Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service

Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service Burch-Messier Funeral Home was founded in 2005 by Chris Burch and John Messier. Their passion for f

08/30/2026

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08/29/2026

DONALD CREED GANTT
APRIL 30, 1933 - AUGUST 5, 2026

Donald Creed Gantt passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Lynchburg General Hospital after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Macular Degenerate Disease.
Don was born at home in Roseland, Virginia to the late Henry Lewis Gantt, Sr. and
Evelyn Harrison Mahone Gantt on April 30, 1933. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Catherine Earle (Sissy) Pack; sisters, Maria Gantt Keller, Virginia Gantt Allen, Juliet Gantt Wilson, Evelyn Gantt Swan Midgette; and one brother, Henry Lewis Gantt, Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Catherine Earle Gantt; three sons, Donald C. Gantt, Jr. (Debra), James Lewis Gantt (Lisa), and John L. Gantt; grandchildren, Price P. Gantt, Preston C. Gantt, Emily K. Gantt, Carter L. Moore (Morgan), John Todd Gantt (Samantha), Anna Catherine Gantt, Maria Catherine Pack and James Damian Pack; and two great-granddaughters, Sullivan Mayes Moore and Vivian Tyler Moore.
Don was a graduate of Fleetwood High School and Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1954 Majoring in General Agriculture. In October 1955 he joined the US Army and was honorably discharged in October of 1957. In late October 1957, he went to work for the United State Department of Agriculture ASCS in Prince Edward County, Virginia where he spent his entire career until he retired on December 31, 1988. In mid-January of 1989 he went to work for Century 21 as a realtor until he retired from Real Estate in August of 2014. He was a member of the Prince Edward Ruritan Club from 1963 to the present.
Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was happiest when among family and friends. He was known as a great story teller and loved entertaining.
A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at John’s Memorial Episcopal Church located at 400 High St, Farmville, Virginia with Reverend Lynn Miller officiating. Burial will be private. A reception will be held at the home of John Gantt, 397 Farmville Lake Road, Farmville, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Fuqua School, 605 Fuqua Drive, Farmville Virginia 23901, FALCON FUND, Fuquaschool.org or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/GSGG7PFDPQ7P8B5F?e=1

Pamela Hedrick went to be with the Lord on August 27, 2026, at 9:00 A.M.She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabe...
08/28/2026

Pamela Hedrick went to be with the Lord on August 27, 2026, at 9:00 A.M.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth West; her father, William Downs; her grandparents, Anna and William Hill and Annie and William Downs; her brothers, Richard Downs and William Downs; and her sister, Brenda Wimmer.

She leaves behind her sister, Melody Baker; her daughter, Desiree Hedrick; and her granddaughter, Kitana Stokes. She is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Pamela will always be remembered for her beautiful laugh and her generosity. She will be forever loved and deeply missed by all who knew her.

Jimmy Lee Orange, 74, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026. He was born in Bedford, VA on August 20, 1952,...
08/27/2026

Jimmy Lee Orange, 74, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026. He was born in Bedford, VA on August 20, 1952, a son of the late Rufus Cosby Orange and Irene Overstreet Orange. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Rufus Dwight Orange, Sr., and a sister, Betty Sue Orange.
He served his country proudly in the U.S. Marines. Jimmy was an employee of Farm Service Co of Lynchburg and former employee of the U.S. Postal Service.
He is survived by his daughter, Lauren Orange; stepson, Brandon Johnson; mother of his child, Jacki Johnson Overstreet; grandchildren, Kendall Dolan, Kevin Dolan, Jr., Cameron Childers; sister, Barbara Bess; four great-grandchildren, Savannah, Jaxon, Harlan, Hudson; and also survived by longtime friends the Campbell Family, John, Carol and Lora.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

James Farrell Sowards, 95, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026. He was born in Virginia on June 13, 1931 ...
08/24/2026

