Joseph Calvin Ralph "Jake" Poston

Joseph Calvin Ralph "Jake" Poston, 89, died on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 in the Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie. He was born in Smyth County on March 9, 1919 to the late Charlie and Loudema Hammonds Poston. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Wayne Poston, five brothers, Harry James Poston, Herbert Spencer Poston, Charles William Poston, John Melvin Poston, Emmett Romeo Poston, Sr., four sisters, Lola Elizabeth Harriman Brunn, Laura Lou Smith, Georgia Belle Blevins, Beulah Louise Poston and two grandchildren, Sallie Jean Magdeline Ellis and Jackson Dwayne Mitchell Ellis. He was a Veteran of the United States Army. He had retired from American Furniture Company after many years of service and was a carpenter by trade. He had been a resident of Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie for the last five years. Survivors include his wife of 64 Years, Dorothy Poston; three sons, Clinton Dewey "Shorty" Poston and wife, Judith, Marion, Harry Dexter Poston, Lexington, N.C., Benjamin Nathan "Ben" Poston and wife, Joy, of Marion; one daughter, Daisey Elizabeth Maloyed and husband, Tom, of Saltville; one daughter-in-law, Brenda Joanne Freeman Poston; his grandchildren, Paul Stacy Poston, Anthony Wayne Poston, Jennifer Lynn Poston Bishop, Stephanie Michelle Poston Ellis, Brian Lee Poston, Jessica Nicole Poston Anderson, Kimberly Brook Poston, Brittany Nicole Poston, Brandy Elizabeth Whisman Fisher, Crystal Fawn "Crissie" Whisman Martin, Candi Charlene Poston Rouse; 17 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted at 8 p.m. Thursday, December 4, from the Bradley's Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with Rev. Michael Halsey officiating. The family received friends from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A graveside service was conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday at the Walker's Creek Cemetery with Full Military Honors rendered by the Francis Marion V.F.W. Post 4667. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley's Funeral Home of Marion was in charge of arrangements.