Obituaries

Earl E. Watson Jr., 86, of Orange, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at his home. Born on October 26, 1938, he was the son of the late Earl Elmer Watson Sr. and Dolly Roundabush Stanley. Earl was a devoted member of Zion Baptist Church. He was a proud softball coach for Orange County leagues and the Zion Baptist girls softball team, leading both to championships. He loved all his players and encouraged them in their sport. Earl worked at Tyco (formerly Rochester Ropes) for over thirty years, where he met his close friends, Billy Sisk, Kyle Printz, and Michael Perryman. He is also remembered by his school friend, Cecil Middleton. Earl is survived by his wife, Cheryl Miller Watson; his daughter, Debi Bayles and her husband Shawn; his grandchildren, Jayme Preddy and her friend Nathan Knight, and Loryn Bayles; and his great-grandchildren, Caleb and Nathan Wood. A graveside memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Maplewood Cemetery in Gordonsville, Virginia.

On June 11, 2025, Dorothy Elizabeth Simpson 87, transitioned into eternal rest during her stay at the UVA Culpeper Medical Center. Dorothy, so fondly known as “Dot”, “Granny” and “Mother Simpson” was born on November 24, 1937 in Uno, Virginia, the daughter of the late Charles Frank Jones, Sr. and Fannie Frye Jones. She proudly received her GED graduating at the top of her class in 1979 and for 30 plus years assisted Orange County Public School as a Head Start Assistant. She faithfully served as the pianist for the Gordonsville Bible Way Church for nearly 40 years. Dorothy was preceded in death by her brothers Fred Douglas Jones, Malachi Joseph Jones,Sr (Ruth), John Henry Jones(Cornelia), Charles Frank Jones, Jr. and sisters, Mary Jones Stewart, Fannie Jones Finks (Ed), Sarah Jones Williams, two daughters Norma Lee Simpson Alexander(Craig) and Peggy Jean Jones. She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, George Willie Jones (Jackie), four daughters, Edith Elaine Anderson(Silvester), Earlene Simpson and loving companion, Nelson, Audrey Simpson, and loving companion, Tony, Tracy Simpson, a Bonus daughter Peggy Buckner two sons, Earl Simpson, Jr. and Michael Lynn Simpson, a Bonus son Raymond Jones and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in laws extended family and friends. Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to all. She will be missed by all who shared fond memories of her. Viewing will be held 10:00 -11.00 on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Preddy's Funeral Home Gordonsville followed by. Funeral Services beginning at 11:00 AM . Burial will follow immediately at Rock Hall Cemetery in Madison, Virginia. Rest in eternal peace.

Philip Damon Lang, 68, of Gordonsville passed away at his home, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Phil was born at Fort Bragg, North Carolina on November, 1, 1956. He was the son of U.S. Army Lt. General Vaughn Olin Lang (retired) and Doris E. L. Lang. In addition to his parents, Phil is preceded in death by his granddaughter Cassandra Marie Lang and brother-in-law John Edwards. Phil was a tow truck driver in his younger years, then became a mechanic and worked in the maintenance department of the old American Press Company in Gordonsville for more than 25 years. He then worked in the maintenance department for Tridim Filters before becoming a soldier to fight his lung cancer until the end of his life. Whether he was working on a car or his trucks, cleaning and shooting his guns, boating in the Chesapeake, or just simply mowing the grass, he loved being outdoors, and if he is inside, he was always watching an outdoorsy type of show on TV. Phil is survived by his wife of 43 years, Robin Lang; his son Charles Lang; his daughter Sierra Lang; his sisters Cory Edwards, and Nancy Lang; numerous nieces and nephews; and three granddaughters, Staci, Lindzi, and Amelia. A graveside service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the Mechanicsville Baptist Church in Gordonsville, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family, or to lung cancer research.

