Russell Eugene Roland, age 66, of 653 Verge Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 10:20 AM at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. He was surrounded by his loved ones.
Russell was born on September 21, 1959 in Clifton Forge to Eula Mae Lewis-Roland and the late Henry James “Hickey” Roland. He was a 1978 graduate of Clifton Forge High School where he excelled in sports, and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army. He was a Certified Nursing Assistant at Alleghany Regional Hospital for many years, and also worked at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA. He was a member of the First Church of God in Christ, where he played the drums and sang in the choir. He enjoyed being around people so much. Throughout his life, he was a devoted son, father, brother, and uncle, and a cherished presence in the lives of all who knew him.
He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Charmise Hines; his loving mother, Eula Mae Lewis-Roland; his sister, Rosalind Coles; his brother, Tony James Roland (Tara Roland); and two grandchildren, Jack and Zelda. He was a proud uncle to Kimberly Coles, Taylor Roland, Trinity Roland, and Michael Coles, and is also remembered by extended family members, close cousins whom are like family, and dear friends who will deeply miss him.
Russell will be remembered for the loved he shared, the memories he created, and the impact he had on those around him. His presence will be greatly missed but forever cherished.
A funeral service to celebrate Russell’s life will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Elder Leon Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Clifton Forge. The family will visit with friends and loved ones on Saturday afternoon from 12:00 Noon until the time of service at Nicely Funeral Home. The family appreciates all prayers, love, and support during this difficult time.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
Dale Anthony Thompson, Sr., age 70, of 3204 Indian Draft Road, Millboro, Virginia died on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Augusta Medical Center in Fishersville, Virginia.
Dale was born on May 14, 1956 in Rockbridge County, Virginia to the late Emory and Isabelle Burke Thompson. He was retired from the maintenance department at Augusta Correctional Center. In his spare time, he enjoyed farming, mowing grass, working on classic cars, and hunting. He loved following NASCAR, particularly the career of the late Dale Earnhardt, but was a fan of anyone driving a Chevy.
In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by seven siblings, Joe Thompson, Peggy Hall, Wanda Cataldi, Linda Thompson, Judy Thompson, James Thompson, and Allen Thompson; and a daughter-in-law, Jessica Mace Thompson.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Lee “Lee Lee” Cauley Thompson of Millboro; two sons, Dale Anthony Thompson, Jr. and Eric Thompson; three sisters, Pat Loan (Dennis, Sr.), Delores Ingram, and Robin Duke; two brothers, Glenn Thompson (Geneva) and Wayne Thompson (Tressa); a sister-in-law, Lois Thompson; three grandchildren, Emily Thompson, Tyler Thompson, and Eli Lee Thompson; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Pastor Mike Rollins officiating. Interment will follow in Windy Cove Cemetery, Millboro Springs. Pallbearers will be Tyler Thompson, John Loan, Dennis Loan, Jr., Brian Cauley, Clinton Cauley, Willie Gibson, and Aiden St. Clair. The family will receive friends on Friday afternoon from 12:30 PM until the time of service at Nicely Funeral Home. Following the services, a gathering will be held at the Fairview Community Center, 24403 Mountain Valley Road, Millboro. Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish and come enjoy the fellowship.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
Linda Marie Slayton Caldwell, age 73, of 222 Jacksons Flat, Covington, Virginia died on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at her home.
Linda was born on December 26, 1952 in Alleghany County, Virginia to the late Guy Ralph Slayton and Annie Lucille Lucas Slayton. She was a graduate of Covington High School, and received her nursing education from the Lynchburg General Hospital school of nursing She began her nursing career at the former Alleghany Memorial Hospital in Covington. She joined the operating room at Alleghany Regional Hospital in Low Moor, when it opened in1979, and worked in the operating room for 35 years. She also worked for the Greenbrier Clinic, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and Intrepid Home Health. She remained active in her sorority and frequently attended O.R. retirement lunches. Linda was a member of the First Christian Church of Covington and a woman of strong Christian faith. She loved going to church, having company, winemaking, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a great cook, a talented quilter, and an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.
In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by two brothers, Ronald Gray “Ronnie” Slayton and Guy Douglas “Doug” Slayton, and a sister, Karren Slayton Whitmer.
She is survived by her husband, John P. “Pat” Caldwell of Covington; her son, Seth Patrick Caldwell and wife Danielle of Harrisonburg; two granddaughters, Lucy Caldwell and Everleigh Caldwell; a sister, Susan Slayton Campbell and husband Butch of Clifton Forge; a sister-in-law, Ellen “Minnie” Broughman Slayton of Selma; a brother-in-law, Richard Allen “Buck” Caldwell and wife Vicki of White Sulphur Springs, WV; her nieces and nephew, Nicole Gumm Groseclose (David), Brooke Gumm Nogue (Kevin), and Scott Slayton; as well as many friends.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend Bill Gilliland officiating, assisted by Mr. Buck Caldwell. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Covington. Pallbearers will be Pat Jackson, Davey Jackson, Jason Lee, Jared Campbell, Butch Campbell, and Joe Pascarella. The family will visit with friends on Sunday afternoon from 12:00 Noon until the time of service at Nicely Funeral Home.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
Melvina June Simmons, age 82, of The Springs Nursing Center in Hot Springs, Virginia and formerly of Covington, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and memories that will never be forgotten.
Melvina was born in the Paintbank area of Craig County, Virginia on June 2, 1944 to the late Vernie Allen Simmons and Stella Jane Thompson Simmons. One of ten children, she was a wild heart through and through. She lived life her own way, loved fiercely, and never met many strangers. She brought laughter, and a little bit of adventure wherever she went. She was a homemaker throughout her life, and loved music, dancing, growing her flowers, and playing a game of cards.
She is survived by her daughters, Robin Tucker and Connie Skibinski, four grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.
While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing her spirit lives on in the stories we tell, the memories we share, and the love she left behind.
The family would like to give a special thank you to everyone at The Springs Nursing Center in Hot Springs for loving and caring for Melvina over the last six years. Thank you for treating her like family, for the kindness you showed her each day, and for the comfort and care you gave her. We will always be grateful for the love you showed our June Bug.
In keeping with her wishes, Melvina will be cremated.
Forever loved, forever missed.
Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
