Lowe's developers allude to more stores, two restaurants

Developers for the new Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse promised that one, perhaps two, new restaurants would locate on the site of the Old Halifax Road project where a ceremonial ground-breaking took place yesterday morning.
Marc Smith, one of the two major players with J.T. South Boston LLC, declined to identify the restaurants by name other than to say that one was a fast-food, the other, "a sit-down." Smith said that he expected to provide more specifics within 30 days.
Grading and excavating of the 33-acre site actually began a week ago as builders shoot for a December 2003, opening of the new Lowe's store that will have 110,122 sq. ft. plus a 27,720 sq. ft. garden center. Once completed, Lowe's will close its present 22,000 sq.ft. store located at 3455 Old Halifax Road.
Smith, joined by a host of Lowe's management personnel and an entourage of local and state officials, referred to the South Boston/Halifax County area as a "great community."
The Knoxville, Tenn., developer said that his company was optimistic that more retail stores would be added to the list that also includes a 10,000 sq.ft. store for Dollar Tree. Dollar Tree will be relocating from its present building in the Tri-Rivers Plaza shopping center which joins the new development site referred to locally as the "Hodges" property.
With Lowe's and 28,400 sq. ft. of additional retail store space, the new shopping center will have 166,242 sq.ft. total space and over 570 vehicle parking spaces.
Records show that $1.6 million was paid for the property which belonged to Lucy Hodges Fuller, W. Allen Fuller, Hugh Garland Edmunds, Jr. and William Holt Edmunds.
Smith and his firm are attempting to develop an adjoining 43 acres on the Old Halifax Road which belongs to the Dance family. Plans call for removing an existing dwelling from the property in order to enhance its development.
Smith thanked Lowe's officials for the "confidence" that they had in the South Boston community while expressing appreciation for the cooperative efforts of town and county officials for "working together" to help bring the project to fruition.
Lowe's regional manager Bob Beene said that the new store will employ 175 persons and offer over 40,000 items to customers. Lowe's presently employs 58 persons in South Boston where approximately 20,000 items are offered.
Lowe's present South Boston store manager, Priscilla Woodrum, will manage the new Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse.
Approximately 50 persons gathered for yesterday's ground-breaking including State Senator Frank Ruff and Delegate Clarke Hogan.
David Martin, chairman of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors, complimented the community for what he called its "welcoming attitude." South Boston Mayor Glenn Abernathy, who was among the estimated 50 persons attending yesterday's ground-breaking, said that the project "demonstrates" the community's role as a viable retail district in southside Virginia.
Listing and selling agent for the property was Jerry Hudson with the Davis Company.

Public hearing set Thursday at C.H. Friend

South Boston Town Council did not give town residents and parents of children attending the two South Boston elementary schools an opportunity to voice their wishes before recently recommending the consolidation of C.H. Friend and Washington-Coleman Elementary Schools.
The Halifax County School Board, does however, want to hear what South Boston residents have to say.
On Thursday night, the Halifax County School Board will hold a public hearing at the C.H. Friend Elementary School gym to gather public input on proposed capital improvements for the two schools as well as a possible consolidation of the two schools.
Thursday night's public hearing is the second of two public hearings the School Board scheduled pertaining to its proposed $50 million school capital improvements project.
A similar public hearing was held approximately two weeks ago at Halifax Elementary School.
Halifax residents, town officials and parents of children attending Halifax Elementary School and Sinai Elementary School said they will reject any plan the School Board might have to consolidate the two Halifax-area elementary schools.
Parents and town residents said they wanted to keep both schools open and wanted the schools renovated.
South Boston's sentiment is not known.
At issue is the renovation of the two South Boston schools or a decision to combine the two schools into one new large K-6 school having a capacity of 700-750 students at a site to be determined later.
Architects have indicated that it would cost approximately $5.5 million to renovate Washington-Coleman Elementary School to make it a K-2 school with a capacity of 285 students.
Architects also said that it will take approximately $7.6 million to renovate C.H. Friend Elementary School to make it a 425-student school for children in grades 3-6.
Architects and school system officials, however, have noted that due to the age of the building, its landlocked location, the overall condition of the building and the difficulties involved in constructing a new addition on the site, spending $5.5 million on Washington-Coleman Elementary may not be the most feasible use of the dollars.
School system officials had previously noted that the cost of constructing one large new 700 to 750-student K-6 school in South Boston would cost about the same as the combined cost of renovating the two schools.
If a new K-6 school is constructed, Washington-Coleman and C.H. Friend would be closed.
Should either or both schools be closed, school system officials would use the vacant space to house students from other schools while renovations were ongoing at other county schools.
The Halifax County School Board's proposal for the next phase of its capital improvements project includes renovations and additions to South of Dan and Cluster Springs Elementary Schools as well as the South Boston project.
An alternative that could be considered by the School Board could be to close Washington-Coleman, construct a new K-3 elementary school in South Boston at a site to be determined sand go ahead with renovations to Turbeville Elementary School.
Building a new K-3 school in South Boston and renovating Turbeville Elementary School could keep the School Board in line with its budget for the next phase of its proposed capital improvements project.
In that scenario, renovations to C.H. Friend would be pushed back into the latter phase along with improvements to the remaining county schools, creating a bottom line in which the dollars would come out basically the same.