In the early evening on June 4th, surrounded by loved ones, Eric Andersen (71) of Barboursville, VA passed away peacefully in his bed at home after a brief illness. Eric entered the world with his twin brother Ed at Abington Hospital in PA on September 4th, 1953, the first children of Edward William and Edna Andersen. Ed beat Eric out of the womb by seven minutes — about the longest they were ever apart. Younger brother Marc Andersen of Raleigh, NC joined the family five years later. “The boys” were an inseparable trio. Eric was a constant pal to Ed, a loving mentor to Marc, and a positive influence on others due to his industriousness and ingenuity. As a little boy in his father’s garage on East Valley Green Road in Flourtown, PA, Eric began to tinker and never stopped. When he saw a hard job, he tried to make it easy. As a kid, Eric attached hedge clippers to a pole via a wire mechanism so Edna wouldn’t have to kneel or strain when edging the yard. Eric’s natural inventive instinct inspired him to excel academically and in many mechanical pursuits. He wrought iron into fine tables, carved duck decoys, machined a whole-pig rotisserie, and innumerable other projects, but his lifelong pursuit was antique cars: buying them, building them, and eventually racing them. At just 11 years old, Eric and Ed convinced their uncle Freddie Unger to take them to their first Hershey car show, along with Zenith carburetors they had fixed up to sell. Not even old enough to drive, Ed and Eric restored a 1928 Model A Ford. Neighbors complained to Edna when the twins drove the Model A around using only its starter motor. As students at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (Class of ‘71), Eric and Eddie were already proficient, known in the local car community for rebuilding and selling VW engines together. The twins bought and sold dozens upon dozens of cars, trading up to Trans Ams, Shelby Cobras, Maseratis, and Mercedes. Eric’s hard work and intellect led him (and then Ed) to the University of Virginia in 1972. The twins studied intermittently between business ventures, graduating with degrees in mechanical engineering (Class of ‘79). In the garage of their first home at 804 St. James Circle, a beloved party spot nicknamed “The Pleasure Palace”, Eddie and Eric built a prototype T-shirt printing machine that was the cutting edge of the field at that time. Thus Antec Screen Printing Equipment was born. Antec and its ventures brought them success and legacy for the next four decades until the twins officially retired on July 1st, 2018. Eric was lucky enough to spot Gayle Schaad Andersen at Random Row in 1986. For their first date, Eric invited Gayle to join him and his friends for a Snappy River Tour down the New River in WV. Gayle came ready with her own love of water. Their shared sense of adventure sparked a bond that would last far beyond their 38 years of marriage. Together they would perfect the RV vacation, the modular container garden, and countless other shared projects. In his 50s, Eric found his second greatest love: Indy 500 racing cars from the 1920s and 30s. Eric became an expert historian of the hobby, reinventing complex drivetrains that had been lost since the 1930s. Eventually Eric’s Indy car collection included a 1931 Martz special, a 1930 Chrysler, and a 1932 Studebaker, all of which he raced at the Milwaukee Mile, the Michigan International Raceway, and the Indianapolis 500 track. Eric was a fixture at car shows in Hershey, PA and race events in Milwaukee, WI, wowing spectators at the yearly Miller Meet. Eric loved to cook. His