Hill revitalization project.
Landmark is seeking federal low income housing tax credits as well as federal and state historic tax credits of approximately $5,660,000 for the project, according to Lee Pambid, South Boston Town Planning and Zoning director. Pambid said the total projected development cost for the project is $7,100,000.
“One of the requirements for these tax credits is to make sure you have local zoning approval,” explained Pambid.
The town planner said that the tax credits application is due in March with a decision expected sometime in June.
Planners’ public hearing on the permit request drew comment from several downtown business owners, including Tom Raab, Poo Roberts, Wayne Stanfield, Nookie Green and a Jerry Van Eimeren, South Boston Main Street manager.
Landmark spokesman Rex Todd spoke on behalf of the Taylor Lofts project.
Todd noted the company’s on-site management policy as well as its screening policy for occupancy.
The project’s proposed resident population targets those with 50-60 percent of the area median income, according to the project proposal.
Proposednet rents are one bedroom, $312; two bedrooms, $339; three bedrooms, $467. The average apartment size is 800 to 1,200 feet.
Tom Raab confirmed yesterday that he is in favor of the Taylor Lofts project.
“I think it is something real positive,” said the downtown business owner. “As opposed to spending $800,000 to $1 million to tear it down, a company is willing to spend $7 million to fix it up.”
Raab also noted the tax advantage from the proposed project. “Tax revenue of about $43,000 for both the county and the town,” he added. “Also personal property (taxes), water consumption and decals. I just see it as a real positive to have the green space and the people. I see no negatives to it at all, in my opinion,” said Raab, who owns rental property in South Boston as well as a downtown business since 1980.
Poo Roberts, who also owns town rental property, supports Taylor Lofts.
“We have rental property and not a week goes by that we don’t have people calling for property,” Roberts said Thursday.
“Everyone has to have a place to live. I think management is the key to any business success and I wish them luck,” she added.
“Destination Downtown has studied this and I feel very comfortable with it,” said the businesswoman.
Roberts said she believes residents living at Taylor Lofts would shop at some of the businesses downtown.
Van Eimeren said yesterday that the Destination Downtown Board supports the Taylor project.
“After reviewing the presentations on it (Taylor Lofts), the developer’s other projects and looking at what it could do for downtown South Boston, the Board unanimously supported it,” said Van Eimeren.
“The project’s spokesman said that the average resident would have about $3,000 to spend annually,” added Van Eimeren. “In 46 units that would be about $138,000 to the local economy. Not only would it add to the local economy, it would possibly give us an influx of workers for the downtown businesses. Some may be looking for jobs. Also fixed-income elderly who may not drive would have all the amenities right in one area, in walking distance,” added Van Eimeren.
Wayne Stanfield, also a South Boston businessman, has concerns regarding the Taylor Lofts project.
“It’s not so much that I oppose it, it is that I have concerns about this project in conjunction with what the town and Destination Downtown South Boston and the business community are trying to do with downtown,” he explained.
“The reason I’m concerned is that it doesn’t seem to match what we are trying to do downtown. We have high-end restaurants, entertainment, antique shops and others. The business we want is the tourist business and the people who would shop downtown.
“My point is affordable housing, of course we need it, but do we need in downtown? That is why I say I’m concerned, not necessarily opposed. Is this what we need or is it simply a way to address the Taylor Building? I want people to shop downtown. These people are probably not going to be shoppers in the downtown.
“I think the downtown would be better served to tear the Taylor Building down and create a park,” concluded Stanfield.
Businessman Nookie Green also shares some concerns.
“Basically, it appears that for economic reasons it is plausible and a good move for the town and will have a positive impact on the tax base and eliminate the high cost of demolition of the Taylor Building. However, it remains to be seen what kind of impact it will have on downtown merchants such as myself.”
“Multi-housing was never allowed in downtown prior to the summer of ‘05 when council amended an ordinance,” said Pambid. “Multi-family housing downtown is in concert with what we have outlined in our Comprehensive Plan. The Vision 20-20 document also supports that theory.”
Pambid also confirmed yesterday that Mary Sims sent a letter to the Commission opposing the permit.