Supes, town endorse grant

The Halifax County Board of Supervisors and the Town of Halifax unanimously endorsed the application for a proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the improvement of Downtown Halifax.
The action came during a joint meeting Monday night at the Mary Bethune Complex in Halifax.
Carl Espy, chairman of the Halifax Planning Commission, said yesterday that Monday's action could result in significant improvements to the downtown area of the town.
"This approves the application of a $700,000 CDBG for the improvement of the core Main Street area in Halifax," he said.
If the application is approved, improvements include curb and gutter improvements and pressed concrete pavers on sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks.
"This is an attempt to eliminate physical, visual and economic blight in an effort to bolster existing buisness and attract new businesses to the historic downtown business district," Espy said.
During the public hearing Gail Moody, senior planner for the Southside Planning District Commission, observed that the application deadline for the CDBG is March 26.
"There is $12 million available statewide and the competition will be considerable," Moody said.
The application will be coordinated with the Southside Planning District.
Grant awards are expected to be announced in July.
Once approved, the funds will allow intensive design and engineering studies to take place over the summer with a six-month construction window.
"The construction will be coordinated with the merchants to minimize the disruption to downtown businesses," the planner observed.
Espy said that heavy tractor-trailer traffic was having a negative impact on some of the buildings in downtown Halifax.
"Some of the historic buildings in Halifax are losing their structural integrity due to the vibrations from heavy truck traffic," he said. "The aim of these plans is to calm traffic and create greater pedestrian safety."
In other business, the Board passed two resolutions concerning improvements by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
One of the resolutions requests the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) give specific consideration to the planned four-laning of Route 360 north of Route 58 and the improvements and construction of the John Randolph Bridge.
The other resolution asks the CTB to begin design work and routing studies for the four-laning of Route 501 from the North Carolina state line to Interstate 81 "to include bypass studies of the Town of South Boston, the Town of Halifax and the Town of Brookneal, as well as the cities of Lynchburg and Buena Vista."
The resolutions will be prepared for presentation by county staff at the April 1 primary road meeting in Lynchburg.
E-911
The Board accepted a recommendation from the E-911 Emergency Communications Center Director Alan Bober to award the contract for construction of the new communications center building and related equipment to J.E. Burton Construction.
The estimated cost of the project is $354,165.
Assistant County Administrator Jerry Lovelace told the Board that construction is expected to begin after March 24, and traffic will be directed accordingly.
A possible groundbreaking for the new consolidated communication center is being considered for Monday, April 21.
The project is expected to be completed within 150 days from the start of construction.

