William Puffenbarger

William “Dale” Puffenbarger, 90, formerly of the Forks of the Water community of Highland County passed away Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at Pendleton Manor in Franklin, W.Va.

He was born May 3, 1928 in Blue Grass, a son to the late Eliza Edith (Fleisher) and Albert Luther Puffenbarger.

Dale married Virginia Mae Mullenax on April 23, 1950, whom preceded him in death on April 17, 2013.

He was a retired truck driver. He drove a tractor-trailer hauling lumber for the John Mullenax Sawmill in Blue Grass and Franklin Enterprises in Franklin W.Va. He delivered tractor trailer loads of mail from postal facilities in Staunton to Memphis, Tenn., Washington, D.C. and North Carolina. He drove a dump truck for Hott & Miller, hauling gravel to build the road to the VEPCO Pumped Storage Station in Bath County. He also drove the trash truck for the County of Highland, and was a courier for Highland Data Services in Blue Grass. Dale also enjoyed working with wood, building beautiful shelves and wagons, and being creative constructing his homemade projects.

Dale faithfully attended the former Forks of the Water United Brethren Church, and was an honorary member of the Blue Grass Ruritan Club. Above all he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all.

In addition to his parents and wife of 62 years, he was predeceased by a brother, Harry Puffenbarger; and four sisters, Margaret Newlen, Ina Wimer, Lillian Puffenbarger and Gladys Mullenax. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Bob Vandevander of McDowell; son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Darlene Puffenbarger of Forks of the Water; grandson, Robby Vandevander and wife, Dorothy Stephenson of Monterey; granddaughter Renee Vandevander and husband, Charlie Straub of Monterey; brother-in-law, Leo Mullenax of Franklin, W.Va.; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition, he leaves behind his beloved pet dog, Molly; loving caregivers Mary Will, Hannah Murray, Ashley Propst and Donna Burns; as well as a circle of special friends including Jacob Murray, Connie Anderson, William Wimer, Steve Miller, John Harrington, Henry Pitsenbarger, and Angie and Bill Nelson.

A graveside memorial service will be conducted 2 p.m., Sunday, November 18, 2018 in the Blue Grass Cemetery with Pastor Chip Hill officiating.

Pallbearers will be Roger Arbogast, Cliff Vandevander, Jon Swecker, Harold Arbogast, Olin Waybright, Pat Hull, Billy Mullenax and Jon Sponaugle.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Grass Cemetery, 3042 Blue Grass Valley Road, Blue Grass, Va. 24413 or Highland County Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 267, Monterey, Va. 24465.