NEWS FROM VNLA
IN MEMORIAM JOHN RANDOLPH PRILLAMAN, SR. John Randolph Prillaman, Sr., 95, of Penhook, VA passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at his residence. He was born on July 7, 1926, in Callaway, VA to the late Herbert Lee Prillaman and Minnie C. Jamison Prillaman.
Impact Washington The Summit Representatives from all around the country came together for AmericanHort’s Impact Washington The Summit, this September to advocate for our industry. VNLA was proud to have a great showing from member companies, business partners, officers and non-members. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the issues impacting our industry and how to effectively advocate on our behalf. They were also able to meet with many of our legislators and staff members to tell their unique stories. It is through these individual, but collective stories that we can make a true impact on our legislators. We would like to thank all of those who took the time out of their week to represent our association and industry. •
Mr. Prillaman started the Virginia Certified Horticulturist Program and was the President at the Virginia Nursery Association in 1980. Randolph owned and operated Prillaman Nursery since 1951 and was a member of various state and federal Horticulturist Associations.
L-R Ed Tankard (Tankard Nurseries), Tim Huerth (Farm Credit of the Virginias), Art Parkerson (Lancaster Farms), Julie Zeijlmaker (Battlefield Farms); Congressman Ben Cline (VA 6th District), Seana Ankers (VNLA President, Meadows Farms), Megan Wright (másLabor), Richard Keeth (másLabor), Christopher Brown, Jr. (VNLA PastPresident, Lancaster Farms, Jim Saunders (Saunders Brothers)
Surviving is his daughter, Judith Meador (Stan Tonn) of Rocky Mount, VA; sons, John Randolph Prillaman, Jr. (Kathy Hensley) of Elkton, VA, Daniel Prillaman (April) of Perkins, OK, and C.D. Prillaman (Emily) of Ridgeway, VA. He is also survived by his longtime partner, Jean Roberts of Penhook, VA; and his grandchildren, Skyler Prillaman, student at HPU, Lucas Prillaman (Morgan Kremzar) of Charlotte, NC, Beth Terrier (Alex) of Richmond, VA, Adrienne Abrahamson (Paul) of Texas, Jennifer Jackson (Thomas) of Kenley, NC and Laura Lamb (William) of Sophia, NC; and seven great-grandchildren. A graveside memorial service was held on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Prillaman Family Cemetery, Foothills Rd., (Route 642), Callaway, VA with Pastor Mark Long officiating.
PAUL L. SMEAL, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Horticulture, (1960 – 92) Paul Lester Smeal, age 89, of Blacksburg died, Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at Lewis Gale Hospital-Montgomery. He was born in Clearfield, PA. on June 11, 1932. He is survived by wife, Gladys Smeal, daughters, Gwen Woods, Tracy McLean, son, Lester Alan Smeal. Graveside service was conducted Friday, August 27, 2021 at 11:00 am in the Westview Cemetery. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg. •
10 • VNLA News • Winter 2021
L-R Christopher Brown, Jr. (VNLA Past President, Lancaster Farms), Richard Keeth (másLabor), Ed Tankard (Tankard Nurseries), Megan Wright (másLabor), Art Parkerson (Lancaster Farms), Seana Ankers (VNLA President, Meadows Farms), Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA 7th District), Jim Saunders (Saunders Brothers), Julie Zeijlmaker (Battlefield Farms)