Halifax Hospital trustee, Former Supervisor James Edmunds III dies

James Easley Edmunds III, a trustee and founding member of Halifax Regional Hospital, died Monday at the hospital.
He was 87.
A practicing Halifax attorney for over 50 years, Mr. Edmunds was active in civic affairs and was a lifetime member of St. John's Episcopal Church.
Born and raised in Halifax County, he attended public schools, then Virginia Episcopal School and later the University of Virginia, where he graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1938 and from the University Law School in 1942.
He was captain of the University basketball team and a three-letter man on the baseball team. He was president of the student body and also president of the O.D.K., the national leadership society.
A trustee at the hospital for 50 years, he was a board member and past president. He was instrumental in the recruitment of doctors, the expansion of the hospital, and its overall growth.
He served as a member of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors from 1967 to 1983. During his tenure, major public facilities - the senior high school and vocational center, Halifax County Farm Center and Library, and the Halifax County-South Boston Industrial Park - were constructed.
In 1983, the board appointed Mr. Edmunds to lead the county's opposition to a proposal to mine uranium in nearby Pittsylvania County.
His efforts helped to create the Halifax chapter of the Southside Concerned Citizens organization, which defeated the project.
An avid sportsman and an advocate for protection of natural resources, he was a founding member of the Halifax Sportsman's Club.
Mr. Edmunds was the recipient of many honors and awards, including the Halifax County Distinguished Citizens Award, the Sertoma Club's Service to Mankind Award, and the Wildlife Conservation Award. He was inducted into the Halifax County-South Boston Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.
He was predeceased by his wife, Lavinia Winston Edmunds.
Surviving are three daughters, Emma C. Edmunds of Charlottesville, Lavinia E. Hannaway and husband John of Baltimore; Anne E. Sutphin and husband Lee of Richmond; and five grandchildren, James and Emma Hannaway and Will, Elizabeth and Peter Sutphin.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. John's Episcopal Church in Halifax.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Project Prime, a program that gives scholarships and financial aid to Halifax hospital employees and Halifax residents to pursue jobs in the health care field, 2204 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, Va. 24592, c/o Carolyn Cook; or to St. John's Episcopal Church, Outreach Fund, P.O. Box 905, Halifax, Va. 24558.