hand-rolled sushi, succulent rib roasts, brick-weighted Swedish gravlax, and Peking ducks were meals fit for a king. Great food and great friends combined at great parties at the twins’ “Anderville” compound, which they built in 1984. Eric was a gracious host on Oktoberfests for brats on the grill, Kentucky Derby Parties where the betting was heavy, pool parties, pig roasts, and many an intimate family dinner. Eric crafted an enviable life full of freedom and adventure. He worked only for himself, upholding a pledge he made as a young boy to never have to work for anyone else. He broke records in skydiving, whitewater rafted, and won fishing tournaments with his friends as “The Telecasters” of the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club. He would travel far to connect with family, including weekend visits to Germany when Marc was earning his doctorate in Marburg. Eric brought his inventions to trade shows all over the country, made business deals in the Soviet Union, took his wife Gayle to Greece to eat what they hoped was lamb, and explored many of this country’s national parks, which he loved dearly. But Eric’s favorite travel destinations were the ones he returned to over and over again: to soak in the Warm Mineral Springs of Florida, eat tacos in Key West, kayak the mangroves of lesser known Keys, camp in Huntington Beach State Park, cook lobsters in Camden, fish at the family beach house in Hatteras, NC, and commune with fellow enthusiasts at annual auto events, especially the Hershey Car Show and the Miller Meet at the Milwaukee Mile racetrack. Eric’s legacy lives on in his twin brother’s children. Mariel and Buddy grew up in the home next door to their Uncle Eric and Aunt Gayle in “Anderville”, and still cannot imagine a world without him to consult and hang out with. Uncle Eric, christened “Uncle Ekie” by Mariel as a toddler, was everyone’s favorite uncle, hosting Mariel and Buddy’s friends for birthday parties, pool parties, beach trips, and so many racks of ribs out on the deck. Eric was a devoted son. Edna will miss his frequent visits, consistent care packages, steady stream of captioned photos to her PixStar digital frame, and his phone calls between 5 and 6 o’clock every day during cocktail hour. Ed will miss his best friend and co-adventurer of seven decades. Marc will miss their regular phone calls and shared libations, and will treasure memories from the “party years” when they all lived together at 804. Mariel will miss the warmth and humor with which they disagreed on politics and agreed on everything else. Buddy wishes for one more drop-in visit, one more shared project, one more piece of advice, but is filled to the brim after 30 years of Eric’s love. Eric is survived by his wife of 38 years, Gayle Schaad Andersen (68), mother Edna (98), twin brother Ed (71), younger brother Marc (66) and wife Birgit (62), niece and nephew Mariel (30) and Buddy (29), and many cousins, friends, and associates in whose hearts Eric will live forever. Eric is predeceased by his father Ed, uncles Alfred and Walter Mueller, his Tante Marguerite, and finally will get to meet his mother-in-law Naomi Marie Schaad. Eric will be reunited with many beloved friends who took this journey in years before — Alex Barnes, Rick Mayo, Dana Silecchia, Don Sims, George Watson, Chris Walters, Terry McDuffy (“Snappy”), and many more. A celebration of life will be held sometime in the future. Contact any Andersen for more details. We welcome the sharing of condolences and fond memories, as well as the excuse to connect with family and old friends.

