Claude Edward Turner, Jr., 73, of Galax, passed away Friday, February 3, 2012 at Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC. Born in Scott County Virginia on June 17, 1938. He was the son of the late Jeanella McCormick Turner and Claude Edward Turner, Sr of Gate City, VA.

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He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Irene Noell Turner; one daughter, Noelle Turner Cockrell and her husband Randy Cockrell of Acworth, GA, along with their children, Turner James, Parker Randall and Katheryn Grace; and one son, Edward Randolph Turner and his wife, Barbara Ann Turner and their children Alexandra Perna and Evan George, of Simpsonville, SC. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Turner Wooten, of Kingsport, TN. He graduated from Roanoke College after serving in the Army during the Berlin Conflict in artillery as a Fire Direction Officer with the rank of Sergeant. He began his career with W.H. Kress and spent the majority of his career in the furniture industry. He was a past Sales Manager at both Coleman Furniture and Pulaski Furniture of Pulaski, VA and was past Vice President of Sales at Webb Furniture Industries, of Galax, VA from which he retired in 2004. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Galax and was a long standing member and past Exalted Ruled of the Elks Lodge in Pulaski. In retirement he found great pleasure in researching his genealogy, making trips to Eastern Tennessee and utilizing many other sources to ensure the record of his descendants would be passed on. He also parlayed his knowledge and appreciation of furniture into wood working, creating numerous unique and treasured items for his grandchildren and children. He also used his talents to create pieces to benefit The Galax Arts Council and the Galax School of the Arts. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Monday, February 6, 2012 at First United Methodist, Galax. The family will receive visitors from 4 to 6 p.m at on Sunday, February 5 at Vaughan Guynn Funeral Home, Galax In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Construction of the Woodworking Studio at the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, PO Box 417, Galax, VA 24333 or to the charity of your choice

Virginia Helen Burcham age 82 of Galax, Virginia passed away Friday, February 3, 2012 in the Twin County Regional Hospital. Mrs. Burcham was born on March 31, 1929 in Galax, Virginia to Arthur and Clara Belle Tate Melton.

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In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Clinton W. Burcham. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Ricky C. and Linda Burcham of Galax, Virginia; granddaughter and husband Holly N. and Chance Cockerham; great-grandson Hunter Cockerham; brothers and sisters-in-law Clinton and Eunice Melton of Cana, Va.; Howard and Evelyn Melton of Mt. Airy, North Carolina; special nephew and his wife Donald and Glenda Melton. The funeral service will be Monday, February 6, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the Independence Church of God of Prophecy with Rev. William Ronald Brewer and Rev. Eddie Stanley officiating. Burial will follow in the Meadow Creek Cemetery. The body will lie-in-state one hour prior the funeral service at the church. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Frances Martin Moretz age 85 of Galax, Virginia passed away Thursday, February 2, 2012 in the Golden Living-Blue Ridge Nursing and Rehab Center. Mrs. Moretz was born in Galax, Virginia on March 3, 1926 to William Lonnie and Ora Thompson Martin.

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In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband James Thomas Moretz. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Betty and Dean Musser of Whitsett, North Carolina; son and daughter-in-law Jimmy and Sandy Moretz of Galax,Virginia; grandchildren and spouses Jennifer and Richard Myers; Jason and Lena Moretz; Christopher Musser; April and Jared Iroler; great-grandchildren Amy Holder; Brennan Moretz; Rylee Moretz; Brian Holder and Jacob Iroler; sisters Pauline Hall and Lucille Wilson both of Galax, Virginia; several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held Monday, February 6, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the Vaughan-Guynn Chapel with Rev. James Cowley and Rev. Ernie Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Monta Vista Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home. Flowers will be appreciated or donations may be made to the Hillcrest Baptist Church or Twin County Hospice.