Philip Rocelia Rumley Sr., 52, passed away in his home on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, in Roanoke Va. He was formerly of Bluefield, and Tazewell. He was born on December 16, 1954, in Mercer County and was the son of the late Roby and Katherine Bailey Rumley. He was a loving father and grandfather and served in the National Guard for six years in Tazewell, Va. He was of the Presbyterian faith and was employed by Varney Electrical Company in Roanoke for the past eight years. He was a graduate of Tazewell High School and his passions were hunting and fishing. Surviving Mr. Rumley are his two children, Jeanifer Dawn Rumley, of Wilmington, N.C., and Philip Rocelia Rumley Jr., of Bluefield, W.Va.; his two sisters, Mrs. Juanita Gillespie and husband, Wayne, of Roanoke, and Betty Mauk, of Tennessee ; many nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Deborah Rumley Brant, of Bluefield, W.Va.; two grandchildren, Kathryn Jewel Rumley and Philip Rocelia Rumley III; and one step granddaughter, Brianna Comer, all of Bluefield, W.Va. He was presently engaged to Susan Meyers, of Roanoke, Va., who helped make a loving and happy home with him for the past year. Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 18. 2008, from the Mercer Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Craig Hammond officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, October 17, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. In accordance with Mr. Rumley's wishes, the body will be cremated following the services. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so online by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com. Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory of Bluefield, W.Va., is serving the family of Rumley family.
Published in the Roanoke Times on 10/17/2008