Honoring our Fallen Members
Today…
We kneel for their family and for our brothers and sisters that worked served with them.
Tomorrow …
We will stand for them.
Firefighters Prayer
When I am called to duty, God,
wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life,
whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout,
quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling,
to give the best in me,
to guard my friend and neighbor,
and protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I must answer death’s call,
bless with your protecting hand,
my family one and all.
Author Unknown
Life Member Mack C Higgins
Mack C Higgins passed away on August 6 at the age of 77 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Born in Christiansburg, Virginia on December 4, 1945, Mac was a loving and protective father, brother, and husband, a devoted firefighter, a car enthusiast, and race car driver.
Mac was a car and racing fanatic. Taking the driving skills he learned as a rebellious teenager running moonshine, he became a pioneer of professional truck racing. He was one of the first and only drivers to race Ford trucks when racing legend Buck Baker started the first pickup
truck racing series that would eventually become today’s NASCAR Truck Series. In his later years, he maintained his love of cars, taking his “hot rods” out for a spin and going to local cruise-ins.
A proud Christiansburg High School Blue Demon, Mac maintained close friendships with his Class of 1964 classmates through his entire life.
In adulthood, he carried on his family legacy, running the family-owned Higgins Oil Company for many years. Dedicated to public service, Mac was a lifetime member of the Galax Volunteer Fire Department in Galax, VA. He took pride in serving the community and shared those values with his children, taking them along on fire calls and involving them in GVFD activities.
Throughout his entire life, Mac loved spending time at his family farm at Cripple Creek, or as he liked to call it, “My Montana.” There, he spent quality time fishing, riding four-wheelers through “Sugar Hollow,” and enjoying the fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery. Cripple Creek is where he will be laid to rest so his family will know he is there with them always.
Mac is survived by three children and sons-in-law, Leslie Lundy and David Lundy, James Higgins and Scot Bearden, and Josh Higgins and Tyler Kraus; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Sandra Mohney, Andy Mohney, Debra McLafferty and Charles McLafferty; two grandchildren, Aaron Lundy and Kelly Lundy; and two nieces, Jennifer Mohney and Clair McLafferty. He was preceded in death by his parents, E. Garland Higgins and Alice Lou Henderson Kjeldsen, formerly of Galax, VA.
The Higgins family thanks the wonderful staff at English Meadows Senior Living in Blacksburg who helped Mac feel safe and at home – especially his “good buddies” Brittney, Jennifer, LaDonna, Robin, and Larry.
The Higgins family would also like to extend a heartfelt deep thank you to Medi home health and hospice, specifically, Dads primary nurse, Britney Back, for the kind, gentle and compassionate handling of our dad in his last hours.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Galax Fire Department.
Past President Samuel Vest
Lt. Samuel Vest of Myrtle Beach passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023. He was 69 years old.
Born in Pilot, Virginia, Sammy, as many called him, worked for the Myrtle Beach Fire Department for 21 years, serving as a Fire Inspector for 15 of those years. Sammy was the Past President of the South Carolina Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators.
He is survived by his wife, Janice (Vanderhook) Vest of Myrtle Beach, his mother, Dolly (Linkus) Vest of Pilot, Virginia, a son, Michael Vest and his wife Brenda of Floyd, Virginia, a sister, Cindy (Vest) Robertson and her husband Dave of Draper, Virginia, a brother Timothy Vest and his wife Marsha of Statesville, North Carolina, along with several other family members. Lt. Vest was predeceased by a daughter, Hope Vest, and his father, Otha Dean Vest.
Sammy had a soft spot for all animals and leaves behind his three fur babies, Zoe, Molly, and Gracie. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Grand Strand Humane Society.
Past Assistant Chief Richard G. "Huck" Tyree
Mr. Richard Glendon “Huck” Tyree, age 88, of Covington, died Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Lewis Gale Hospital-Alleghany, Low Moor. He was the husband of Nancy Martin Tyree to whom he was married to for sixty years.
