RICHARD GRANT SALYER, age 76, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, May 5, 2007, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born December 26, 1930 in Dickenson County, Virginia. Richard attended Rugsby School on Caney Ridge. He served in the U.S. Army 336th Engineering Company in Germany during the Korean War, and was initially stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and later at Fort Meade, Maryland during his Reserve duty. He received an Honorable Discharge for his dedicated service to the United States. Richard retired from Dickenson County School Board after 31 years of service. In his early years Richard worked as a coal miner and an electrical right-of-way foreman. Richard enjoyed many hobbies such as nature walks enjoying God's creation, playing harmonica, and was an avid woodworker/carver. Richard was a devout Christian and was of the Freewill Baptist Faith. He and his loving wife, Willetta, attended many area churches. They also blessed many with their three gospel groups, Silver and Gold, Salyer Family, and Sounds of Glory. Richard is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Willetta; 3 sons, Fritz and Sandra Salyer, Rick and Sharon Salyer, and Joel and Terri Salyer; 6 grandchildren, Amanda and Daniel Kincaid, Jarrod and Christy Salyer, Daniel and Rachel Salyer, Hanna Salyer, Joshua Salyer and step-granddaughter, Brittany Mullins; 5 great-grandchildren, Warren Kincaid, Wesley Kincaid, Hollie Salyer, Michael Salyer, and Peyton Salyer; 2 sisters, Gerldine Charles of Chester, Virginia and Mary Barnette Fleming of Elkton, Maryland, and half-sister Audrey Parkay of Ewing, Virginia; He is further survived by nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Johnny and Blanche Stanley Salyer, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Mark Salyer and Clyde Salyer, and half-brother, Blaine Salyer; 1 sister, Ambie Cox; 3 half-sisters, Shirley Mullins, Goldie Johnson, and Maxie Sharrah; and grand-daughter, Hailey Rose Salyer. Funeral services for Richard Salyer will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at Clintwood Funeral Home Chapel in Clintwood, Virginia. with Reverands Ted Collins and David Kilgore officiating. Burial will at the Phipps Memorial Cemetery in Clintwood, Virginia, with the Clintwood Honor Guard giving Military Graveside Rites. Relatives and friends are welcome on Monday, May 7, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by song service and prayer. Clintwood Volunteer Fire Department Honor Guard will be present for standing watch during the visitation period. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 Active Pallbeareres Jason Taylor Lee Rose Bennett Cantrell Chris Kincaid Gary Sexton Carter Davis Ray Lyall Honorary Pallbearers Clyde Hill Chester Hubbard Kenny Salyer John Ring Wayne Rose Lawrence Mullins We would like to thank all of the nursing staff of the Dickenson County Home Health and Hospice, Dr. Christopher Starnes, M.D., Dr. N.C. Ratliffe, M.D., Dr. Christopher Bassham, M.D., Dr. Nicanor B. Concepcion, M.D., Dr. Tom Renfro, M.D., and Dr. David Miller, M.D., and the nurses and staff of Southwest Virginia Cancer Center for their love, prayers, and support.