Ernest James Statzer

Rev. Ernest James Statzer, 100, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at his residence. He had lived in Washington County since 1943, coming from Appalachia, Virginia. He was a longtime minister of several United Methodist churches in Southwest Virginia and a member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church. He was the former owner/operator of Statzer's Cafeteria.
He was preceded in death by his son Eddie Statzer; his adopted son Fred Mays; and his great grandson Kevin Smith.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby Statzer; his daughter, Tena Stout and husband Jack of Abingdon; his granddaughter, Ellen Smith of Abingdon; 2 daughters-in-law, Velma Statzer of Abingdon, and Viola Mays of Las Vegas, NV; 3 grandsons, Tim Statzer and wife Anita of Wichita, KS, Jack Statzer and wife Sheila of Abingdon, and Joe Statzer and wife Vickie of Laurel Bloomery, TN; 1 great grandson, Aaron Statzer of Abingdon; 1 great granddaughter, Christy Brooks and husband Chris and great great grandson Kendal Brooks of Bristol, TN.
The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Memories mausoleum on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens with the Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.