Mr. Tyree was born December 8, 1935 in Alleghany County, the son of the late Charles Meredith Tyree, Sr. and Shirley McCallister Tyree. Huck was a lifetime resident of this area. He was employed in the security department and was in charge of the fire suppressant system at Westvaco before his retirement. Mr. Tyree was a member of Granberry Memorial United Methodist Church. At the church, he was a member of the Mac Moon Sunday school class, the Cracker Barrel Club of the church and also sang in the Granberry Chancel Choir. Huck was a fifty seven year member of the Covington Fire Department where was a former assistant chief. Mr. Tyree was a committed supporter of the Virginia State Fire Association and participated on many competition teams. He was also a member of the Cliffview Senior League Golf Club and an avid University of Virginia Cavaliers fan.
In addition to his wife, Nancy, Mr. Tyree is survived by his poodle, Olivia; nephews, Dwain A. Tyree and wife, Janie and Robert M. Tyree and wife, Mary; his niece, Debbie T. Williams; his nephew, Chris Angell; his caregivers, Audra Hill, Michelle Kimberlin, Shirley Robertson and Suzanne Carper
In addition to his parents, Charles and Shirley Tyree, Mr. Tyree was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Meredith “Mert” Tyree; his niece, Beverly Tyree Angell; and his nephew, Steven B. “Skipper” Williams
A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 P.M. Friday, February 9, 2024 at Granberry Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Brian Boettcher officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Robert Tyree, Shane Williams, Tripp Tyree, Cory Angell, Nathan Hale, Chris Angell, Dewey May and Mason Hale. Honorary pallbearers will be David Lowry, Neal Dressler and other firemen of the Covington Fire Department.
The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at Loving Funeral Home.
The family suggest that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Granberry Memorial United Methodist Church, 425 W. Main Street Covington, VA 24426, the Covington Fire Department 435 W. Hawthorne Street, Covington, VA 24426 or the Covington Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 588 Covington, VA 24426
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Mr. Tyree’s memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.
Past President Bernard Page Brockenbrough
Bernard Page Brockenbrough of Martinsville, VA passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Born July 31, 1942 in Louisville, KY, he was the son of the late Bernard O. and Margaret Page Brockenbrough.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Julie Brady Brockenbrough; two daughters, Joan Marie B. Loftin and husband, Jeff of Mooresville, NC and Carrie B. Jones of Critz, VA; one son, E. Ryan Brockenbrough of Martinsville; one sister, Carol Ann B. Melton and husband, A.J. of Martinsville, VA; and one grandson, Jacob Loftin of Mooresville, NC.
A 1960 graduate of Martinsville High School, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University and Patrick Henry Community College, retired from the local Telephone Company with 45 years of service. A 59 year member of the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company, serving as President in 1969. A Life Member of the Southwest Virginia Firefighters Assoc. serving as President in 1969-1970 and receiving the Above and Beyond Award in 2014 for service to Fire Service in general and the Southwest Assoc. in particular. A member of Piedmont Masonic Lodge, serving as Master in 2017 and a member of Broad Street Christian Church.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville Chapel. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Rich Acres Christian Church with Pastor Tim Hunt officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Burial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory may be made to Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 211, Martinsville, VA 24112 or charity of your choice.
Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville, VA is serving the Brockenbrough family. Online condolences may be made at norrisfuneral.com
Firefighter Cameron Bentley Craig
It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved hero, Cameron Craig, at the young age of 20 on October 19, 2023. Cameron’s life was tragically cut short while he was selflessly serving his community as a firefighter for the Abingdon Fire Department. He made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and his loss leaves a void that can never be filled.
Cameron was born on June 3, 2003 and brought a bright light to the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a dedicated son, brother, and friend, with unwavering passion for helping others. He was a career firefighter with Abingdon Fire Department, and an employee of Richardson Ambulance service. During his time in service, Cameron responded to countless emergencies, risking his life to protect and save the lives of others. His bravery and dedication to keeping our community safe was a testament to his Christian character. He will forever be remembered for his acts of heroism and his willingness to put the well-being of others above his own.
