MEMPHIS COUPLE — GAYLON AND DEANNA SMITH — PRESUMED DEAD

Gaylon Smith, an obstetrician-gynecologist, and his wife, Deanna, a Harding University Board of Trustees member, apparently died Nov. 3 in a small plane crash in the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tenn.

The Smiths were returning from a weekend trip to Orlando, Fla., in a single-engine place that disappeared as it approached the Gen. DeWitt Spain Airport. After unsuccessful attempts by area search teams and the Coast Guard to locate the wreckage, family members hired a Louisiana company to bring in sonar to search the murky river. The search continues at press time.

A memorial service attended by more than 1,000 people took place Nov. 9 at Harding Academy, Memphis. A mid-week prayer service at the couple’s home congregation, Highland Street, preceded the memorial service.

Gaylon, 56, graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 1971 and was a member of the board of directors of Harding Academy. Deanna, 56, was a past president and patron member of the Memphis chapter of Associated Women for Harding. Both graduated from Harding University, Searcy, Ark., in 1967.

Gaylon Smith had been flying for 12 years and often took the family on weekend excursions. They are survived by sons Craig, minister for the Bailey Station church, Collierville, Tenn.; Keith, Little Rock, Ark.; and two grandchildren.

         
   Deanna Smith                    Gaylon Smith

W.G. COLEY SR.

W.G. “Gorden” Coley Sr. died Oct. 1 in Longview, Texas. He was born Dec. 31, 1918 in Blum, Texas.

He served in the Marines and lived in California before moving to Texas. He was a charter member of the Mobberly Avenue church, Longview, where he was an elder.

He was preceded in death by two grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth; daughter Martha Stafford, Brenham, Texas; sons Bill and Alton, Longview; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

EVERETT G. DANLEY

Everett Danley died Oct. 7 in Warrenton, Va. He was born Oct. 21, 1918 in Wayne County, Tenn. He served as a song leader, elder and deacon for the 16th and Decatur Street church, Washington, D.C., and the Springfield, Va., church. He was active at the Warrenton church until 1998. He served on the board of directors for Camp Wamava and was the volunteer coordinator of the Rainbow Christian Services thrift shop for several years.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Anne; sons Richard, New York City; Kenneth, North Haven, Conn.; Timothy, Bowle, Md.; daughter Cheryl Stone, Amissville, Va.; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

CORA ELSIE HODGES KENNAMER

Cora Kennamer died Oct. 8 in Abilene, Texas. She was born Sept. 23, 1914 in Woodville, Ala. She assisted her husband of 60 years during their ministry in several states. She was a skilled seamstress, cook and oil painter.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Judy. She is survived by her husband, Harold, Abilene; daughter Ann, Abilene; son David, Santa Margarita, Calif.; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

EDDIE MESSER

Eddie Messer died in September, 2002. His service took place Sept. 28 at the Central Church of Christ, Amarillo, Texas. He was born Jan. 9, 1947, in Cleveland, Tenn.

He went to Amarillo in 1965 with the Air Force and served three years there. He served one year in Vietnam. In 1974 he entered the ministry. He served congregations in Amarillo, Fort Worth, Sweetwater, and Athens. At the time of his death he was ministering with the Central church.

He attended Amarillo College, Lubbock Christian University, and Lake Charles Bible Seminary. He earned a doctorate of ministry in 1997.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Park, in 1998; and a daughter, Kindra.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; three sons: Doug, San Saba; Paul, Abilene, Texas; David, Bridgeport, W.Va.; a daughter, Alaina Messer, Mackinac Island, Mich.; and stepchildren, Craig Smith, Amarillo, and Brian Smith, Dothan, Ala.

RUTH LACY ROYAL

Ruth Royal died Oct. 17 in Weatherford, Okla. She was born July 9, 1897, in Dallas.

Her mother died when she was seven and when she was 16 her father drowned. She taught school in Texas, and except for a short time, she and her husband lived on a farm near Hollis, Okla., until his death. She most recently was a member of the Weatherford, Okla., church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis, in 1955; daughters Mona and Dorothy; and a grandson.

She is survived by a son, Sam, Garland, Texas; daughter Loraine Witcher, Weatherford; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

HAROLD V. TRIMBLE

Harold V. Trimble died July 13, 2002 in Bremerton, Wash.
He graduated from Freed Hardeman College in the early 1940s where he met and married Francis Lanette Allen. He made several missionaries trips to the Philippine Islands.

He is survived by his wife, Francis; one daughter, three sons, and many grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Maye Mason, San Antonio, and Pauline Hermann, Abilene, Texas.