Norvell Francis VANDEGRIFT

Norvell Francis Vandegrift

Norvell Francis Vandegrift, 83, of Lynchburg, died Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008, at the Summit, with his family by his side. He was the loving husband of Celia Scott Vandegrift for 57 years.

Norvell was born in Campbell County on July 19, 1925, the son of the late Richard Newton Vandegrift and Mary Pleasants Vandegrift. He graduated from E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg and earned his bachelor's degree from Lynchburg College. Norvell proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation. Norvell was very active in his community, belonging to The Good Timers Singing Group, a member of Marshall Lodge #39 and Staunton River Masonic Lodge, serving as a District Deputy Grand Master for both lodges, a member of the Odd Fellows of Brookneal, Lions Club of Brookneal and American Legion Post #16. He served on the Campbell County Board of Social Services and the board of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, and was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Naruna, where he taught Sunday school and served as a deacon.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Mary Ruth Vandegrift Davis and her husband, Gary, of Forest and Hope Cevell Vandegrift Wright of Brookneal; four grandchildren, Philip Bradford Davis and his wife, Kim, of Herndon, Wesley Scott Davis and his wife, Angie, of Richmond, Grady Wright of Brookneal and Cevell Marie Wright of Brookneal; and a special friend, whom he treated like a daughter, Janet Ingram of Brookneal.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. today, Oct. 12, 2008, at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Naruna, with the Rev. Melvin Bradshaw and the Rev. Mitch Lucky officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery following the service.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Hills, 3300 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503; Ebenezer Baptist Church Building Fund, 267 Ebenezer Road, Naruna, VA 24576; or to a charity of your choice.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneralhome.com.