James Farrell Sowards, 95, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026. He was born in Virginia on June 13, 1931 a son of the late Ted Sowards and Lonie Adams Reynolds. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Price Sowards; and his brothers and sisters, Ted Sowards, Jr., Marceline Sowards, Paul Reynolds, and Glenda Reynolds.
Farrell retired from Rubatex.
He is survived by his sons, James Roy Sowards, (Linda), Richard Anthony Sowards (Sandra), Jeffrey Clay Sowards (Cindy); grandson, Andy Clay Sowards (Louella); step-granddaughter, Lisa Dawn Hodges-Powell (Billy), step-grandson, Shannon Ray Hodges (Denise); brothers and sisters, Mildred Reynolds, Bernard Reynolds, Bernice Reynolds, Joe Reynolds, Danny Reynolds, Ronnie Reynolds; four great-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.
Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 28, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel with Rev. Greg Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Wanda Martin Taylor went to be with Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. She was the daughter...
08/14/2026

Wanda Martin Taylor went to be with Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. She was the daughter of the late William Price Martin and Bertha Meador Martin.
She was a kind person who always welcomed and made people feel special. Wanda was so full of life and had a wonderful smile and enjoyed meaningful conversations. She received her degree from Lynchburg College in business. She loved anything business related; having owned three convenience/grocery stores. She very much enjoyed playing and teaching piano.
Wanda is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Benjamin “Ben” Taylor; brother, Dalond Martin; Ben’s two sons, Mark Taylor (Brianna) and his son, Benjamin, of TX, and Edward Taylor of TN.
At Wanda’s request, there will be no funeral services but there will be a private service at a later date. Wanda’s wishes were to be scattered on the family farm.
The family would like to thank Centra Bedford Hospice for their kind and loving care.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Arnold “Burton” Hill, 90, passed from this life on August 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the comfort ...
08/14/2026

Arnold “Burton” Hill, 90, passed from this life on August 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the comfort of his faith. Born to Mason and Louise Hill and raised in Elgood, West Virginia, Burton grew up as one of six children. He was known as “Chicken” in his youth because of his speed.

He lived most of his life in Mercer County, West Virginia before relocating to Gastonia, North Carolina. Burton was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings—Arvin Lee Hill, Lexie Comer, Alliefair Ayers, Clara Mae Skeens, and Charlie Hill—and is survived by his brother, Jimmy Hill, who remains to honor his memory.

Burton was also preceded in death by his devoted wife, Phyllis, whom he married on April 15, 1960. Together, they built a family and shared more than six decades of partnership rooted in faith, commitment, and love.

A man of quiet dedication and steady work ethic, Burton was a butcher by trade and held many jobs throughout his lifetime. His willingness to work hard and provide for his family was a defining part of his character.

He found deep joy within his church family at Spiritual Guidance Church, where his faith flourished and his friendships enriched his life. Burton’s mild nature, kindness, and steadfast devotion made him a treasured member of the congregation.

Burton enjoyed coaching his children in the sports they played. Through his encouragement he helped shape not only their athletic abilities but also the lasting memories and life lessons they carry with them today.

He is survived by his children—Ronnie, Jeff (Linda), Shelia (Greg), Terry, Ruth (Christine), Dana (David), Lori (Gerald), Kenny (Adriana), and Trish (Tommy)—along with 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, who carry forward his legacy of perseverance.

Burton’s life was guided by devotion—to his faith, to his family, and to the values he lived daily. He will be remembered for his simple approach to life, his hard work, and the care he shared with those around him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Burton’s memory to Spiritual Guidance Church: 609 E. Charlotte Avenue, Mt. Holly, NC 28120.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Nancy Louise Lindeman McCoy, born June 13,1944 in East Orange, New Jersey, departed this life on Sunday, August 2, 2026 ...
08/08/2026

