CORNELIUS RIFE, 87 years of age of the Slate Creek section of Grundy, Virginia, passed away Thursday, September 6, 2012 following an extended illness.  Born in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late Burl S. and Gertie Compton Rife.  He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and was a coal miner and a retired merchant.  He was a loving husband, brother, uncle and a friend to many.  He was a charter member of the Slate Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

Mr. Rife was preceded in death by his wife Gusta Yates Rife.

He is survived by 1-Sister: Evalena and husband Lyle Mutter, Grundy, Virginia, 2-Brothers: Lonzo and wife Alma Ruth Rife, Grundy, Virginia, J. B. and wife Karen Rife, Bristol, Tennessee, 1-Sister-in-Law: Ruby Rife, Grundy, Virginia

Also survived by several nieces, nephews, and special friends: Junior, Sheena and Daniel Ashby. 

He was preceded in death by one brother: Ellis Storia Rife. 

Funeral Services for CORNELIUS RIFE will be conducted Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Casey Stark and Minister Bob Cole officiating with entombment to follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum, Claypool Hill, Virginia. 

Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, Friday evening with visitation at 6:00 P.M.

Active pallbearers will be Mark Mutter, L. C. Mutter, Wayne Mutter, Grayson Boyer, J. B King, Tucker King, Junior Ashby and Daniel Ashby.

The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be made in the form of donations to the Vansant Baptist Church, P. O. Box 649, Vansant, Virginia, 24656. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com.

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, Virginia is in charge of all arrangements.