1. 1950 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Premier; taken 10 Apr 1950; Sheet Number 19 Dwelling #142.
Listed as William Ball, III; age 8; born in WV; in household of father, William Ball, Jr..
2. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"William Ross Ball III, known to his loved ones as Billy, peacefully passed away on Wednesday January 24, 2024, at the age of 81 at Princeton Community Hospital in Princeton, WV. Born on August 18, 1942, in Glen Alum, WV the son of William Ball SR and Clarcey Smith Ball. Billy was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend."Billy was a retired strip miner who dedicated his time and efforts to his profession throughout his career. He cherished spending time with his family, playing his guitar, and singing.
"In addition to his parents Billy was preceded in death by his brothers: Gene Ball, James "Buddy" Ball, and Roger Ball.
"Billy is survived by his beloved wife, Sue Ellen; his children: Billy Ball and wife Becky, Brady Ball and wife Angie, Gary Vanover, Sandra Justice and husband Phillip, and Jeanine Waldon. He will also be deeply missed by his cherished grandchildren: Nathan Ball and wife Maggie, Caitlyn Trent and husband Christian, Kendall Ball and Fiancé Brooke, Madison Ball, Zoey Ball, Michelle Beck and husband Ryan, Amanda Jo Roberts, Sonya Jones and husband Brandon, BJ Waldon, Rebecca Vanover and companion Joe Edwards, as well as his great-grandchildren: Bennett Hardy, Emree Hardy, Jensen Hardy, Paislee Trent, Ashtyn Trent, Brycelynn Beck, Rylan Beck, Kyler Rodgers, Xavier Jones, and Elijah.
"In honoring Billy's wishes his body was cremated and at this time there will be no services.
"Fanning Funeral Home in Welch, WV is assisting the Ball Family.
"Online condolences may be sent to www.fanningfuneralhomes.com"
1. Wise Co, VA; Marriage License #69 002846; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Darrell Blankenship; age 21; born 27 jul 1947 in VA; single; this is his 1st marriage; 1 yr HS
education; living at Panther, WV; son of Buddy and Pauline (Stanley) Blankenship; married on 25
Jan 1969 in Wise Co, VA; Ethel Lee Estep; age 16; born 17 Feb 1952 in WV; single; this is her 1st
marriage; 7th grade education; living at Panther, WV; daughter of Burl and Bessie (Justice) Estep.
2. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Darrell Blankenship, 68, of Panther, WV, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at Saint Mary's Hospital in Huntington, WV."Darrell was born July 27, 1948, in War Eagle, WV, a son of the late Buddy and Pauline Stanley Blankenship. He was an Assistant Pastor at Panther Missionary Baptist Church and a retired coal miner. Darrell enjoyed deer hunting and most of all he loved his family.
"In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Lee Blankenship, one son, Darrell Blankenship, Jr.; three grandchildren, Kristie, Amanda, and Howard Blankenship, Jr.; one brother, Billy Blankenship; JoAnn and Kirk Estep, Lawrence Estep, Mildred Estep, Earl Dotson, Brookie Hunt, and Josie Coleman.
"Survivors include two sons, Brian Blankenship and wife Linda and Howard Blankenship and companion Tina all of Panther, WV; one daughter, Darlene Jarosz and husband Michael of Beckley, WV; seven grandchildren, Kayla Neal and husband James of Panther, Bradley Blankenship and wife Allison of Panther, B.J. Blankenship and wife Amber of Iaeger, Daniel Blankenship and Alexis Prater of Panther, WV, Dustin Goodman and Kristen Goodman both of Beckley, WV; 10 great grandchildren, Makenzie Neal, Cabela Neal, Hunter Neal, Talan Blankenship, Brianna Blankenship, Ethen Blankenship, Eli Blankenship, Bryson Blankenship, Addalynn Blankenship, and Amanda Blankenship, and one on the way; five step grandchildren, Audrey, Krystal and Dale Deaton and Joseph and Kathern Jarosz; three step great grandchildren, Paxton and Dawson Deaton and Ryley Blankenship; three sisters, Easter Estep of Beckley, Polly Walker of Welch, WV, Alice Ynacay of Panther; two brothers, Harold Blankenship of Panther and Robert Blankenship of Beckley; sisters-in-law, Betty (Lena) Dotson of Gary, Pearl Estep of Panther, Marlene and Timmy Bailey of Panther, and a brother-in-law Edgar Estep of Panther, WV.
"Funeral services will be conducted, Sunday, February 19, 2017, at 1 o'clock with Reverend Hank Parker and Reverend John Hunt officiating at the Panther Missionary Baptist Church in Panther, WV. Burial will follow in the Estep Cemetery at Panther, WV...."