 

Police Searching For Check Thief

South Boston Police are looking for 30-year-old Avery T. Guill who is wanted for allegedly cashing stolen checks, according to South Boston Police Investigator T.M. VanAernem.
During the October 21 incident, it is alleged that Guill stole several checks from an unnamed victim and cashed them at several South Boston businesses, VanAernem said.
Guill’s last known address is in the 1000 block of Burton Road in Scottsburg, according to police, who describe the suspect as a black male, approximately 5’9” tall and 300 lbs.
According to VanAernem, Guill is also a suspect in several other incidents involving the forgery and uttering of stolen checks.
Anyone with information about Guill’s whereabouts is asked to call the South Boston Police Department at (434) 575-4271.
Also on January 12, Yancey Wholesale Supply, located at 908 John Randolph Boulevard reported a breaking and entering, VanAernem said.
Cpl. S.T. Moser was the first officer on the scene, and investigation revealed that sometime during the night a subject(s) broke out a front window and entered the business, according to the police report.
An undisclosed amount of merchandise was stolen during the incident, VanAernem said.
Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to call the South Boston Police Department at (434) 575-4271 or Crime Stoppers at (434) 575-TIPS.
In other police business, Lamont Boysie Williams, 29, of Glass Mill Road in South Boston, was charged Tuesday with the felonious assault and the assault and battery of Cassandra A. Womack, a family or household member and breaking and entering with the intent to commit a felony.
The alleged offenses occurred April 9, 2005.
Deputy S.W. Gilliam issued the summonses.
James David Vicks, 50, of River Road in South Boston, was charged Wednesday with the assault and battery of David S. Vicks, a family or household member.
The alleged offense occurred November 1.
Deputy T.C. Spencer issued the summons.
Sirking Irving Sweeney, 18, of Bane Street in South Boston, was charged Tuesday with destruction of property and trespassing.
The alleged offenses occurred Monday.
Deputy T.N. Bratton issued the summonses.
Joel Cassada Jr., 56, of Philpot Road in South Boston, was charged Wednesday with operating an illegal junkyard.
The alleged offense occurred between November 15, 2005 and January 6, 2006.
Deputy P.C. Clayton issued the summons.

 

Comets Score Big Road Win Over Glass

The HCHS Varsity Boys Cagers Got Their First District Win Tuesday; Faced Non-District Opponent New Horizon Academy Last Night

