George "Bill" Mikesell,

George William “Bill” Mikesell, Jr. age 81 of Bluefield, VA died Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Loving Hands Adult Care in Bluefield, WV. Born April 15, 1928 at Pittsburgh, PA he was the son of the late George William Mikesell, Sr. and Jessie Louise Warner Mikesell. Mr. Mikesell was a thirty year veteran of the United States Air Force having retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served as an Optometrist for over sixteen years of his military career and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was highly decorated and received many medals and ribbons, to include the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Ribbon with three devices, and many more. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Mr. Mikesell was employed by the United States Postal Service. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia Nancy Mikesell; one son, Keith William Mikesell. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Kris Ann Mikesell Toney and husband, David of Bluefield, VA; two sons, Kevin Turner Mikesell of Diamondhead, MS, and Kurt Mitchell Mikesell and wife, Kathryn Rainey Pickerell of Denham Springs, LA; eight grandchildren, Jacob McKendrey Toney and Dylan Maxwell Toney of Bluefield, VA, Keith Patrick Mikesell, Madison Marie Mikesell, and Hailey Elizabeth Binney of Diamondhead, MS, Ashley Renee Mikesell Anderson and husband, Maxwell “Ty” Anderson and their daughter, Addison Grace Anderson of Flowood, MS, Hanna Elizabeth Mikesell and Grace Anne Mikesell of Denham Springs, LA. Graveside services for George William “Bill” Mikesell, Jr. will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 8, 2010 at the Maplewood Cemetery in Tazewell, VA with the Rev. Rodney Lawson officiating. Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by members of the Barns-Beavers VFW Post #7136 in Tazewell, VA. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA by 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 8, 2010. There will be no visitation at the funeral home prior to the graveside service. In addition to floral expressions, the family request memorial donations be made to the Barns-Beavers VFW Post #7136: 115 E. Fincastle, Tazewell, VA 24651.