Richard Small Sr.

Richard Small, Sr., 92, of Leonard Avenue, Newton, NC and formerly of Pageton, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at a Hickory, NC hospital. Born on June 8, 1923 in Inez, KY, he was a son of the late Frank and Sadie Preece Small. He had been a resident of NC for 5 years and was a member of the Wilcoe Church of God. He was a retired coal miner with 35 years of service at CONSOL. He was a member of the UMWA. He was a veteran of the US Army and served in World War II in the pacific Theater. He received decorations and citations, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with three bronze stars, the Philippines liberation ribbon with 1 bronze star, the good conduct ribbon and the distinguished unit. He was a member of the 116th medical brigade, served as an ambulance driver and medic. He also lost a brother in World War II. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie B. Small. Survivors include: Children: Rita Bryant and husband Butch of Statesville, NC Richard “Rick” Small Jr. and wife Lynne Bailey of Greensboro, NC Kathy Dagenhart and husband Billy of Conover, NC John D. Small and wife Mellonnee of Sherrills Ford, NC 3 grandchildren: Sherry Brooks and husband Jody of Bluefield, WV Tina Blakely and husband Andrew of Rockwell, NC Brittnay Taylor of Charlotte, NC 4 great grandchildren 1 great-great grandchild Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 1:00 PM at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with Rev. Donnie Farmer, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell where Jody Brooks, Jo Jo Brooks, Coley Brooks, Andrew Blakely, Jeffrey Small, and Billy Dagenhart will serve as pallbearers. The Mercer County veterans Honor Guard will conduct military honors. Friends may call on Sunday from 12:00-1:00 PM at the funeral home. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.