Sovanow

Aubrey Lewis Russell, 58, left his earthly home and entered into eternal rest surrounded by the love of family and friends. While our hearts grieve his passing, we rejoice in the memories he leaves behind and the promise of everlasting peace. Aubrey enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved listening to his favorite music, spending time with those he loved, riding his side-by-side and riding his motorcycle whenever he had the chance.

Sampson Lovely Townes Sr., completed his earthly assignment and was awarded his wings Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with his family by his side. He was born March 19, 1930 in Mecklenburg County, to the late Doctor Townes and Mider Townes. Sampson attended Finchley Elementary School. He accepted Jesus Christ into his life at an early age and joined St. John African American Episcopal Church in 1949. Sampson was married to the former Mary Mason on May 9, 1951. This union was blessed with seven children.

Lee Bernard Wilson, 93, of Chase City, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026. He was born on Aug. 3, 1932 in Charlotte County, and is the son of the late William Henry Wilson and the late Willie Effie Rutledge Wilson. He was a Randolph Henry High School graduate. Bernard was a very hard worker and held several different jobs throughout his life. Most notably known for his employment at Spaulding Equipment, Bernard’s Service and Grocery, Hughes BBQ, and Hite Carpet and Tile.

Lucy Brooks Gwaltney Lucy Brooks Gwaltney, 85 of South Hill, died Friday, July 10, 2026 at VCU-Community Memorial Hospital. She was a retired hospital dietary technician. A funeral will be conducted Wednesday, July 15 at 2 p.m. at Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home and Crematory with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and interment in Crestview Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to www.crowderhitecrews.com.

James Lawrence Reilley ll James Lawrence Reilley ll, 79 of Bracey, died Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at his home. He was a retired cremation technician. Services were private. Condolences may be sent to www.crowderhitecrews.com

James Wootton Smiley James Wootton “Jimmy” Smiley, 83 of South Hill, died Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at his home. He was the owner/operator of Smiley’s Truck and Diesel. A funeral was conducted Saturday, July 11 at Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home and Crematory preceded by a visitation Friday evening with interment in Ephesus Baptist Church cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.crowderhitecrews.com.

Jeffrey Wayne Womack Jeffrey Wayne Womack, 55 of Boydton, died Monday June 13, 2026 in a Richmond hospital. Services were private. Condolences may be sent to www.crowderhitecrews.com.

Craig Moore (1) fights off a challenge from Tristan Brunelli (18) during the early stages of the Kenny Meadows Memorial Limited Sportsman feature at South Boston Speedway. Craig Moore still has something left in the tank. An accomplished Late Model Stock Car wheelman, Moore, 49, stepped away from driving this season, focusing instead on setting up his car and being the crew chief for Dennis Holdren.

It has been quite a summer for our youth All-Star baseball and softball teams that had to play in some extremely hot and steamy weather conditions. And I am sure it was one they will never forget. I still have the South Hill All-Star hats that I wore in the late 1970s as well as many great memories and friendships made during those days. Although my last All-Star appearance happened in 1981 when I was playing in the South Hill Babe Ruth league, I remember it like it was yesterday.

The Meherrin River Mudcats went 3-1 in the recent Virginia Babe Ruth 13-16 year-old state tournament in Emporia. From left, first row, Reed Worrell, Carter Edwards, Hunter Fletcher, Jaylen Mills, Nate Daniel, Noah Lewis, Kaleb Dickens and Justin Wright. Second row, coach Andy Jones, Manager Jamie Wright, Ben Dunn, Kamarion Taylor, Levi Pearce, Peyton King, Jakiy Webb, Grayson Wells, Levi Jones, Emarion Jarrell, Berkley Wright, Mason Jones and coach Kendall Wright. Not pictured, coach Jake Taylor.