Halifax County High School varsity boys basketball coach Ron Parson has preached all season about the need for his team to focus on the task at hand for four quarters.
Yet, on most nights, the players’ focus has drifted away early.
It was a different story Tuesday night when the Comets faced E.C. Glass in Lynchburg and it had a good ending.
The Comets broke on top early, did the things they had to do down the stretch and topped E.C. Glass 47-44 to nail down their first Western Valley District win of the season.
The win was a big one for the Comets (4-8 overall, 1-1 district) as they battled to remain in the chase for the regular-season title.
“Anytime you win you’ve got to feel good, especially on the road,” said Parson.
“You’ve got to feel good, especially this being a district game. We’re 1-1 in the district now. We’re not out of it.”
The win, Parson said, should give his players a big boost of confidence.
“I think it’s going to help them believe more in what we’re doing,” he pointed out.
“I think they’ll work harder at it. Everybody is finally getting on the same page.”
Playing one of their better, if not the best game of the season, the Comets used patience, a stingy zone defense and good shooting to get the job done. A 5-8 effort at the charity stripe in the final minute and five seconds of the game when the Hilltoppers (7-6 overall) were trying to chip away at the Comets’ four-point lead was also a key to the win.
“For the first time, we stayed focused for four quarters,” Parson pointed out.
“The guys stayed focused down the stretch. They knocked down the free throws and executed pretty well.”
This was a night on which the Comets’ patience would be rewarded. Both teams played mostly zone defense and the Hilltoppers took big chunks of time off of the clock on the offensive end to slow down the pace of the game.
“When you play a zone, it’s going to slow down the game,” explained Parson.
“Therefore, you have fewer scoring opportunities. By our count, we had only seven turnovers. If you don’t turn the ball over but seven times, you’re going to be in the game.
“The guys protected the ball,” added the Comets’ coach.
“Basically, for four quarters, the guys executed and did exactly what we wanted them to do.
All in all, the guys did a real god job.”
The Comets got a big game from both Derek Brooks and Jeremy Jeffress, with the pair combining to produce 34 of the team’s 47 points. Brooks led the Comets in scoring with 19 points and Jeffress chipped in 15 points.
Down the stretch of the final 1:05 of the game, Jeffress was 3-4 at the free throw line and Brooks was 2-4.
The game got off to a slow start with the score being deadlocked at 3-3 after the first three and a half minutes. Triggered by a try from Patrick Terry, the Comets went on to outscore
the Hilltoppers 13-2 in the last four and a half minutes of the first quarter and grab a 15-5 lead at the end of the first eight minutes of action.
Glass cut the Comets’ lead to seven points by opening the second quarter with a three-pointer but the Comets countered with a three-pointer by Brooks and a bucket from Mark Ferell to go up 20-8 with 6:41 left in the half.
The Hilltoppers cut the Comets’ lead to six points but a trey from Derwin Leigh with 2:16 left in the half put the Comets up 25-16. Neither team scored again before halftime, leaving the Comets with a nine-point edge at intermission.
Halifax County got off to a good start in the third quarter with a pair of baskets from Brooks that put the Comets up 29-16 with 7:01 left in the period. That was the largest lead the Comets would have in the game and, it didn’t last long.
A two-minute scoring drought by the Comets opened the door for the Hilltoppers to can a pair of three-point shots and trim their deficit to seven points. The margin stabilized between seven and nine points the rest of the quarter with the Comets finishing the period with a 36-27 lead after a three-pointer from Jeffress with 1:29 left in the quarter.
Halifax County opened the fourth quarter on shaky note as it went almost three minutes without scoring. That opened the door for the Hilltoppers and they took advantage of the opportunity, with a basket from James Hobson putting them within three points at 37-34 with 6:27 left in the game.
Two buckets from Brooks at the midway point of the quarter allowed the Comets to go up by six points at 42-36 with 3:24 left. A pair of free throws from Jeffress with 1:05 left put the Comets up by six points another time.
Two missed one-and-one opportunities at the charity stripe allowed Glass to cut the Comets’ lead to two points at 44-42 with 26 seconds left in the game. However, Halifax County held on by hitting three of its four free throw attempts in the final 19 seconds and preserved the three-point win.
The Comets concluded their week last night, going back on the road to face New Horizon Academy in a non-district contest. That contest was the next-to-last game in the lengthy five-game stint of road games.

HALIFAX COUNTY
NAME FG FT F TP
Terry 1 0-0 0 3
Leigh 1 0-0 0 3
Jeffress 5 3-4 0 15
Brown 0 2-5 1 2
Key 0 0-0 3 0
Brooks 8 2-3 3 19
Edmonds 0 0-0 1 0
Pippen 0 0-0 0 0
Ferrell 2 1-2 2 5
Totals 17 8-14 10 47
E.C. GLASS
NAME FG FT F TP
Bronson 2 0-0 3 5
Beasley 0 0-0 0 0
Anderson 0 0-0 0 0
Holder 0 0-0 0 0
Hobson 3 1-3 3 8
Wright 2 0-0 4 4
Banks 1 0-0 0 2
Steawart 0 0-0 0 0
Hubbard 6 0-0 3 16
Ruehle 4 1-3 1 9
Totals 18 2-6 14 44
Three Point Field Goals: Jeffress (HC) 2, Terry (HC) 1, Leigh (HC) 1, Brooks (HC) 1, Hubbard (ECG) 4, Hobson (ECG) 1, Bronson (ECG) 1