1. Wise Co, VA; Marriage License #69 002846; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Darrell Blankenship; age 21; born 27 jul 1947 in VA; single; this is his 1st marriage; 1 yr HS
education; living at Panther, WV; son of Buddy and Pauline (Stanley) Blankenship; married on 25
Jan 1969 in Wise Co, VA; Ethel Lee Estep; age 16; born 17 Feb 1952 in WV; single; this is her 1st
marriage; 7th grade education; living at Panther, WV; daughter of Burl and Bessie (Justice) Estep.
2. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by Linda Blankenship; 8 Jan 2016.
" Ethel Lee Estep Blankenship
Birth 17 Feb 1954
McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Death 23 Oct 2009 (aged 55)
Panther, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Burial
Burl Estep Cemetery
McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 156868711"Additional Information Posted:
"Proceded in death by : Parents Burl & Bessie Estep
infant son Darrell Blankenship Jr. infant grand kids: Amanda Renee & Kristie Dawn ( Twins) ,Howard Lee Blankenship Jr. brothers :Willie, George, Boone (infants), Kirk & JoAnn Estep and brother in law Earl Dotson
Sisters: Patsy ( infant), Josie Estep Justice Coleman.
Survived by : Husband Darrell Blankenship
Sons : Brian & Linda Blankenship , Howard Blankenship Daughter : Darlene Lynn Blankenship
Grandkids: Kayla & James Neal , Brian Jr (BJ) , Bradley ,Daniel Blankenship ,Dustin and Kristen Goodman
Brothers : Edgar & Mildred Estep ,Lawrence & Pearl Estep,
Sisters: Betty Lena Estep Dotson, Brookie Estep Hunt, Marlene Estep &Jimmy(Timmy) Bailey"
1. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Sandy River District; Paynesville; taken on 10/11 Feb 1920;
Page #231A; Family #300/302.
Listed as Cleve Lester; age 7 mons; born in WV; in household of father, Alfred Lester.
2. 1940 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Paynesville, WV; taken 8 Aug 1940; Page 1142 B;
Household #339.
Listed as Cleve Lester; age 20; born in WV; single; no education; lived in same place on 1 Apr 1935;
laborer in CCC Camp; in household of mother Amanda B. Lester.
3. Russell Co, VA; Marriage License #4732; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Cleve Lester; age 36; born at Bradshaw, WV; single; miner; living at Raven, VA; son of Alfred and
Mandy (Blankenship) Lester; married on 11 Feb 1956 at Lebanon, VA; Lucy Baker; age 38; born at
Paynesville, WV; widow; one previous marriage; living at Raven, VA; daughter of Will and Nancy
(Blankenship) Baker.
4. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate #'72 014186; WV Archives Website.
Cleve Lester; age 54; born 9 Jul 1919 in WV; married; husband of Lucy Baker; SS# 232-22-0572;
disabled miner; living at English, WV; son of Alfred and Mandy (Blankenship) Lester; died 2 Sep
1972 in Stevens Clinic, Welch, WV; due to cerebrovascular accident with cerebral arteriosclerosis;
buried 5 Sep 1972 in Lester Cemetery, Paynesville, WV.
5. FindAgrave.com Website; submitted by Valerie Neal; 28 Apr 2014; maintained by Jason Riley Estep.
" Cleve Lester
Birth 9 Jul 1919
Paynesville, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Death 2 Sep 1972 (aged 53)
English, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Burial
Tommy Lester Cemetery
Paynesville, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 128658291"
1. 1920 Census, Buchanan Co, VA; Rock Lick District; Blackey, VA; taken on 8 Jan 1920; Page 138B;
Family #65/166.
Listed as Lucy A. Baker; age 2 yrs, 6 mons; born in WV; in household of father, William B. Baker.
2. 1930 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Sandy River District; taken on 3 Apr 1930; Page 201B; Family #17.
Listed as Lucy Baker; age 12; born in WV; in household of father, William B. Baker.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1937); Page 130; WV Archives Web Site.
Harvey Lester; born 10 Nov 1915 at Paynesville, WV; living at Paynesville, WV; son of Howard and
Angie; married on 4 Aug 1937 at Paynesville, WV; Lucie Baker; born 3 Jun 1917 at Paynesville, WV;
living at Paynesville, WV; daughter of Will and Nancy.
4. Russell Co, VA; Marriage License #4732; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Cleve Lester; age 36; born at Bradshaw, WV; single; miner; living at Raven, VA; son of Alfred and
Mandy (Blankenship) Lester; married on 11 Feb 1956 at Lebanon, VA; Lucy Baker; age 38; born at
Paynesville, WV; widow; one previous marriage; living at Raven, VA; daughter of Will and Nancy
(Blankenship) Baker.
5. Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Lucy Ann Lester
[Lucy Lester]
[Lucy Ann Baker]
SSN: 236968037
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birth Date: 3 Jun 1917
Birth Place: Paynesville, West Virginia
[Payneville M??, West Virginia]
Death Date: 10 Apr 1990
Father: Will Baker
Mother: Nancy Blankenship
Type of Claim: Original SSN.
Notes: 21 Mar 1973: Name listed as LUCY ANN LESTER; 03 May 1977: Name listed as LUCY LESTER"
6. FindAgrave.com Website; submitted by Valerie Neal; 28 Apr 2014; maintained by Jason Riley Estep.
" Lucy Baker Lester
Birth 3 Jun 1917
McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Death 10 Apr 1990 (aged 72)
USA
Burial
Tommy Lester Cemetery
Paynesville, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 128658349"Additional Information Posted:
"Daughter of William Baker and Nancy Blankenship"
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1925); Page 114; WV Archives Web Site.
Edgar Beheler; age 23; born in Franklin Co, VA; single; miner; living at Big Sandy, WV; son of
James and Vernie; married on 5 Dec 1925 at Hensley, WV; Thelma Jenks; age 16; born in
McDowell Co, WV; daughter of Tod and Laura.
2. 1950 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Premier; taken 12 Apr 1950; Sheet Number 24; Dwelling #173.
Listed as Thomas Beheler; age 44; born in VA; married; coal loader in coal mine; head of
household.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1925); Page 114; WV Archives Web Site.
Edgar Beheler; age 23; born in Franklin Co, VA; single; miner; living at Big Sandy, WV; son of
James and Vernie; married on 5 Dec 1925 at Hensley, WV; Thelma Jenks; age 16; born in
McDowell Co, WV; daughter of Tod and Laura.
2. 1950 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Premier; taken 12 Apr 1950; Sheet Number 24; Dwelling #173.
Listed as Thelma Beheler; age 41; born in WV; married; in household of husband, Thomas Beheler.
1. 1950 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Premier; taken 12 Apr 1950; Sheet Number 24; Dwelling #173.
Listed as Thomas Beheler, Jr; age 22; born in WV; coal loader in coal mine; in household of father,
Thomas Beheler.
1. 1950 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Premier; taken 12 Apr 1950; Sheet Number 24; Dwelling #173.
Listed as Vivian J. Beheler; age 7; born in WV; in household of father, Thomas Beheler.
1. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by Patty Greene; 8 Sep 2015.
"Vernice Alma “Bug” Fraley Jr.
Birth 19 Oct 1952
West Virginia, USA
Death 1 Sep 2015 (aged 62)
Welch, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Burial
Woodlawn Memorial Park
Bluefield, Mercer County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 152042157"Additional Information Posted:
"On September 1, 2015, after a long battle with cancer God decided that Vernice "Bug" Fraley, Jr.'s battle was over and made him one of his angels."He lived your life for your family and friends and will be sadly missed.
"Born on October 19, 1952, God blessed us with your presence for 62 years and we will forever be grateful. Being a coal miner for nineteen years an avid hunter, fisherman, and woodworker you never met a stranger.
"He was preceded in death by his parents Vernice Alma Fraley Sr. (1910-1989) and Ruth M. Burns-Murphy-Fraley (1908-1979); a daughter, Deborah Lynn Fraley (1972-1992); two brothers, Cecil Murphy (Deceased) and Charles Murphy (1930-1991); and three sisters, Betty Fraley-Bailey (Deceased), Helen Fraley-Bailey (Deceased), and Kathleen Fraley-Addair (Deceased).
"Surviving the loss are a loving wife of 43 years, Deborah J. Bailey-Fraley; a son Steven Wayne Fraley and companion, Jacqueline Roberts of Welch, WV; a daughter Wendy R. Fraley and companion Jason Matney of Statesville, NC; two grandsons, Dillon and Braxton of Statesville, NC; two sisters, Barbara and husband Darrell of Hurricane, WV; Sherry and husband Russell New of Isaban, WV.
"Funeral services will be conducted Friday, September 4, 2015, at 12 noon with Reverend Raymond Rowe officiating at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell, WV."
1. U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Deborah June Fraley [Debbie Fraley]
Birth Date: Jun 1954
Residence Date: 2001-2017
Address: Hc 64 Box 572
Residence: Iaeger, West Virginia, USA
Postal Code: 24844
Second Residence Date: 2018-2019
Second Address: 136 Mustang Dr
Second Residence: Statesville, North Carolina, USA
Second Postal Code: 28677
Third Residence Date: 2017
Third Address: 6415 Coal Heritage Rd
Third Residence: Iaeger, West Virginia, USA
Third Postal Code: 24844
Fourth Residence Date: 1985-2001
Fourth Address: Po Box 572
Fourth Residence: Iaeger, West Virginia, USA
Fourth Postal Code: 24844