Cameron was more than a firefighter; he was a kind and compassionate young man, always ready to lend a helping hand and bring comfort to those in need. He was always sharing his faith in the Lord and would want his memory to continue spreading that gospel.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Wayne Callahan and John Craig; and his paternal grandmother, Betty Bowers.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Dale and Virginia (Suzy) Craig; sisters, Ashley (Luke) Braswell, Elizabeth (Justin) Ward, Diana Craig (Fiancé Jason Johnson), and Annie Craig; his three nieces, Amelia, Felicity, and Nora; nephews, John Luke and Teddy; grandmother, Lois Callahan; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and girlfriend, Alexis Lytle, all who loved him very much.
Cameron’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His legacy as a firefighter, friend, and a caring soul will continue to inspire us all.
Funeral services to honor the life and sacrifice of Cameron Craig will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 12:00 noon at Highlands Fellowship Church (Watauga Rd.) with Abingdon Fire Department Chaplain Rev. Steven Vaughn and Rev. Adam Blackwell officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 4 until 9 p.m. on Tuesday evening at Trigg Street Church of God in Abingdon. We invite all who wish to pay their respects to join us in remembering this extraordinary young firefighter who gave his all-in service to our community. Following the funeral services, burial will follow at Mount Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring, Va.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Abingdon Firefighters Foundation in memory of Cameron Craig. Proceeds will be used towards scholarships for children of local firefighters.
Past Chief Donald Edgar Yonce
Donald Edgar Yonce, 83, of Hillsville, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Commonwealth Senior Living in Hillsville. Mr. Yonce was born in Rural Retreat, Virginia to the late Fred Melvin and Pauline Fulton Yonce. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Glenda Shepherd Yonce.
Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Gregory and Vickie Yonce and Wesley and Cassie Yonce, niece and spouse, Sabrina and Randy Webb, great-nieces Amanda Webb and Lydia Webb, and great-nephew, Caleb Webb, special cousin, Garry Branscome, and special neighbors, Ann and Montie Largin, and his fur baby Gucci.
Don served the community he loved by working at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel for 50 years and caring for people during their most difficult time of need. He also served on the Hillsville Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a Life Member and past Chief along with other offices. He received numerous firefighter awards within the Twin Counties. Don was a member of First Baptist Church Hillsville, where he served as Deacon and on various committees. Don was a member of the Army Reserves, the Hillsville Jaycees, he served on the Hillsville Town Council, was a member of the Twin County Regional Hospital Board, received the Twin County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, a member of Hillsville Masonic Lodge 193, and most recently was the Grand Marshal of the annual Hillsville/Carroll County Christmas Parade. Don also loved to go to Virginia Tech Hokies Football games. Don never met a stranger.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of Commonwealth Assisted Living and Mountain Valley Hospice. He loved you all.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel at 12:00 pm with the Reverend Scott Flippin officiating. Burial will follow in the Wilkinson Memorial Cemetery. Masonic Lodge 193 will preform Masonic rites and last rites will be conducted by the Hillsville Volunteer Fire Department Honor Guard. Don will lie in state on Thursday from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm, prior to the funeral service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hillsville Volunteer Fire Department, 115 Fulcher Street, Hillsville, Virginia 24343 or to the First Baptist Church, 1401 North Main Street, Hillsville, Virginia 24343. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.
Firefighter Donald Judd Atkins
Donald Judd Atkins, 81, of Dublin, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Judd and Virginia Covey Atkins; and brothers, Dean, David and Dennis Atkins.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Peggy McCraw Atkins; daughters, Shirl Nolen and Beth Vipperman (Billy); special sons, Wes Nolen and Brian Wade; grandchildren, Reese, Jaxon, Chloe and Easton; siblings and their spouses,
The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. with Tucker LaForce officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery in Pulaski County.
Flowers are appreciated, however if you choose to make a donation, the family requests that contributions be made to the Newbern Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 328, Newbern, VA, 24126.