EPPERLY, ELVIN WILLARD (DOC), 89, of Radford, died on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2005 at his home.
His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren bless his memory and are eternally grateful for the lessons of hard work and honesty he taught. He was born in Montgomery County on March 26, 1916, to Willard and Annie Ruth Epperly. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary McNeil Epperly, brother, Walter Epperly, and sisters, Agnes E. Snider and Ruth E. Brooks.
He is survived by his wife, Frances McDaniel Epperly, eight children and spouses: Doris and Frank Linkous, Randall and Dreama Epperly, Anna and Roger Handy, Clara and Wendell Martin, Marie and Bill Eanes, Reba and Mike Weeks, Michael Epperly, Loretta and Rafael Bedia; two step daughters, Carolyn and Darrel Rogers and Janet and Bruce Blaylock; 21 grandchildren and spouses: Pete and Amy Linkous, Christi L. Phillips, Robert and Wendy Linkous, Keith and Licia Epperly, Jeff and Elise Epperly, Lori and Wes Rakes, Brian Handy, Victor and Cheryl Handy, Roy and Amie Handy, Mike and Anne Martin, Wendy Martin Watts, Adam and Patrina Martin, Angela Eanes, Danny & Laura Eanes, Jason and Erin Eanes, Alan Weeks, Bryce and Becca Epperly, Mandy Epperly, Mary and Jud Bushkar, Rosa and Brian Petrotta, and Rafael Bedia; three step-grandchildren, Becky and Patrick McGlothlin, Matthew Alley, and Nick and Tiffany Rogers; 24 great grandchildren. Survivors also include sister, Joyce and Karl Mowry, brothers-in-law, Johnny McNeil, James Swift, Ray Swift and Clay Swift; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Epperly, Ida McNeil, Delores McNeil, Kate Sweezy and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the Horne Funeral Home. Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at the Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg with Rev. Lester Kennedy officiating. In remembrance of ?Doc?, those that wish may make contributions to Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, 272 Waterworks Road, Radford, VA 24141 or Fairlawn Grace Brethren Church, 6893 Mills Avenue, Radford, VA 24141. The Epperly Family is being served by Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg (382-2612).