Starkey, Willard E.

Willard E. (Gene) Starkey, of Floyd, Va., passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2008. Mr. Starkey had been a resident for several years at Skyline Nursing and Rehab, in Floyd.

Mr. Starkey was a veteran of the United States Army. A life-long resident of Floyd County, he was a produce and cattle farmer for many years. Mr. Starkey was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed sports, particularly professional baseball, and was an enthusiastic St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Mr. Starkey was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred K. Starkey and a son, Mark Starkey. He is survived by his son, Wesley E. (Wes) Starkey and his wife, Joan, of Floyd; his granddaughter, Mary Beth Starkey, of Blacksburg, Va.

The family would like to acknowledge the staff at Skyline Nursing and Rehab for their faithful care and kindness shown to their loved one.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at 1 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, in Floyd, with speakers Hosea Blankenship and Dewayne Troutt officiating. Interment will follow at Captain George Quesenberry Cemetery, in Indian Valley, Va. The family will receive friends on Monday, November 24, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements.

Hold Thou Thy word before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies:
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee,
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!