Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service

08/27/2026

Kevin Vanden Williams, of Bedford County, a Master Electrician, a faithful servant of God and a beloved husband, son, brother and grandfather passed away Monday, August 24, 2026 at the age of 56.

Born on Friday, June 5, 1970 to John S. & Priscilla K. Williams, Kevin was a source of pure joy from the moment he arrived. As the youngest of four children and only son, he grew up surrounded by the love of his family. From a young age, Kevin was a fearless daredevil, living life with an adventurous spirit and boundless energy that kept everyone on their toes and filled his childhood home with laughter.

In his younger years, Kevin faced a difficult chapter and served time in prison for a past mistake. Rather than letting that define him, he chose to make the absolute best of a bad situation. Through incredible determination, Kevin earned his Master Electrician's license while inside and was a valued employee of Kreider Mechanical at the time of his passing. Even more profoundly, he dedicated his time to serving others by starting a church ministry within the prison walls. Through his ministry, he brought many inmates to God, touching countless lives and offering hope, redemption and mentorship to those who needed it most. That ministry still continues to thrive and impact lives today, serving as a powerful and lasting testament to Kevin's faith and legacy.

Kevin's devotion to the men he met inside extended far beyond the prison walls. Long after his own release, he kept in close contact with many former inmates. He acted as a lifelong mentor, doing absolutely anything he could to helping them succeed, from guiding them toward employment to helping them secure professional certifications.

Upon his release in recent years, Kevin encountered new challenges as he navigated re-entry into the world. It was during this time that a sudden health crisis took Kevin down a dark road. Though the road was not always smooth and he faced immense difficulties, his deep-rooted resilience and humility guided him through. Ultimately, Kevin found his way back to God, reaffirming his faith and continuing to live a life dedicated to his trade, he community and his loved ones.

Kevin was a man with a truly golden heart who would help anyone in need. Whether someone required shelter, money, food or a helping hand, Kevin gave freely and without hesitation. He lent his extensive skills in electrical and construction work to anyone facing a problem. If a friend's request fell outside of his own wheelhouse, Kevin wouldn't simply walk away; he would track down the right person to finish the job, and more often than not, he would quietly pay for it himself. He never cared about repayment; his only concern was ensuring that the people around him were cared for and safe. True to his generous spirit, Kevin never met a stranger. He had friends from every single walk of life, treating everyone he crossed paths with with equal dignity, respect and warmth.

Beyond his incredible kindness, Kevin will be deeply missed for this gregarious personality and his legendary capacity to bring people together. He possessed an infectious laugh that could lift anyone's spirits and he was a master storyteller. Family gatherings and casual get-togethers alike were always made brighter by Kevin's completely hysterical stories, which will be fondly remembered and retold for generations to come.

Above all his many roles and accomplishments, Kevin's heart belonged to his family. Though his marriage to his wife, Shari was brief, his love for her was steadfast and true. His greatest joy in life came from the love of his family and watching his grandchildren grow and experience life in full color as he did.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Shari Francis; his children, Trevor Williams (Miranda), Tyler Williams (Virginia), Morgan Williams (Satara); his grandchildren, Lacy, Emily, Addly and Harvey; his sisters, Tammie Viergutz (Jack), Kathy McGary (Pete), Teressa Williams (Clay); a special nephew, Nicholas Gross and a special friend, Mike Burns.

He was preceded in death by his father, John S. Williams; his son, Joseph; special brother-in-law, Douglas Gross; his paternal grandparents, George and Maggie Williams and his maternal grandparents, James and Nona Haslip.

A special thank you to his brother-in-law, Jack for all of his kindness, generosity, love and support throughout this difficult journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004.

Friends and relatives are invited to meet before the service or at other times at Kevin's residence, the home of his sister, Tammie and her husband, Jack. The family will also receive friends beginning at 12 noon on Friday, August 28 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford and a service to celebrate Kevin's life will follow at 1 PM in the chapel with Pastor Wayne Lawhorn officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

Kevin Vanden Williams, 56 of Moneta, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026 in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

The family will receive friends beginning at 12 noon on Friday, August 28, 2026 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford and a funeral service will follow at 1 PM in the chapel.

A full obituary will follow in the coming days.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/24/2026

Ronald Eugene Braswell, 64 of Rustburg, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born on Saturday, March 24, 1962, a son of the late Howard Russell Braswell, Sr. and Patricia Ann Ramsey Butler and two brothers, Rusty & Todd.