Nancy Louise Lindeman McCoy, born June 13,1944 in East Orange, New Jersey, departed this life on Sunday, August 2, 2026 in Lynchburg, Virginia. She fought cancer for the last six months.
She leaves behind her loving spouse, Edward Daril McCoy of Bedford, Virginia; and step-children, Clair (Scott) Mcstacy, Scott McCoy, and Sarah (Greg) Raetzel; and four wonderful grandchildren, Betty Jolena Raetzel, Richard Dale Toms, John McStacy and James Mcstacy; and her cousin in law, Diane Lindeman who lives in Ohio.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Dunham; sister, Marion Raab; sister in law, Rita McCoy Rodriguez; mother in law, Leona Meadows; and cousin, Ralph Lindeman. Nancy never met a stranger. She loved talking to everyone and had many friends - especially if they wanted to go out to eat. She had a servants heart and was a volunteer for many organizations before and after she retired. She worked as a respiratory therapist in New Jersey, Vermont, Florida, and Virginia. She was a voter registrar, bloodmobile coordinator, hospital auxiliary, board member of BIA, and an active member of the Bedford Christian Ministries. She was a member of the Bedford Christian Church for over 25 years and served as elder and in the choir. She loved to sing! She was in competition for barbershop quartets with the Sweet Adeline’s. She also sang with Jefferson Choral Society and Treble Tapestry. She travelled extensively with her choirs.
She also loved to travel with her spouse all around the country and the world. One highlight was the 75th DDay anniversary in Normandy France with the Bedford International Alliance. She and Ed had just celebrated their 27th anniversary on April 1. She was a Scouting Volunteer Assistant with Troop 171 at Main Street United Methodist Church and she would go camping with her porta-john pup tent at Scout Camp. Her service will be on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 2 pm at Bedford Christian Church, 1928 Moneta Rd. Please send the flowers she loves to the church or make a donation to the church.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

On July 31, 2026, Frances Elizabeth Grizzle Self, ran fully healed into the arms of Jesus. She was born to the late Sil...
08/05/2026

On July 31, 2026, Frances Elizabeth Grizzle Self, ran fully healed into the arms of Jesus. She was born to the late Silas William Grizzle and the late Hattie Frances Ware Grizzle on August 1, 1942 in Castlewood, Virginia. After graduating as salutatorian from Castlewood High School, she quickly moved to Bedford, which she called home for much of the remainder of her life. Although many people knew her from her various jobs at Rubatex, Bedford Weaving Mill, Belding Corticelli and Rapid Printing, her most precious and favorite “job” was being a mother.
She gave so freely and selflessly to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always made sure to know how much they were all loved. Frances shared her love of music with her family by singing to them during childhood and enjoyed listening to them sing to her as they became adults. She always had a hug, kiss and a smile ready at all times and ready with ham, biscuits, and oyster stew on Christmas morning.
Although dementia took a lot of recent memories, it couldn’t take her knowledge of knowing her family, for which they are so grateful.
Along with her parents, Frances was predeceased by her loving husband, Charles “Charlie” Russell Self, Jr., her siblings, Theodore William “Ted” Grizzle and Irene Anna Witt, her son-in-law, Stan Butler, and her grandson, Nicholas Butler. She is survived by her children, Lisa Butler, Hildery “Chuck” Gibbs, Jr. and Julie Carr (Johnny Cash); her grandchildren, Katherine “Kathy” Rogers (Jeff), Elizabeth Butler (Michael Colby), Susan Butler (Nay Clark), Danya Gibbs, and August Carr; granddaughter-in-law, Virginia “Nina” Mihelcic Butler; nine great-grandchildren; her sisters, Virginia Belle “Ginger” Blevins (Jack) and Sarah Nadine Cox (Don); and sister-in-law, Yvonne Grizzle. She had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who were all dear to her heart.
The family would like to thank Centra Lynchburg General Hospital’s ICU and Neuro ICU units, especially her doctor, (Doctor K) and her exceptional nurses (Julia, Emily, Michelle, Colton and Kaitlyn). The family would also like to give heartfelt thanks to Johnny Cash for visiting and sharing scripture with Frances as she met Jesus.
As per Frances’s wishes, there will be no service; instead, share a book with a friend, plant some flowers, take a walk, or go bird-watching.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pecks Baptist Church, 1020 Pecks Road, Bedford, VA.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

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