Obituary of Roger Ellis Straley

We are saddened to announce the passing of Roger Ellis Straley of Ellamore, West Virginia, and Virginia Beach, Virginia on November 4, 2023, at the age of 82. Roger, the second oldest of seven children was born on June 9, 1941, to Nada Lamb in Ellamore, West Virginia. When he graduated from Buckhannon Upshur High School in 1959, he moved to Norfolk, Virginia where he took a job working at Guille Steel. One year later in 1960, Roger wed Sylvia “Candy” in Norfolk, and they have spent the last 62 years loving, laughing, and making memories with each other. In 1965, Roger accepted a job at C&P Telephone in Virginia Beach where he worked until his retirement in 1995. Roger and Candy raised three children in Virginia Beach and were members of Virginia Beach Christian Church.  Roger was involved with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as a Scout Leader, and he was also a Little League baseball coach.  He played softball on the phone company’s team, as well as with the church team.  Roger loved hunting, fishing and NASCAR. He knew how fortunate he was to have been on so many memorable trips – Canada, Wyoming, South Dakota, Florida, Pigeon Forge, Niagara Falls - with friends and family that meant so much to him.  Upon his retirement, Roger and Candy moved back to Ellamore, West Virginia where they attended Sand Run Baptist Church, and were involved with the Kesling Mill Lions Club and American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Roger always joked that he was busier in retirement than when he was working, but he truly loved every minute of it, and enjoyed spending time with all of the wonderful volunteers. Roger also looked forward to seeing all of his extended family at the annual Lamb family reunion, which has been held at Roger’s home for the past 15 years. Roger was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Nada and Lorn Davis, as well as his oldest son, Roger, Jr. (Mary) who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2016. He is survived by wife Sylvia “Candy” (Workman), son Shane (Cheryl) of Buckhannon, WV, daughter Tonya Klein (Travis) of Midlothian, VA, and grandchildren Laura Burton (Brad, and their daughter, Charlie) of Moyock, NC, Chelsea Escalante (Ernesto, and their son, Joaquin) of New Castle, OK, Joshua Straley of Clarkesville, TN, Ian Klein of Midlothian, VA and Ashley Klein of Midlothian, VA. As mentioned, Roger is one of seven children. He leaves all six siblings, their spouses behind, thirty-seven nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins. The siblings include Carl Skidmore (Sharon) of Parkersburg, WV, Robert Davis (Linda) of Chesapeake, VA, Joseph Davis (Sonja) of Ellamore, WV, Barbara “JoAnn” Davis of Ellamore, WV, Robin Davis (Laura) of Beverly, WV and Kathryn “Cissy” Wilcox of Ellamore, WV. Special thanks are extended to West Virginia Home Health Care, as well as West Virginia Hospice who took such great care of Roger and offered amazing support to the family. Friends will be received Friday, November 10, 2023, from 12 Noon to 2 PM at the Sand Run Baptist Church. A funeral service will be held 2 PM at the church with Pastor Greg Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the Sand Run Baptist Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sand Run Baptist Church, Kesling Mill Lions Club in Buckhannon, WV, or the American Cancer Society, organizations Roger felt strongly about. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.