Rorrer, Ervin Lee

Ervin Lee Rorrer died in his Floyd home May 11, 2011, with his family present “just as promised.” He would have said he was “alright with the Lord and had a good life.” He lived life everyday right to the end and left this world a better place for his love of family, friends and patriotic service to our nation.

By his hand, he left these words “I was born February 26, 1918, in Stuart, the oldest of seven children. My father was Wolford M. Rorrer and my mother was Cora A. Compton. I married Thelma Lake Harman on July 3, 1937, in Floyd. We had two sons, Freddie Lee and Robert Eugene, both are now deceased.

We lived in Floyd when I was drafted into the Army. I spent two years and eight months in General Patton’s 3rd Army Division. Honorably discharged as a T/5 rank Corporal, spending 17 months overseas and fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, the last push of the German Army. I am a lifetime member of V.F.W. Post 8413 Welch, W.Va. (recently transferred to the Floyd V.F.W. Post 7854.) Returning home, we moved to Coalwood, W.Va. I worked and retired from Olga Coal Company. I am a lifetime member of United Mine Workers Union 6026.

We returned part-time to Floyd after I retired and full-time when my son and his family moved here in 1988. We joined the Fairview Church of the Brethren on December 25, 2000. (Lake) and I were married 63 years when she passed away March 25, 2001. We had a great life together.”

Mr. Rorrer is survived my his most loved daughter (in-law), Janet Rorrer, they had been by one another’s side for 46 years. His grandchildren, Lynne and Michael Metzler and Brian and Bary Rorrer. He had seven greatgrandchildren, David, Katie, Taylor and Daniel Metzler, and Sidney, RJ and Logan Rorrer. A great-granddaughterinlaw, Sheila Metzler and a greatgreat-granddaughter, Kylee Grace. Along with the other family, Ervin is survived by his brothers, Claude and Rev. Siebert Rorrer; and sisters, Reva Belcher and Sylvia Hancock; and his much loved Lane and Dorothy Epperly, Reginald Hancock, and Christine and Jean Rorrer.

His zest for life brought numerous lifetime friends, including his fondest angels, Ms. Lydia Burgess, Ms. Edna Harmon, Ms. Brenda Huff and Ms. April Wade.

His final years were blessed by his beloved church family. Mr. Rorrer was a familiar face around Floyd, always ready to “sit down and talk a spell.” He will be missed.

Arrangements are being handled by Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd, Va. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2011, where the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 14, 2011, in the Gardner Funeral Home Chapel at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Glen Sage and the Rev. Randy McDaniel officiating. Interment will follow at Jacksonville Cemetery with military rites by VFW #7854 AND American Legion# 127.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Floyd VFW #7854 or Fairview Church of the Brethren.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com.