Ralph Curtis Sawyers, age 84, of Route 57, Stuart, died in the early hours on Friday, January 29, 2016, at Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County.
He worked for Bassett Industries for 42 years, before retiring 20 years ago.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Will J. Sawyers and Ida Mize Sawyers; four brothers Cecil (infant), Lawrence, Buren, Richard, and Johnny Sawyers; and one sister, Ollie Mae Joyce.
He is survived by Lola Gilley, a close friend for more than 60 years, his intermittent and temporary caregiver, which became continuous after August 2015; four nephews, James “Jim” Buren, Randall, Ronnie Sawyers, and Jimmy Joyce; and one niece, Mary Pauline Joyce.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, February 4, 2016, at noon in the Foley Family Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. John B. Franklin, pastor of Salem United Methodist Church, Patrick Springs, and Paul W. Gilley (Lola’s brother), who will share a brief eulogy.
The cemetery is located on Pole Bridge Road (Route 680) off Route 57, East of U.S. 8 north of Stuart.
Arrangements are by Moody Funeral Services of Stuart. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
