Herbert Jackson "Gange" Ringstaff

Herbert Jackson “Gange” Ringstaff of Richlands, Virginia, a decorated veteran of World War II, who helped liberate Holocaust victims from Nazi concentration camps before proceeding to a long career as an accountant, died December 19, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family. A member of “The Greatest Generation”, he passed away on his 90th birthday, which would also have been his 65th wedding anniversary. Born in Pounding Mill, Jack was the eighth of ten children born to the late Henry and Myrtle Griffith Ringstaff. He graduated from Richlands High School in 1941, and at nineteen years of age, Mr. Ringstaff voluntarily joined the U.S. Army, to serve his country during World War II. As a member of the 87th Infantry “Acorn” Division, Company “C” 346th Infantry Regiment, Mr. Ringstaff served in campaigns throughout Africa, Italy, France and Germany. Among many courageous feats, his unit liberated the Buchenwald Concentration Camp in 1945; an event that impacted his life profoundly. He earned the Bronze Star, the European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal among other commendations for his service. Upon leaving the military, Mr. Ringstaff returned to Pounding Mill; entered McClain’s Business College and met his future wife, Isabelle Harrison, from Cliffield. The couple married in 1949; moved to Cedar Bluff, and later to Richlands in 1955 and raised one daughter, Beverly Lynne, who he deeply cherished. Mr. Ringstaff was employed with Pittston Coal Company and the Jewell Ridge Coal Corporation; working in Jewell Valley for most of his 35 years of service until his retirement in 1986. While Mr. Ringstaff’s devotion to his country and profession were unparalleled; it was his honesty, integrity, selflessness, and character that solidified his presence. His impeccable reputation was forged through his humble upbringing, strong family ties, great work ethic, and service to others. He had no enemies but many friends. Mr. Ringstaff was a member of the First Christian Church of Richlands, and he served as an elder and deacon for many years. His culinary attributes were well known, and in his retirement he became quite famous for his splendid desserts. An avid sports fan, he followed Richlands High School, Virginia Tech, the Green Bay Packers, and the Atlanta Braves. His devotion to his favorite teams took a back seat however to his grandson and great grandsons’ athletic activities. “Gange” took great pride in their activities and seldom missed their games. He was also a regular contributor solving the world’s problems with his buddies at Hardees of Richlands, usually anchoring both the breakfast and lunch shifts. He was the Chairman of the Board of the ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) Club. He forged many relationships with these gentlemen and his wit and wisdom will be missed. Mr. Ringstaff’s wife of 57 years predeceased him in 2007. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and George Brown as well as his grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Glayde and Jennifer Brown, two great-grandchildren, Trey Brown and Dylan Brown, all of Richlands. Mr. Ringstaff is survived by several siblings; sister Nancy Simmons of High Point, N.C. and twin brother Hoyt and wife Thelma of Claypool Hill and brother Tommy of Bristol, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Clara Harris, Wayne Crouse, June Smith, Barbara Duncan, and brothers Max Ringstaff, and Layne Ringstaff. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who he truly loved, especially the “Simmons’ girls”. A celebration of Life will be conducted Monday, December 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hurst Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia. Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. Entombment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be George Brown, Glayde Brown, Trey Brown, Dylan Brown, Dennis Simmons, Doug Laforce, and Jim Hammond, Gene Hearl, J.C. Hogston, and Bill Simmons. Honorary pallbearers will be former employees of Jewell Ridge Coal Corporation and the Hardees Bunch regulars. Members of Casey –Shortt VFW Post #9640 will conduct military graveside rites. Special thanks are given to Dr. Jose Piriz for his compassionate and tender care during Mr. Ringstaff’s illness as well the employees of Helping Hands Hospice and all of his friends and neighbors who have expressed concern and sympathy. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Herbert Jackson "Gange" Ringstaff

December 19, 1921 - December 19, 2014