Edgar Russell Carpenter, Jr., 77 of Madison, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at his home. He was born on August 21, 1947 to the late Edgar Russell Carpenter, Sr. and Virginia Clore Carpenter. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Delmar Lee Carpenter; and sister, Virgina Clark. Edgar was an amazing father and beloved husband. He loved his family and was one of the strongest men to have blessed this earth. He retired from VDOT after over 30 years of service. He will forever be loved and missed. We will be ok, love you always. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Estelle Hurt Carpenter; daughter, Bonnie Ann Carpenter Styles; son, Russell Lee Carpenter; sisters, Mary Carpenter, Frances Dodson, and Ann; grandchildren, Daphne Lynn Anderson and Michelle Lynn Styles Davis; great-grandchildren, Miles Davis and Layla Davis. A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at the Madison Volunteer Fire Company Hall. The family is asking everyone to bring a funny story to share with wonderful memories of Edgar.

Marilyn Wharton Hamilton, age 63 of Unionville, Va. Lost her battle with a multi-year terminal illness. She fought incredibly hard and had full support from family and friends until the very end. She passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at UVA Hospital with family by her side. She was born on October 6, 1961 to the late John William Wharton and Viola Pearl May Wharton. Marilyn was a devoted daughter, wife, and mother who valued time with family and friends. She loved family outings, adventures, getaways, and shopping trips. She had a huge heart (soft spot) for her 4 legged fur babies which consisted of her current German Shepherd Zeus and her late dogs (Kedo, Princess, and Bucky). She was a lifelong member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Rochelle Va. Also she took pride in her public service to the Orange County School system. She was a dedicated substitute teacher spanning 25 years. She was full of personality, life, and had a way to brighten every room she was in. She is survived by her husband, Robert Hamilton; daughter, Michelle Hamilton; son, Brandon Hamilton (his wife Jennifer Hamilton); her dog and granddog Zeus & Trigger. Her Brothers, Wayne Wharton and wife Carol, Warren Wharton and wife Beverly, Carl Wharton and wife Doris, Johnny Wharton and wife Robin; sister, Shelby Weakley and husband John. As well as her life long best friend Donna Hensley and her husband Bruce. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Preddy Funeral Home Chapel in Madison (59 Edgewood School Lane, Madison Va 22727). A graveside service led by Pastor Bruce Beeler Jr. will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Bethel United Methodist Church in Rochelle (71 Bethel Ln. Rochelle Va. 22738). The service will feature some spoken word and a few of her favorite Hymns, performed by a close friend of the family Jesse Owens. The Pallbearers will be: Robert Hamilton, Brandon Hamilton, Harvey Hamilton, Johnathon Hamilton, Johnny Wharton, & Tim Rhoades. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Joseph Belvy "Hardrock" Woodward, 75, of Madison, Virginia, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at his home. Born on March 1, 1950, he was the son of the late Belvin Louis Woodward and Mamie Rona Woodward. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Lottie Virginia Richards and Mildred Marie Jenkins. Bev loved bricklaying and hunting, especially bear hunting. He loved his hounds and his ’87 Chevrolet truck. Most of all, he loved his wife, and all his family well. Bev is survived by his wife of 56 years, Alice Woodward; his sons, Joseph B. Woodward Jr. (Wendy K), and Jason Lewis Woodward (Katie); his daughter, Amanda Dawn Woodward Hidalgo; his grandchildren, Alex Woodward, Courtlynn Sheads, Sterlyn Woodward, Brooklyn Woodward, Joe Woodward, Jose Hidalgo, Dakota Hidalgo, and Alysa Hidalgo; and his great-grandchildren, Ava Sheads, Annie Sheads, and Sutton Paul Stringfellow. He is also survived by his sister, Mamie Ellen Seale. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Etlan Cemetery with Pastor Richard Wright officiating.

Howard Riner, 96, of Gordonsville, Virginia, passed away on June 5, 2025, at his home. Born on July 17, 1928, he was the son of the late Hilton Archie and Margaret Virginia Riner. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Garland E. Riner. Howard spent his life working for Silk Mill in Orange, Pinkerton security Agency, and retired from Klockner Pentaplast of Gordonsville. He loved gardening, and mostly loved caring for his tomato plants. Howard is survived by his wife of 72 years, Ruby Mae Riner; his daughters, Brenda Riner Lawrence and Lori Riner Smith (Jay); his sons, Michael H. Riner (Judy) and Dennis J. Riner (Tracy), all of Gordonsville, Virginia; his brother Tommy Riner of Gordonsville, Virginia; and his sisters, Margaret Thelma Twyman of Gordonsville, Virginia. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dwight Lawrence (Carolita), Brittany L. Herring, Kasey Elliot (Justin), Jordan Blackwell (Angelica), Adam H. Riner (Amber), McKenzie Holley (Josh), and Savannah F. Smith; his great-grandchildren, Noah Lawrence, Nicholas Lawrence, Jaxson Herring, Holland Elliott, Sawyer Elliott, Tori Blackwell, and Freyja Blackwell; and his great-great-grandchild, Brooks Holley. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Maplewood Cemetery in Gordonsville, Virginia.

Erica Ann Cooper, 33, of Orange, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at a local hospital. She was born in Charlottesville on June 2, 1992, to her mother, Tina Marie Cooper, and her father, Willard Edward Cooper. Erica was employed by Ridgid Products for several years in manufacturing. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her daughter, Carmen Jayde Cooper, and her partner, Amber Davis, and her sisters, Brittany Nichole Uzzell and Jennifer Lynn Fincham, and fiancé, John Dorman, Great-Grandfather, Willard Ray Cooper, and Jordan White, (Carmen’s father), and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the Preddy Funeral Home in Orange, Va., with Reverend Alan Miller officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Preddy Funeral Home, Orange, assisted the family with arrangements.