Hubert Stanley Bert Widener

Hubert Stanley Bert Widener, 76, of Fancy Gap, Virginia passed away Saturday, July 9, 2011 in Twin County Regional Hospital in Galax, Virginia. He was born July 17, 1934 and grew up on a tobacco and cattle farm in Chilhowie, Virginia. He was the only son of the late James Frazier and Mattie Lee Widener. He graduated from Chilhowie High School in 1952 and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1956 where he studied agriculture education. Upon graduating, he was employed by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service of Virginia Tech where he served as an agriculture extension agent in Carroll County for 33 years. He was Carroll Countys first paid 4-H agent where he taught thousands of students throughout the county for many years. When he wasnt working in the extension service or 4-H, he was busy running his successful beef cattle farm. He also served in the Army Reserves. In 1960, he was appointed as a First Lieutenant Commissioned Officer in the Medical Service Corps and served as the Company Commander for the 343rd Medical Unit in Galax, Virginia. In 1966, he was recognized as one of Americas Outstanding Young Men.

He was very active in the community serving in the Carroll-Grayson Cattlemens Association, the Carroll County Farm Bureau, the Hillsville Jaycees and the Hillsville Lions Club. He was a big advocate for the preservation of farm land-use and was an active member of Fancy Gap Methodist Church for more than 47 years.

He was a huge Virginia Tech Hokie fan and always took great pride of living in Fancy Gapa.k.a. Frank Beamer Country. He was a go-getter, loved the outdoors, had a passion for animals and was an avid horseman.

He was married to his late and beloved wife, Bonnie Marlene Widener, for more than 51 years. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Stanley and Lisa Widener, of Fancy Gap, Virginia and daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Skip Wood of Alexandria, Virginia. He was the proud Pa Pa of his grandchildren Molly, Campbell and Branson all of whom filled him with endless joy and love.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 12th from 6 to 8 pm at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel in Hillsville, Virginia. Services will be held Wednesday, July 13th at 1 pm at Sky View Baptist Church. The body will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. The burial will follow at the Webb Sky View Cemetery in Fancy Gap, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Fancy Gap Methodist Church Building Fund, 578 Old Appalachian Trail, Fancy Gap, Virginia 24328 or the Carroll County 4-H All Stars c/o Debra Nester, 131 Cardinal Circle, Laurel Fork, VA 24352. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.vaughanguynnandmcgrady.com.