Bernard Cole Talley , 90, of Hillsville, VA died on February 25, 2016 at 9:15 a.m.

Born in Charleston, West Virginia, he graduated from Parkersburg High School in January 1943. He worked in the Newport News Shipyard until he joined the US Army Air Corp on January 14, 1944. He served our country as a aerial gunner with the 13 th Air Force flying 44 combat missions in the South Pacific. One unusual aspect of his service was spending 9 months on the small island of Morotai which was occupied by both Japanese and Americans simultaneously.

He graduated from Washington and Lee University with a BS degree, a Master's degree from University of Virginia, and a Doctorate degree from Highland University. During his 33 years as an educator, he was a teacher, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent. His first teaching jobs were at Lee Junior and Jefferson High School in Roanoke.

Over the years, he was involved in a number of organizations: the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years; VFW; Carroll Education Association; Hillsville Historical Society; Hillsville Town Council; President of the Carroll County Credit Union Association for 33 years; Sunday School superintendent; Devil's Den Nature Preserve, and Jaycee Sandlot Coach.

Characteristically, he wrote his obituary at the age of 89 in perfect penmanship with no spelling errors.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jean Brown Talley; his daughter, Martha Allman (Jeff) of Roanoke, VA, son; Robert Talley (Nickie) of Yreka, CA; son, William Talley (Aura) of Santa Monica, CA, and six grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Hillsville Presbyterian Church on March 4 at 2 pm, followed by a reception for friends and loved ones. Burial service will be the following day at Fair View Cemetery, Roanoke, Virginia at 11 am. Arrangements are handled by Vaughan-Guynn- McGrady Chapel in Hillsville.

The family would like to thank the staff at Our Lady of the Valley, Good Samaritan Hospice, and Generation Solutions for their supportive and compassionate care.