Teddy Gum

Teddy William “Poppie” Gum, 69, of Roanoke, passed away October 15, 2020 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

He was born February 25, 1951 in Monterey, a son of the late William Dale and Reba Irene (Varner) Gum.

Teddy was a graduate of Highland High School and Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. He retired from HCA Lewis-Gale Hospital. He enjoyed cooking, woodworking and most of all, loving and spoiling his precious granddaughter, Emma.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant brother, Robert Leo Gum; brother-in-law, Raymond Downey; and sister-in-law, Tammy Patterson.

Teddy is survived by his wife of 43 years, Elizabeth Newman Gum; son, Joshua and precious granddaughter, Emma, all of Roanoke; sisters, Shirley Grant and husband, Gene of Swoope and Gladys Downey of Clifton Forge; brother, Jerry Gum of Richmond; mother-in-law, Lillian Arbogast and husband, Harold; father-in-law, Harold Newman and wife, Nancy; sister-in-law, Ruth Newman, all of Blue Grass; special friends Mike Hilbert and Melvin Rexrode, both of Monterey; as well as special cousins, nieces and nephews.

A private service will held at Obaugh Funeral Home with the Rev. Andre Crummett officiating.

Active pallbearers will be Joshua Gum, Harold Arbogast, Mike Hilbert, Brandon Smith, Wilson Smith, Gene Grant, Dwayne Downey, Timothy Downey, Kent Colvin and Melvin Rexrode.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations be made to Roanoke County Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad #5 – Hollins, Inc., P.O. Box 7646, Roanoke, Va. 24019 or to Blue Grass Cemetery, 3042 Blue Grass Valley Road, Blue Grass, Va. 24413.