'Potential' is big word for Comets

Halifax County high school's varsity baseball team is slated to open regular-season play here today against Park View.
And, as he looks toward the 2003 campaign, Comets coach Kelvin Davis uses one word - "potential" - to describe his outlook.
"My big word is "potential," Davis said.
"We have a lot of potential. With the players we have, if they come out here every day and stay mentally focused, we have the potential to go a long way this year.
"The kids staying focused is the key," added Davis.
"They have all of the tools. We have foot speed, we have arm strength, we've got pitching and, defensively, we're fine.
"This game of baseball is a game in which you have to stay focused and take advantage of every opportunity that you can if you're going to be successful," Davis continued.
"Once we can instill that in their minds, we have the potential to become a very good baseball team."
Today's season opener against Park View is a non-district game, one of three non-district games the Comets will play before tackling E.C. Glass here on March 26 in their Western Valley District opener.
However, just because today's game is a non-district affair doesn't mean that Davis places any less importance on this contest.
"That first ball game is like getting rid of the cobwebs," said Davis.
"It's also about getting the winning atmosphere started early. That's one of the biggest things for us at the opening of the season. It's important that we concentrate on winning that first ball game.
"A lot of people say winning is not everything," Davis added.
"You really need to concentrate on winning those first couple of ball games."
Davis pointed out that everything to this point has centered around practice and scrimmage games.
Today, however, things are different.
"Now you're getting into a game situation," pointed out the Comets coach.
"Everybody is going to be pumped up and everybody is going to have their butterflies. Getting a win in that first game is big."
Davis noted that he expects park View to his team a good contest.
"Last year Park View had two decent lefthanders and I think they're back this year," said Davis.
"We're more than likely going to see a lefthander. Hopefully we can jump on top of them early."
Jumping on top of a team early is something that Davis preaches every day.
"My coaching philosophy is to try and jump on a team early," he pointed out.
"I know defensively we're going to be fine. I'm not concerned about the defense. The thing we need to do is get the offensive things down, things like hitting, bunting, moving runners and manufacturing runs. If we can do those things well, we can be successful."
The Team
This year's Comets team is a team that has a combination of youth and experience.
Davis has five seniors and three juniors returning from last year's team which finished 10-8 overall and placed fourth in the Western Valley District standings with a 5-5 slate.
In all, Davis has five seniors, eight juniors and three sophomores on the roster, a result that should net Davis 11 returnees next season.
One of the big things Davis has in his favor this season is flexibility.
There are several players on this year's Comets squad that can play several different positions on the field, something that opens the door for Davis to be able to create different defensive and offensive combinations.
"What we will try to do is get them into a position they will be in 90 percent of the time," Davis said.
"If we have to move any of these guys that can play several different positions, we are in no way worried about them covering or playing that position."
Pitching and defense are the Comets' strong points entering the season.
Davis has six hurlers to go with this season including a pair of experienced pitchers in junior Jason Lloyd and senior Matt Clay.
He also has a solid finesse pitcher in sophomore lefthander Andrew Bradley, a hard-throwing righthander in sophomore Tyler Clarke, junior Robert Carter and a developing righthander in Nathan Thomas.
Defensively, Davis has a veteran infield with senior Drew Lewis at first base, senior Jody Nelson at second base and Clay and Lloyd at shortstop.
Thomas and sophomore Ryan Gieselman are working at third base with this being the first season for the pair at that spot.
Despite having a younger team overall, Davis says the overall team defense is ahead of where it was at this point last year.
"Because of the weather it's been rough from the start," said Davis.
"The first couple of days we were outside, one time I almost threw a bat up against the fence.
"But," continued Davis, "these guys have really come around. It's been because of their attitude. They're so open and so willing to learn.
"I thought we did a heck of a job defensively in the scrimmage. We made a couple of miscues but that happens. We try to eliminate them from happening but if it happens, it happens. I'm looking more at what happens after we make a miscue. What we try to teach is after an error happens, don't get down on yourself, just get back out there and don't be thinking about that one - it's gone."
Offensively, the Comets still have some work to do with their bats.
"It's still early," Davis said.
"We had the scrimmage to see what we need to work on. You can teach hitting."
Davis said Carter may be his leadoff batter.
"He has a really good eye and has good speed on the bases."
Lloyd also swings a big stick, Davis pointed out.
"He's probably got the strongest bat on the team," he said.
He can hit for power and he can hit for average."
"All of the players have some type of ability that we can use to help make them better, whether it's putting the ball into play, it's a good eye at the plate, or it's pop coming off the bat," continued Davis.
Davis' big concern right now is injuries.
Just as Davis lost Clay for most of last season with a knee injury, he has lost veteran centerfielder Brent Long, a big offensive and defensive contributor, to the disabled list with an ankle injury that included torn ligaments.
Long could be back in as short a time as six to seven weeks. However, that is not a certainty to this point.
"I feel bad for Brent because he loves the game of baseball," Davis said.
"I can see in his eyes how badly he wants to be out there.
"It's a letdown for the team but I feel more sorry for the kid because I know how much he loves baseball and it hurts him to have to sit on the sidelines," added Davis.
"I'd love to have Brent out there because I know he can put up some numbers for us and run down a lot of baseballs for us. He is going to do everything he can do to try to get himself back into a game mode."