Halifax County 15 10 11 11-47
E.C. Glass 5 11 11 17-44

 

Varsity Girls Cagers Lose Heartbreaker To E.C. Glass

Last-Second Bucket Gives Hilltoppers 51-50 Win

The Comets varsity girls basketball team found itself in a position it hasn’t been in very often this season here Tuesday against district opponent E.C. Glass, holding an 18-point lead with less than a half of basketball remaining.
Unfortunately for Halifax, the lead and the game got away from them the last quarter and a half, Jessica Watkins scoring inside with less than 10 seconds left to give the visitors a 51-50 win.
Watkins’ bucket came after Halifax, with a one-point lead and possession of the ball, committed a crucial turnover with 19 seconds left.
The loss left Halifax with a 0-2 record in the Western Valley District and 2-8 record overall.
Kemper Russell and Shauna Harris led the Comets with nine points apiece, Russell’s bucket giving her team its final lead with a minute left, while Harris counted two treys among her points.
Lashunda Davis and Talesha Medley each finished with eight points, Key Ferrell hit two three-pointers for six points, and Ashley Coleman and Deelynn Leigh both had two points.
Dachrista Teeters chipped in a field goal as eight different Comets scored in the game.
Watkins led Glass with 20 points, while Courtney Barile added 17, including a seven for eight game at the foul line.
Both Watkins and Barile scored a majority of their points inside the paint after drives and post moves against smaller Comets defenders, particularly after halftime.
Despite the final outcome, the Comets played their best overall game of the season, according to coach Ray Reaves.
“It’s by far the best we’ve played from start to finish,” he noted. “We handled the zone really well the majority of the first half, we were patient, and we made a whole lot of our shots because of that patience.”
Halifax was on fire from the floor early in the game, with its offense running on all cylinders and its defense denying Glass good looks at the basket.
The Comets went on a 15-0 run, capped by the second of Ferrell’s three-pointers and a follow shot by Leigh to make it 16-2, before Glass responded to cut the advantage to 18-6 going into the second quarter.
Halifax increased its margin to 31-17 by halftime, Harris hitting a three-pointer and bucket, Coleman two field goals, and Davis and Leigh a basket apiece in the quarter.
The Comets still held the upper hand starting the third quarter, two baskets by Russell and another by Medley giving Halifax its biggest lead at 37-19, before Glass rallied.
A 10-0 run capped by a trey from Ginny Wescott brought Glass to within 37-29, and despite baskets by Medley and Davis, the Hilltoppers closed to within 42-37 at the end of the quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Glass continue its rally to take its first lead since the first quarter.
Watkins missed a free throw after being fouled on a made layup, but another Glass player slipped inside for the rebound and basket for a four-point swing. Halifax then missed a pair of charity tosses before Glass took the lead.
Harris hit one of two free throws, the only one in seven attempts for Halifax in the quarter to tie the score at 43-43, and the Comets missed the front end of a one-and-one before Glass took a 45-43 lead.
The lead switched hands six times in the final three minutes of the contest, Harris hitting a trey, and Davis and Russell driving layups for the Comets, who led 50-49 with a minute left.
Halifax missed two more free throws, and Leigh drew a charge to give the Comets the ball, but a key turnover gave Glass its chance with less than 20 seconds remaining, and it took advantage of the opportunity.
Halifax inbounded with less than six seconds remaining, but a last-second shot didn’t find its mark.
“We were just unfortunate at the end and didn’t get a good look at the basket, and that’s my fault,” admitted Reaves.
“We didn’t have a timeout left to reset and that’s a coaching mistake.”
The Comets did some things better against Glass than before, but have a lot of work left with weaknesses Reaves knew about before the season started.
“We struggled a little with their man-to-man defense in the second half but played better against it than in the past,” he noted. “And, we need to do a better job of fronting the bigger players in the post.
“Glass got the ball down low on several occasions, and they had two or three good post players, but that’s what every team will try to do against us. We just have to work harder, but we didn’t hand them the game tonight.
“We saw some improvement, and the girls earned a little more respect tonight, but they have worked too hard to lose one like this.
“We’ll continue to work and hopefully we’ll get better.”

