Robert Ray Latham

Robert Ray Latham, age 86, of Bristol, Va., passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2016, at Brookdale Senior Living. He was born April 26, 1930, to the late William Jennings Bryan “Ray” Latham and Wilmetta Combs Latham.

He retired from the United States Army after 22 years of service having served in Germany, South Korea, and Vietnam. Upon retirement, Rob relocated to Naples, Florida where he was employed by the Collier County Sheriff’s Department and enjoyed carpentry. In the early 1990’s, Rob returned to Southwest Virginia where he became a dedicated member of Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church. He will be remembered as a true southern gentleman who was steadfast in his beliefs.

In addition to his parents, Rob was preceded in death by two sisters, Lena Latham Frye and Carolyn J. Latham, who died in infancy; and a brother, Willis Daniel Latham.

He is survived by his special friend, Mazella Phipps of Bristol, Tenn.; sister, Peggy Semancik and husband, Stephen of Abingdon, Va.; two brothers, William Wayne “Bill” Latham of Jonesborough, Tenn. and Ted Latham of Bristol, Va.; several nieces and nephews; and special cousin, Eugene Latham of Bristol, Va.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 5, 2016, at Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church, 3012 Lee Hwy., Bristol, Va. 24202, with the Rev. John Markel officiating. A committal service will follow in Walnut Grove Presbyterian Cemetery where Military Honors will be provided by the Virginia National Guard. Pallbearers will be Ken Bailey, Oda Davidson, Ed Frye, Eric Frye, Mark Frye, Stuart Frye, Steven Roark, and Johnny Sharrett. Honorary pallbearers will be Jay Combs, Clarence Frye, Eugene Latham, Jack Latham, and the Men of Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday, December 4, 2016, at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice or flowers will be accepted.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Rob’s neighbor, Ken Bailey; and his special friend, Mazella Phipps, who provided cherished companionship in recent years.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Robert Ray Latham is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).