He was a lineman at Virginia Aviation for over twenty years.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Vaughan Braswell; his sons, Daniel, Justin &, Russell; his daughters, Sarah, Katie, Heather, Tonya & Angel as well as eighteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren and his Yorkie, Bubby.

No services are planned and arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/21/2026

Gerald J. Brunning II (Gerry), age 90, of Thaxton, VA, passed away peacefully August 21, 2026 surrounded by his close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Helen, and his second wife, Paulette.

Born April 16, 1936, in Buffalo, New York, he was the son of the late Gerald J. Brunning Sr. and Margaret Brunning. He attended Canisius University and participated in their ROTC program, where he left a lasting mark as the Sports Editor for The Griffin student newspaper. He was later recognized for his exceptional leadership and character with an induction into the prestigious DiGamma Honor Society.

Commissioned into the US Army, Gerald served with distinction and eventually attained the rank of Captain. After completing the Army language school where he studied Polish, he spent the majority of his military career stationed in Korea. Following his honorable discharge, Gerald continued his service to the nation by working for the National Security Agency (NSA) in Washington, DC. He later dedicated himself to education, working as a teacher at Dunbar School in Lynchburg, Virginia.

After moving to Thaxton, VA, he and his wife Helen dedicated their lives to the pro-life cause, selling books and publishing tracts defending life. After Helen’s death, Gerald married Paulette Spadaford and together they continued in the book selling business and pro-life work.

Gerald’s life was deeply anchored in his Catholic faith. He was a pillar of the Virginia Chapter of Catholics United for the Faith, working tirelessly to defend and support Church teachings. He was also a devoted, long-time parishioner of St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church in Roanoke, VA.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM on Monday, August 24, 2026 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church, 4730 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA 24017 with Father George Zina officiating. Interment, with full military honors will follow in St. Andrew's Cemetery, 3601 Salem Turnpike, NW, Roanoke, VA 24017.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/20/2026

Bo Carson Ashworth, 27, passed away tragically doing what he loved in a farming accident on August 10, 2026, on the family farm in Dexter, New Mexico.

He was born on May 10, 1999, in Amarillo, Texas, and spent his childhood in Bedford, Virginia. Throughout his youth, He was highly active in the FFA and spent his free time hunting, fishing, and showing beef cattle. He graduated high school with honors and went on to earn the prestigious American FFA Degree. Bo Carson then moved to Canyon, Texas, to attend West Texas A&M University, graduating Cum Laude with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Agriculture.

Canyon is the place he and his beloved wife, Michele, proudly call home. Bo Carson and Michele’s story began in the summer of 2018 at the Sacramento Christian Camp and Conference Center, where they worked together as wranglers in the horse program. They maintained a long-distance relationship throughout college while Michele attended and graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. On May 22, 2021, following their graduations, they were married at the family farm in Dexter.

Bo Carson lived out his faith and testimony daily, guided by his favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 16:3. Though his time here was short, he accomplished so much and leaves behind a profound legacy that will live on when their son is born this coming November. A man of unlimited talents, He loved to stay busy and work with his hands. Whatever he set his mind to, he mastered completely. In his spare time, he enjoyed welding, silversmithing, riding horses, roping, taking on construction projects, and buying, selling, and working on trucks. He was known for his generous spirit, always stepping up to help a friend in need. He possessed a rare gift for making friends with every dog he met, though none were closer to him than his faithful companion, Cactus.

Bo Carson is survived by his wife, Michele Ashworth of Canyon, Texas; his parents, Mark and Sheila Ashworth of Bedford, Virginia; his brother, Josh Frey and wife Rachel of Lynch Station, Virginia; and his sister, Hannah Huffman and husband Brandon of Goodview, Virginia. He is also survived by his nephews, Whitten Frey, Ryland Curry, and Theodore Spencer; and his nieces, Kayl Frey, Harper Frey, Kayleigh Huffman, and Lainey Huffman. Additionally, he is survived by his in-laws, Sam and Phoebe Spencer of Dexter, New Mexico; his brother-in-law, Samuel Spencer and wife Alexis of Aledo, Texas; his aunts and uncles, Paula "Binki" Talley, Michael and Pat Ashworth, and Kathy Ashworth; alongside many extended cousins.

A memorial service celebrating Bo Carson's life was held on Saturday, August 15th, at Living Water Christian Fellowship in Canyon, Texas, where he and Michele attended. A second memorial service will take place on Saturday, August 22nd, at Palestine Baptist Church in Huddleston, Virginia. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM.