 

Comets Grapplers Score Second Straight Win

HCHS Picked Up A Road Win Wednesday Night With A 42-34 Win Over Martinsville High School

The Halifax County High School wrestling team took another step in the right direction Wednesday night with a 42-34 road win over Martinsville High School.
Wednesday night’s victory was the second in a row for the Comets grapplers who improved their record to 3-6 on the season.
“We’re happy with that,” said Comets coach Brady Taylor.
“We’re still improving. We’re still making a lot of mistakes but we’re finding ourselves in better situations. We’re able to work through our mistakes a little better.
“We’ve still got a lot of work to do,” added Taylor.
“But, we’re better now than we were last week.”
Halifax County had seven wins in the match, three of which came from forfeits. The Comets got wins from 119-pounder Jordan Litchfield, 145-pounder Josh Brooks, 215-pounder Robert Stanfield and 275-pounder Cavanaugh Smith, all by pins.
Litchfield defeated Justin Gouer in a minute and 54 seconds, Brooks scored his second win of the season when he downed Mark Harrison in 1:43, Stanfield pinned Shawn Townsend in 1:46 and Smith needed only 37 seconds to pin Demario Martin.
Heather Oakes (125 pounds), Shayna Oakes (130, pounds) and Damon Chambers (189 pounds) picked up wins by forfeit.
“Martinsville is a good team,” Taylor pointed out.
“They didn’t wrestle their full lineup. There are limitations on how many matches an individual wrestler can wrestle during a season and they had had some kids that had wrestled in some tournaments and couldn’t wrestle against us.
“Still,” added Taylor, “Martinsville had a good team. It was great for us to be able to win back-to-back matches, especially against a team we haven’t beaten in a while.”
The next match for the Comets grapplers will come up on Wednesday when they travel to Charlottesville to face Louisa and Monticello in a tri-meet. Action will begin at 6 p.m.
Halifax County 42
Martinsville 34
103 – Double forfeit.
1`12 – Tyler Johnson (M) pinned Brent Messick (HC) 1:08.
119 – Jordan Litchfield (HC) pinned Dustin Gouer (M) 1:54.
125 – Heather Oakes (HC) won by forfeit.
130 – Shayna Oakes (HC) won by forfeit.
135 – Kevin Muse (M) pinned Jonathan Chappell (HC) 2:46.
140 – Orlando Johnson (M) pinned Tyler Bamberg (HC) 1:22.
145 – Josh Brooks (HC) pinned Mark Harrison (M) 1:43.
152 – Dorian Carter (M) won by forfeit.
160 - Zach Sandus (M) maj. dec. Ray Albert (HC) 24-14.
171 – Alvin Martin (M) pinned Charles Crawley (HC) 3:30.
189 – Damon Chambers (HC) won by forfeit.
215 – Robert Stanfield (HC) pinned Shaun Townsend (M) 1:46.
275 – Cavanaugh Smith (HC) pinned Demario Martin (M) 37 Sec.
Exhibition Matches
103 – Ben Wilborn (M) pinned Ralph Tuck (HC) 2:34

 

Obituaries

Robert Lamar Harrell
Robert Lamar Harrell, 60, of Clarksville died January 10, 2006, at Duke Medical Center.
Born in Macon, Ga., and reared in Virginia Beach, Mr. Harrell was a graduate of Old Dominion University and served in the Navy. He worked for Russell Stover Candy Company and then for Ryder Logistics.
Funeral services will be held today, January 13, at 11 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. Roger Wilcher officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Black Harrell; his mother and stepfather, Olive Slaughter and Roger West of Creedmoor, N.C.; two daughters, Kathy LeRoux of Montgomery Center, Vt. And Christi Harrell of South Boston; two sons, Robert Harrell of Clearwater, Fla. and Adam Harrell of South Boston; one grandson, Chase Hall; and one sister, Diane Richardson of Rush Springs, Okla. Mr. Harrell was preceded in death by his father, Everette Lawton Harrell.
Condolences may be expressed at www.wclfh.com

