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In Memory of
Emmett Randolph "Rudy"
French
French
1926 - 2014
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Obituary for Emmett Randolph "Rudy" French
Emmett R. “Rudy” French, 87, of Roanoke, passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2014. He was born October 27, 1926 in Bluefield, WV to the late James E. and Letha M. French. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie S. French; brother, Jeff French; mother-in-law, Clara Lee Schrader; and companion, Leona Weddell.
Rudy was avid golfer and member of the Grasshoppers. He retired from General Electric after many years of faithful service.
Family left to cherish his memory include his children, Chonita F. Terry and husband Mike, of Vinton, VA; and Kathy F. Harrell and husband Henry, of Salem, VA; grandchildren, Jennifer Smith, of Vinton, Chuck Terry, of Vinton, Jimmy Terry and wife Theresa of Roanoke, Adam Harrell and wife Sylvia, of Ashburn, VA, and Ray Harrell and wife Katie, of Hurst, TX; great-grandchildren, Natalie Smith, of Vinton, Melinda Smith, of Vinton, Chase Harrell, of Ashburn, Alyson Harrell, of Hurst, and Avery Harrell, of Hurst; nephew, Jeff M. French, of Knoxville, TN; and niece, Diane S. Hunter, of Alabama.
The family wishes to offer special thanks to the staff and residents at The Village on Pheasant Ridge, where Rudy lived the last 8 years. Special thanks also goes to the staff at Pheasant Ridge Nursing & Rehab, and to the staff at Roanoke Memorial, especially the staff of 10 Mountain PCU and 10 Mountain ICU.
The family will receive friends Friday, August 29, 2014 from 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A graveside service to honor Rudy’s life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2014 at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, with Pastor Craig Rutherford officiating. Arrangements by John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. 540-389-5441. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
Rudy was avid golfer and member of the Grasshoppers. He retired from General Electric after many years of faithful service.
Family left to cherish his memory include his children, Chonita F. Terry and husband Mike, of Vinton, VA; and Kathy F. Harrell and husband Henry, of Salem, VA; grandchildren, Jennifer Smith, of Vinton, Chuck Terry, of Vinton, Jimmy Terry and wife Theresa of Roanoke, Adam Harrell and wife Sylvia, of Ashburn, VA, and Ray Harrell and wife Katie, of Hurst, TX; great-grandchildren, Natalie Smith, of Vinton, Melinda Smith, of Vinton, Chase Harrell, of Ashburn, Alyson Harrell, of Hurst, and Avery Harrell, of Hurst; nephew, Jeff M. French, of Knoxville, TN; and niece, Diane S. Hunter, of Alabama.
The family wishes to offer special thanks to the staff and residents at The Village on Pheasant Ridge, where Rudy lived the last 8 years. Special thanks also goes to the staff at Pheasant Ridge Nursing & Rehab, and to the staff at Roanoke Memorial, especially the staff of 10 Mountain PCU and 10 Mountain ICU.
The family will receive friends Friday, August 29, 2014 from 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A graveside service to honor Rudy’s life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2014 at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, with Pastor Craig Rutherford officiating. Arrangements by John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. 540-389-5441. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
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