In honor of Bo Carson the family requests that attendees wear denim to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to an investment account established for Bo Carson and Michele’s upcoming son. Please make checks payable to: Edward Jones FBO Michele Ashworth, 3440 S Bell, Suite 302 Amarillo, TX 79109

08/18/2026

Austin John "Pete" Gross, Jr., 94 of Bedford, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Oakwood Health & Rehab. Center. He was born on Friday, November 27, 1931 in Bedford County, a son of the late Austin J. Gross, Sr. and Margaret Moseley Gross. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Iva Valira Hawks Gross, a brother, Walter Gross and a grandson, Michael Gross.

He was a founding partner at the Gross family orchard and was dedicated to the orchard and kept it going with his many talents. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed their visits.

He is survived by his sons, James Edward Gross, Robert Wayne Gross (Carolyn), William David Gross (Kelly), Richard Scott Gross (Sheila); his daughter, Joan Gross Harris (Harry) and six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Pastor Dennis Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 PM on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/10/2026

Jerry Alvin Reed, 70, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at his residence. He was born on Sunday, July 1, 1956 to the late Charles B. Reed, Jr. & Glenna Katherine Lafon Reed. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Lynda Martin.
Jerry loved walking around town and talking to everyone. He never met a stranger. Jerry took his mom to church every Sunday until she passed away. He retired as a brick mason.
Surviving is his son, Nicholas Reed; nieces, Mary Swedberg (Brad) & Stephanie Moir (Barry); brother, Charles B. “Benny” Reed, III (Peggy); 5 great nieces & nephew; 14 great-great nieces & nephews & special friend, Angie.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at New Beginnings Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating.
Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/04/2026

Donald Leigh Bays, 86 of Bedford, VA passed away Friday, July 31, 2026 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was born on Saturday, December 16, 1939 in Bedford, VA, a son of the late Hill Goodman Bays and Elizabeth Bays . He worked at Rubatex in Bedford In the pressroom as a printer and he drove a school bus for Bedford County Schools. He was a farmer and avid hunter.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Jack Bays; his children, Robin Bays Pittman (Randy), Jeff Bays (Julie), Jeff Jackson (Alisa), Paul Jackson (Debbie), Donsan Clark (Josh); grandchildren, April Pittman, Candice Mullins, Lauren Doyle (Brandon), Adam Bays, Joshua Jackson (Lydia), Crystal Jackson, Kaiden Clark, Ellie Jo Clark, Charlie Clark; great-grandchildren, Zachery Miller, Titus Jackson, Marcus Jackson, Savannah Doyle, Penelope Doyle; and a sister, Edrie Bays.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 am at Lighthouse Freewill Baptist Church with Dr. Daniel Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am prior to the service.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/03/2026

Marvin Pete Updike Sr., 89, of Huddleston, VA, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026. He was born on June 18, 1937 in Bedford County, VA to Mary Anna Witt Updike and Edison Odell Updike, one of a large family of nine children.

He served in the Army National Guard as a Sergeant for 3 years and settled in a house close to his family homeplace. He attended Bethesda Methodist Church as a child and accepted Jesus into his heart at the age of 13. He loved fishing, hunting, baseball, and boxing as a child and continued to fish and hunt throughout his lifetime with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed kayaking in his later years with his wife of 34 years, Diane. Marvin loved growing, canning, and planting vegetables and fruit trees and also raised chickens. He loved being outside and driving his tractor around his property.

Marvin was married to Diane Davidson Updike for 34 years and they enjoyed and loved being together, especially during their golden years, and looked out for each other as long as they were able to. As their health declined, they still met for dates as often as they could. Marvin and Diane, though separated by health issues, were able to visit and died one week apart.

Diane passed away one Sunday and Marvin the next. They enjoyed worshiping together so this was fitting for their earthly exits and heavenly entrances.

Marvin is survived by his sons, Marvin Pete Updike Jr. (Lisa),and Jeffrey Alan Updike (Amy). He is also survived by his sister, Anna Krantz and many nieces and nephews; his grandchildren, Marvin Pete Updike III, Robert Wesley Updike, Natalie Cifuentes, Jeffrey Daniel Updike, Jessica Alan Updike, Alicyn Marie Updike, and Hunter Alan Updike; 15 great-grandchildren, and Diane’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Affinity Hospice and Nichole Keltz for help with his comfort and care.

Marvin and Diane's families will hold a joint service and will receive friends beginning at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 11351 Leesville Rd, Huddleston, VA 24104 and a Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 pm in the chapel with the Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to UVA Health Neurological Programs. Your gift to UVA neurological programs fosters outstanding care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and other neurological disorders, while helping to advance innovative new treatments and therapies through leading research.

Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston.