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.

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.

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. •