Elijah C. Stiltner

Elijah C. Stiltner, age 38, of Pounding Mill, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. Surrounded by love, Elijah met his passing with strength, grace, and unwavering determination. Elijah was the son of Tina Muir and his stepfather, Ronnie Hurt. He was born on September 20, 1987, and spent his life rooted in the hills and community of Southwest Virginia. Elijah was a graduate of Richlands High School Class of 2005. He graduated from Southwest Virginia Community College and later attended Radford University. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard, including a deployment to Qatar. After the military, he worked as a corrections officer in the prison system before retiring due to his cancer diagnosis. He was known for his kind heart, quiet strength, and the deep love he held for his family and friends. To those who knew him, Elijah was someone you could depend on—steady, genuine, and always willing to help without expecting anything in return. Throughout his illness, Elijah faced each day with remarkable bravery. His resilience and perseverance were an inspiration to all who walked alongside him during this journey. Even in the most difficult moments, he continued to show care for others, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Though his time with us was far too short, Elijah’s legacy of strength, love, and perseverance will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He is now surrounded by those he loved who preceded him in death: his brother, Josh Mercer; maternal grandparents, Nell and Bobby Muir; paternal grandparents, June and Garland Stiltner; his uncle, Bobby Muir; and his aunt, Dana Sayers. Elijah will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. He is survived by his loving mother, Tina Muir, and her husband, Ronnie Hurt of Raven, VA Aunts: Becky Fox and her husband, Mike, of Richlands, VA Freda Breedlove of Tazewell, VA Sandy Lowe and her husband, Grant of Doran, VA Judy Horne of Wardell, VA Special fur babies, Cayde and Sam Several cousins, great cousins, and special friends also survive. Special thanks to the staff and nurses of Legacy Hospice, Dr Fady Tawadros, and the Duke University Brain Cancer Center. Funeral services for Elijah C. Stiltner will be at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia, with Zach Helton officiating. Interment will follow at the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands, Virginia, with the Casey-Shortt VFW Post# 9640 conducting Military Rites. Pallbearers will be Nathaniel Ringstaff, Cooper Hurst, Drew West, Robert Muir, Zachary Muir, Jamie Hurt, and Ronnie Hurt. A visitation will be on Tuesday night at the funeral home beginning at 6:00 PM. 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

Elijah C. Stiltner

September 20, 1987 - February 1, 2026