Although not nearly as serious a situation as that, Davis is concerned about Lloyd's arm.
"Before the season started, I got word from the athletic trainer, Michael Leake, about Lloyd having trouble with the soft tissues around the elbow," said Davis.
Davis said Lloyd's problem is one that may limit how much Lloyd may pitch this season.
"We're going to do all we can to keep him healthy," Davis said.
Around The Horn
Going around the horn, Davis has senior Jonathan Barbour, a returnee from last year, behind the plate.
"Kirby is probably going to be projected as one of the best catchers in the district," Davis pointed out.
"He has all of the tools and know how to use them. He takes control of the ball game when the pitcher is in trouble or something happens. His leadership role is tremendous. Having a catcher that has that kind of leadership ability really helps a pitcher."
Gieselman, who will see action at third base, will be a backup to Barbour behind the plate.
"He's got some catching ability and we're looking to try to prepare him for next year," said Davis.
Junior Ryan Roller will be another backup to Barbour behind the plate.
Roller played jayvee baseball last year.
"He's got a lot to learn," Davis said, "but if he keeps the attitude he has now, I'm sure we can work and get him right and get him prepared for next year."
Lewis, who played third base for the Comets last season, has been moved to first base this season.
"With his size and height, he's showing a lot of promise over there," said Davis.
"He's going to be looked on to drive in a lot of runs."
Another returning player from last year's team, Dwight Greene, will also see some time at first base.
"He's coming off of a good basketball season," noted Davis.
"He's a little bit behind right now with his offensive production. But, he's a worker. Every days he seems to improve in some form. We're going to need him to drive in some runs for us also."
At second base, Davis has senior Jody Nelson who had a good season there last year.
"Jody's got a sure-handed glove at second base," Davis pointed out.
"He's one of our better defensive players. He's trying every day to improve his offensive abilities. I've seen a lot of promise in him. He's just a hard-nosed guy that's going to give you all of what he's got and that's all we ask of out of a kid."
Junior Steve Smith will be Nelson's backup at second base. He played junior varsity last season.
At shortstop, the Comets will have senior Matt Clay and junior Jason Lloyd.
Both are also pitchers, creating a situation in which one player will play shortstop when the other is pitching.
"We're very blessed to have those two guys there," said Davis.
"We're going to be looking for them to be leaders both offensively and defensively. They both help this club be very successful."
Clay, Davis said, "is one of the smoothest guys at shortstop. He has come a long way."
Last season was a big disappointment for Clay as he missed most of last season with an ACL injury.
"He's been working very hard in the off-season to get his knee ready for this season," Davis pointed out.
"He's really fired up about the season. We hope everything goes well for him and that he can stay injury-free this season."
At third base, Davis has Thomas and Gieselman, both of whom played junior varsity ball last year.
"Ryan is a player I moved up from the jayvee team," Davis explained.
"Both will see about the same amount of playing time at that position. Both have a lot of work to do as far as learning how to play that position but both will give you 110 percent on every play, every little thing we do in practice. They're very coachable kids. They have the tool, they just need more time."
In the outfield, Davis is looking at junior Robert Carter in left field.
"He's like a utility player and we'll have him in left field," Davis said.
"He'll also share some of the centerfield action. Robert is also a pitcher."
In right field, Davis is eyeing junior Chris Lowery as the starter.
"He's come a long way," said Davis.
"He's put on some muscle pounds. He is taking the weight training program we have here at school and the ball is really taking off of his bat."
In centerfield, Davis is looking at Lloyd.
"If we have someone else pitching, Jason Lloyd will play centerfield," Davis said.
"We put him out there and he looked sharp. He's a gamer. I can put him about anywhere and he's going to bust his nose doing whatever it takes to be successful."
When Lloyd is pitching, Carter will shift to centerfield.
There are also some other players that could see time in the outfield including Jacob Owen, Clarke and Bradley.
As far as pitching goes, Davis is looking for good things from Lloyd and Clay.
Clay, Davis said, "is one of the strongest arms we have."
Lloyd returns to the Comets mound staff after being one of the team's pitching leaders last season.
Unfortunately for Davis and the Comets, Lloyd is experiencing pain in his arm.
"He will be used in situations like late innings, late-inning district game situations," Davis explained.
" We're going to try to save him. Whenever we can, whenever the weather is alright and conditions are right and he's feeling well, we want him to get some experience on the mound.
"We're not going to just stick him up there in key situations without giving him some time on the mound," added Davis.
With Bradley, Clarke, Carter and Thomas also able to step in, the Comets have good depth with the mound corp.
"If everything goes right, pitching could be a strong point for us," Davis said.
"If everything goes alright and these guys stay healthy we have that number one and number two with Lloyd and Clay. They can go either way.
"We've got a heck of a finesse pitcher in Andrew Bradley," added Davis.
"He is a sophomore I moved up. I got a lot of scouting reports on the kid from the jayvee coaches and coaches from the summer leagues.
"This kid has got all of the tools it takes to be a very fine pitcher," continued Davis.
"He keeps the batters off balance. He knows how to hit his spots. He reminds me a lot of Tom Glavine out there."
Davis said he also likes what he sees in Clarke.
"We have a hard-throwing right-hander in Tyler Clarke," Davis said.
"I brought him up because we liked what we saw in him. That's like adding coal to the fire.
"During the scrimmage last week we really liked that combination of getting the batters off balance with Andrew and bringing in the hard-throwing right-hander in Clarke," added Davis.
"I'm very pleased with what I'm seeing so far. If we can get that rotation right, we'll be in good shape."

