The Obituary Section

Gary Childress

, Virginia

May 10, 2026

In Loving Memory of Gary Gene ChildressDecember 30, 1965 – May 11, 2026. Gary Gene Childress of Tazewell, Virginia, formerly Richlands VA, passed away on May 11, 2026. He was a man who lived with a fierce heart, a dry wit, and a legendary streak of stubbornness that was matched only by his devotion to those he protected.Born on December 30, 1965, in Richlands, he was the son of the late Paul Ernest and Dorothy Holland Childress. He dedicated three decades of his life to the Richlands Police Department, where he served with distinction as First Sergeant. He was a fixture of the department and a man who took the "protect" part of his oath to heart in every aspect of his life. He patrolled with a sense of duty that defined him until his retirement in 2017. That same year marked a new chapter of happiness when he married…

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Vonnie Mae Phillips

, Virginia

Vonnie Mae Phillips, 89, of Richlands, VA, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at her home.She was born on April 29, 1937, at Jewell Ridge, VA, to the late William Ervin Vance and Hattie Mable Elswick Vance. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Anthony Phillips; daughter, Marti Gail in 2015; sisters, Bonnie Vance, Mexia Jeraline Vance Driver, Patricia Loretta Vance Bostic; and brother, Ernst Raymond Vance.Vonnie retired as a clerk from the U.S. Postal Service. She co-owned the New & Used Bookstore in Richlands, VA. Vonnie enjoyed embroidery and crocheting, she was an avid reader. She found great pleasure in working with her flowers and gardening and could often be found enjoying her favorite westerns. Above all she loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.Survivors include her children, Glenda Ellen, Gloria Lane and Anthony Ray and wife Regina…

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Jackson Lee Vencill

, Virginia

Mr. Jackson Lee Vencill, age 96, of Cedar Bluff, VA passed away in Elizabethton TN on May 11, 2026. He was born on February 10, 1930, to the late Robert Bently Vencill, Sr and the late Dixie McNew Vencill. Mr. Vencill was a US Army veteran having served in the Korean War. He worked as a foreman in the coal mines, worked for S & S Machinery, Ingersol Rand and Richwood Industries. Mr. Vencill was also a member of the Richlands Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as Fire Chief for many years.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert Bentley Vencill, Jr and Jacqueline.; sisters, Mary Frances Breeding, Betty Martin; sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis Compton and husband, Lorn, William (Jr) Martin, son in law, Kenny McGlothlin and his former wife, Maudine Osborne Vencill;Those left to cherish his memory include two daughters,…

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