FRED RICHARD GAYNESS

Fred Richard Gayness, 71, of Berwind, WV, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands, VA. Born February 25, 1953 in Welch, WV, he was the son of the late Elmer Woods and Betty Gayness Woods. Fred was retired from the Norfolk and Southern Railroad. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a graduate of Tazewell High School. He was a dedicated member of the Berwind Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years and was also the current Chief of the Department. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Eastridge and husband Mike Eastridge; on daughter, Traci Gayness and grandmother, Dorothy Lane. Those left to cherish his memories are his loving and devoted wife, Mary Ellen Gayness of the home; one son, Brian Gayness of Bluewell, WV; one daughter, Sarah Muncy and husband James of Warriormine; four brothers, David Woods and wife Joann of Moyock, NC, Richard Gayness and wife Linda of Randleman, NC, William Woods and wife Loretta of Bishop, VA, Ray Gayness of Galveston, TX; one sister, Trish Brown and husband Kevin of Palm Coast, FL; one special grandson, James “Boononny” Muncy III; special nieces and nephews, LaDonna, Jason, Adam, Amanda, Krissa who she called her uncle “Freddog”, Cameron who called her uncle “Pop Pop”, Alicia, Danielle, Kaelin, Hannah, Emma Charles among many others. Funeral service will be conducted Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 12:00 Noon from the Berwind Pentecostal Christian Church in Berwind with the Pastor Randy Campbell Jr., officiating. Following the services there will be Special Firefighter Services at the Berwind Fire Station. Following those services the procession will go the Hartwell Cemetery where Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by the Iaeger V.F.W. Post 1144 of Iaeger. Burial will immediately follow. Friends may call Saturday evening September 21, 2024 at the church after 6:00 PM. Pallbearers will be Randy Curry, Shannon Dawson, Chris Sanseverino, Matthew Dash, Adam Charles and Jason Owens. Honorary Pallbearers will be special friends, Danny Curry, Ralph Johnson, Doug Shelton, Mike Kerekes, Dewayne Ellis, Greg Day, Joey Fields and Kim Dawson. The Douglas Mortuary in Welch is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.douglasmortuary.com

FRED RICHARD GAYNESS

February 25, 1953 - September 17, 2024