Bernard Wade Staton

Bernard Wade Staton, 68, of Big Island, died Thursday, April 26, 2012. Born August 9, 1943 in Amherst; he was a son of the late William Smiley Staton and Dianna Hughes Staton.

Bernard was a member of Tabernacle Church of God. He enjoyed playing the guitar, gardening, Nascar racing, coffee, and spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, James Lee Staton; three brothers, Alfred, Massie, and Buster Staton; two sisters, Lorene Staton and Gladys Wright.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 48 years, Frances Edna Goff Staton; four sons, Bernard Dwayne Staton, Rodney Dale Staton, Kenneth Earl Staton, and Elmer Douglas Staton; two daughters, Angela Staton Musick and husband Jessee, and Missy Staton Dutton and husband Phillip; eleven grandchildren; five great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; three brothers, Tommy, Frank, and Will Staton; two sisters, Madaline Smith and husband James, Leanna Ragland and husband Jr.; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Graveside service will be conducted 2 PM, Wednesday, May 2, 2012, in Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Peyton Fitzgerald and Rev. Mike Jones officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 7 to 9 PM at Tharp Funeral Home. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 586-3443.