Winston Daniel Myers
Winston Daniel Myers, 72, died January 8, 2006. He was born in Halifax County on May 13, 1933, the son of the late Sydnor Myers and Annie Wynn Myers.
Mr. Myers was retired from Lane Company in Altavista.
Survivors include one daughter, Angela Marie Walls and husband, Jack, of Richmond; two grandchildren, Cody and Lacie Walls of Richmond; one brother, William ‘Billy’ Myers of Altavista; seven sisters, Margaret Francis of Altavista, Frances Anderson, Edna James and Hilda Waller of Nathalie, Virginia Hunter of Brookneal, Helen Angel of Gladys and Betty Booker of Naruna. He was preceded in death by two brothers, James Sydnor Myers and Carl Myers.
A funeral service for Mr. Myers will be held January 15, at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bob Watts officiating. Burial will be in the Liberty United Church of Christ Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tomorrow evening, January 14, from 7:00 until 8:30.

John Robert Wood
John Robert Wood, 66, of 7185 Philpott Road, South Boston died January 10, 2006, at his home.
Mr. Wood was born in Halifax County on April 25, 1939, the son of the late Issac Wood and Mary Irby Wood, and was married to Susie Woody Wood. He was a member of Union Grove CME Church, and was a retired employee of Presto Products Company.
Survivors include his wife; one stepdaughter, Adriane Rome of Virginia Beach; three brothers, Issac Wood Jr., Billy Wood and Claude Wood, all of South Boston; three sisters-in-law, Lillian Wood, Betty Wood and Dorothy Wood; two step-grandchildren, Daryl J. Rome and Ashanti Rome; his mother-in-law, Rebecca Fabian of south Boston; and a devoted friend, Adolphus Dixon.
Funeral services for Mr. Wood will be held tomorrow, January 14, at 11 a.m. at Union Grove CME Church with the Rev. Aaron Donnelly officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family is receiving friends at the home.

Louise Hogan Marynick
Louise Hogan Marynick, 87, of Newport News died January 8, 2006, at Riverside Regional Medical Center.
Born in Halifax County, she was a member of Denbigh Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Marynick was preceded in death by her husband, Phil Marynick; and her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Anita Cawley and husband, Curtis and Curtis Jr.; a grandson Robert Wise and his girlfriend, Anna; a great-grandson, Keegan; and special friends, Michael and Libby Martin and Bobby Wise.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. January 11 at Halifax Cemetery.
A memorial service will be held at Denbigh Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. today, January 13.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Blvd., Suite A102, Newport News, 23606, or a favorite charity.

Garland E. ‘Bunk’ Howerton
Garland E. ‘Bunk’ Howerton, 64, of 1126 Highview Road, Halifax died January 10, 2006, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Born October 15, 1941, in Halifax County, he was the son of the late James M. Howerton and the late Bertha Jones Howerton, and was married to Mary Barksdale Howerton, who survives. He was of the Baptist faith, and was retired from Pepsi Cola Bottle Company.
Two brothers, Roy and James Howerton preceded him in death.
Other than his wife, Mr. Howerton is survived by three daughters, Elizabeth Edmonds of Halifax, Georgetta M. and Sandra A. Howerton, both of South Boston; two brothers, Willie Howerton and wife, Gloria, of Halifax and Harry Howerton and wife, Frances, of Laurel, Md.; one sister, Ola Mae Daniels of Arlington; seven grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Lucille Barksdale; two sisters-in-law, Grace Howerton of Washington, D.C. and Emma Barksdale of Halifax; one brother-in-law, Eddie Barksdale of Halifax; a devoted friend, David Lee Wells; and his long-term care provider, Annie Lois Younger.
Elder William Howerton will conduct funeral services for Mr. Howerton tomorrow, January 14, at 1 p.m. from Mountain Grove Baptist Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Viewing will be tomorrow from noon until the time of service at the church.
The family is receiving friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Howerton, 1206 Union Church Road, Halifax.