Obituaries

Carrie Womack Adams


Carrie Womack Adams, 85, of 160 Craddock Street, Halifax, died March 17 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Adams was born in Cumberland County on March 12, 1917, the daughter of Norvell J. Womack and Mattie Sue Wright Womack, and was married to Walter Carsie Adams Jr. She was a member of Beth Car Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband; one son, Jimmie McCourt of Roxboro, NC; and one niece, Shirley Jean Everton of Farmville.
Services for Mrs. Adams will be held today, March 19 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Lewis Wall officiating. Burial will take place in Floral Hills Memory Gardens, Danville.
The family is receiving friends at the home.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Diabetes Association.


Alma Puryear Comer


Alma Puryear Comer, 92, of 4029 East Hyco Road, South Boston, died March 17 at Twin Oaks Convalescent Home.
Mrs. Comer was born in Halifax County on February 1, 1911, the daughter of Howard Lee Puryear and Minnie Forlines Puryear, and was married to Sampson Comer. She was a member of Cherry Hill United Methodist Church where she was a member of the WSCS.
Survivors include one son, Sammy W. Comer and his wife, JoAnne, of South Boston; one grandson, Clinton S. Comer; five sisters, Ester P. Tillotson and Virginia P. Morris, both of Virgilina, Myrtis P. Brann of Reedville, Clara P. Wimmer of Raleigh, NC, and Catherine P. Kimbrough of Irvington.
Other than her parents, Mrs. Comer was preceded in death by one sister, Barbara Ann Anderson, and two brothers, Wilson and Robert Lee Puryear.
Services will be held at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel today, March 19 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Rudolph Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.


Frank Brooks Easley


Frank Brooks Easley, 82, of Clarksville, died March 15. He was the husband of Joan Boyd Easley.
Mr. Easley was born in Clarksville. He operated Easley Supply and was a mail carrier for many years.
Funeral services were held March 17 at 11 a.m. at Clarksville Presbyterian Church. Burial followed at Oakhurst Cemetery.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Easley is survived by two daughters, Barbara Easley Stanley of Montpelier and Frankie Owen Easley of Madison Heights; two brothers, Robert Henry Easley of Spartenburg, SC and, Eugene Brannock Easley of Staunton. He was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Gibson 'Pomp' Easley, and a daughter, Molly Davis Easley.


Ellis Jones Ingram Sr.


Ellis Jones Ingram Sr., 80, of Stagecoach Road, Nathalie, died March 17 at Berry Hill Nursing Home. He was the husband of the late Audrey Conner Ingram.
Mr. Ingram was born in Halifax County on June 26, 1922, the son of Eraustus Jones Ingram and Willie Watts Ingram. He was a member of Clover Bottom Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, and the French Masonic Lodge. He was the retired owner of Town and Country Upholstery.
Survivors include three sons, Ellis J. Ingram Jr. and wife, Emma, of Swords Creek, Charles Ingram and wife, Jackie, of South Boston, and David Ingram and wife, Gloria, of Gladys; three daughters, Hilda Martin of Republican Grove, Clara Fariss and husband, Everett, of South Boston, and Mary Gregory of Duloth, GA; one brother, Sidney Ingram of Halifax; four sisters, Mary Richardson and Peggy Wilkins, both of South Boston, Arlene Oakes of Halifax and Sally Elliott of Oxford, NC; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Wesley Ingram, and a sister, Betty Jane Smith.
A funeral service for Mr. Ingram will be held at 2 p.m. today, March 19, at Clover Bottom Baptist Church by the Revs. James Crocker and Charles O'Roark. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic Rites at the grave.


Gladys Fawcett Marshall


Gladys Fawcett Marshall of Arlington died in San Antonio, Texas on March 16.
She was born in Fawcett's Gap in 1923, and was married to John 'Bus' Marshall, a former Halifax resident. She worked as a secretary to the Department of the Navy.
Survivors include one sister, Emily Fawcett Thrasher of Albuquerque and one brother, William S. Fawcett of FL; one son, Robert E. Marshall and fiance', Aggie Ballard, of Woodbridge; one daughter, Ellen and husband, John Onderdonk, of San Antonio; one granddaughter, Tammy Marenick and husband, Paul, of Chesterfield; one grandson, John H. Marshall and wife, Tamie, of Leesburg; and three great-grandchildren.
Interment is at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, March 20, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Halifax. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Arlington.


Larry Darnell Traynham


Larry Darnell Traynham, 48, of 6051 Hunting Creek Road, Nathalie, died March 14 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Traynham was born in Halifax County on February 10, 1955, the son of Bertha Traynham. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Survivors include his mother of the home; two sisters, Marie Roberts and Ruby Bane, both of New Haven, CT; and one brother-in-law, David Roberts of New Haven.
Services will be held March 21 at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church with the Rev. Ronald Claiborne officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home.