Hallie Lawson Byrd
Hallie Lawson Byrd, 84, of 9153 L.P. Bailey Memorial Highway, Nathalie died January 8, 2006, at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Byrd was born in Halifax County on December 30,1921, to the late Arandra Lawson. She was married to the late Charlie Byrd Jr. and was a member of New Mt. Olive Apostolic Church.
Survivors include six daughters, Irene Oliver of Danville, Marjorie Dixon and Carolyn Hart, both of Halifax, Georgia Byrd of Hartford, Conn., Hallie Jones of Crystal Hill and Anna Cook of Washington, D.C.; two sons, Donald Byrd of Nathalie and Michael Byrd of Hartford; one sister, Mary Ann Stovall of Halifax; 35 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; five sons-in-law, Lawrence Oliver, John Dixon, Earl Hart, Addie Jones and Roger Cook; one daughter-in-law, Diane Byrd. Mrs. Byrd was preceded in death by two sons, Charlie and Charles Byrd; and two daughters, Alice Mae Stovall and Nellie Byrd.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow, January 14, at 2 p.m. at New Mt. Olive Apostolic Church with District Elder Leonia Palmer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family is receiving friends at the home.
The remains will lie-in-state at The Crawford House Chapel in Halifax today, January 13, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Shirley Mann Graves
Shirley Mann Graves, 61, of Keysville died January 11, 2006.
Mrs. Graves was preceded in death by her father, Samuel Richard Mann and brother, Samuel Richard Mann Jr.
She was a member of Ash Camp Baptist Church, and was a school teacher with the Charlotte County School System.
Survivors include her husband, James P. Graves Jr.; her mother, Alma J. Mann; mother-in-law, Betty H. Graves; two daughters, Tammy Irby and husband, Doug, Stephanie Grissom and husband, Randy; four grandchildren, Michael and Justin Deaner and Sarah and Amy Grissom; one brother, William R. ‘Billy’ Mann and wife, Vanessa; and a special friend, Pam Bates.
Funeral services for Mrs. Graves will be held tomorrow, January 14, at 11 a.m. at Ash Camp Baptist Church in Keysville with Burial in Ash Camp Memorial Cemetery.
The family will receive friends this evening, January 13, from 6 until 8, at Browning Funeral Home in Keysville.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Charlotte County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 15, Phenix, 23959, or Ash Camp Baptist Church.

Alfred ‘Hayes’ Dixon
Alfred ‘Hayes’ Dixon died January 9, 2006.
Services will be held tomorrow, January 14, at Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, Md. The wake will be 5-6 p.m.; service will begin at 6 p.m.
Service and internment will be held on Monday, January 16, at County Line Baptist Church of Vernon Hill with wake starting at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m.

Miles ‘Chic’ Harris Clayton
Miles ‘Chic’ Harris Clayton, 80, of 8184 James D. Hagood Highway, Scottsburg died January 12, 2006, in Berry Hill Nursing Home.
He was born in Garfield Plantation, Maine, the son of the late Lucy Rafford Clayton and Fred G. Clayton.
Mr. Clayton was also preceded in death by his wife, Ruthie S. Clayton; a sister, Helen Dorman; and two brothers, Roger F. Clayton and James W. DeLaite. He was a partner of Skylark Aviation, a family run business at William M. Tuck Airport in South Boston.
Survivors include a daughter, Linda Clayton Satterfield and her husband, Mark, of Clover.
Graveside services for Mr. Clayton will be held January 15, at 3 p.m. at Oakland Cemetery in Scottsburg. The family will receive friends tomorrow afternoon, January 14, from 2 until 4 at William M. Tuck Airport.

Frances Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Wilbourne
A memorial service for Frances Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Wilbourne will be held at 2:30 p.m. January 15, at Dan River Baptist Church with the Rev. Doug Gibson officiating.