WWHS Alumni Connection - 1940s

Nov. 1, 1999 - July 14, 2000

Name: May Weidensall Meadows
From: Martinez,Ga.
Date: 2000-06-20 00:37:45
Comments: I just wanted to write a message to all of us senior citizens and say that I am so proud of us. I surfed on to the 90's graduates and was astonished at the lack of concern they have for each other and the language they use. WE CERTAINLY ARE FROM A VERY DIFFERENT GENERATION. I do not know about all of you but I remember being brought up to respect everyone and above all to not have a foul mouth. I think the 40's was a great time. No name brands, no junk food, no four letter words , no money to spend foolishly. CONGRADULATIONS TO ALL OF US FOR GOOD MANNERS AND STILL LOVING AND CARING FOR EACH OTHER.

Name: Nicholas Rahal
Website: Rahal Real Estate
From:
Date: 2000-06-14 14:14:40
Comments: Graduated in 1949!

Name: Virginia D. (Willis) Spessard
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Date: 2000-05-30 00:52:40
Comments: Member of the class of 48. Married Don Spessard from Mt. Hope and have 5 children. We were a military family for 24 years. Our last tour of duty was Colorado Springs and liked so much we decided to settle here. My time is taken up now raising my seven year old great grandson. I like to have lunch with friends and go gambling at Cripple Creek, CO. Would like to hear from old friends.

Name: Betty Jo Hutchison French
From: Daniels, WV
Date: 2000-05-29 18:29:25
Comments: Class of 1945. Chaired 50th reunion -- a wonderful weekend! Hoped for a 55th this year, but mot much interest locally. Widow of Zina H. French, 3 children, 4 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren! Enjoy travelling, swimming at the "Y", working in my church (Beckley First Baptist).

Name: Benita Jo Lewis Biggs
From: Beckley, WV
Date: 2000-05-20 23:02:13
Comments: Still living in Beckley. Retired from Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital. Would like to hear from friends at my e-mail address. Have 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. I graduated in 1949. Are any of my classmates out there???

Name: May Weidensall Meadows
From: Martinez,Ga.."suburb of Augusta"
Date: 2000-05-19 21:37:24
Comments: Hello everyone ,I was in the class of 47. I am very thankful to Ludy Craft for informing me of this site.I LOVE IT. I have not spent very much time in Beckley for 50 years.I married Johnny Meadows, you may remember his brother George and like a brother, Tommy Summers. Johnny spent 30 years in the army. Most of that time I was with him.We have 4 daughters and 6 grandchildren. I retired recently from Augusta Regional Medical Center. When I started with them they were called Humana. I was a Secretary on the ICU Unit and miss it very much. Sorry I retired and I have been invited back so I am really thinking about that. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO WISHES TO WRITE ME. SEND ME PLENTY OF NEWS ABOUT EVERYONE YOU KNOW.

Name: Marion Young
From: Kingman az. school stanaford and wwhs
Date: 2000-05-19 05:08:00
Comments: Quit school in 1946. Joined us army dec 31 Retired in 1991 and spend my time fishing.golfing and gambling in Lauhglin nevada...

Name: Robert M. Alley
From: Brooksville, FL - Beckley, WV
Date: 2000-04-29 04:20:15
Comments: Class of '48. This is a great idea, hope some of the other "oldsters" will find the page and respond. I found out about this page from my sister Patti Alley-Link; my brother, Frank Alley, has also signed in. I live in Florida now in a golf community called Silverthorn, it's between Brooksville and Spring Hill. My home address is 14489 Middle Fairway Dr., Brooksville, FL 34609-0352, phone # 352-754-9003. Hope to hear from some of my former classmates.

Name: Dorys W. Thompson
From: Roanoke, VA
Date: 2000-04-18 17:43:39
Comments: Hello To Other Class of '48 folks! I'm retired -- again -- have lived in Roanoke, VA, for almost 47 years. Good to hear from those who've signed the "book". Great way to keep in touch. Thanks for getting this going!

Name: Felix Shumate
From: CHARLESTON,WV
Date: 2000-04-18 03:34:30
Comments: "HELLO" FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE 1948 CLASS. YOU SHOULD NOT REMEMBER ME AS A JOCK BECAUSE I SPENT ALL MY TIME IN MS. BOSTICS OFFICE WAITING TO SEE MR. PERIGOY. FOR THINGS I NEVER DID. I SPENT 4 YEARS IN THE ARMY AIR CORP. & U.S. AIR FORCE AND RAISED A FAMILY. MARRIED BILLIE J. MULLENS FROM BRAMWELL, WV AND FOUR CHILDREN. GREGORY D. WHO LIVES IN BECKLEY AND THREE CHILDREN. MARK D. IN ORLANDO, FL WITH FOUR CHILDREN. SUSAN IN BECKLEY WITH ONE SON AND KARLA IN BECKLEY WITH TWO CHILDREN. OWNED AND OPERATED SLICK'S LICENSE SERVICE FOR 43 YEARS AND NOW RETIRED. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM SOME OF MY OLD FRIENDS. THANX FOR LISTENING. FELIX

Name: Albert K. Minter, Jr.
From: Beckley, WV
Date: 2000-04-06 22:14:35
Comments: I was in the class of 1948, graduated from Greenbrier Military School and Uiversity of Virginia. Married Shirley Phillips from Tazewell, Va., have 2 children, Kim and King,opens and operates Rent Alls of Beckley.

Name: Robin Cavett
From: Moncks Corner SC
Date: 2000-04-03 21:18:57
Comments: My Mother Laneta A Anderson went to this school in the 40's, she is doing great, she lives in South Carolina and I will be showing her this web sight.

Name: Nellie J. Harvey - LaVergne
From: 2704 Centervier Place, Brandon, FL 33511
Date: 2000-03-31 21:05:20
Comments: Graduated class of 1948. Lived in Stanaford as a child. Went to Washington, D. C. in 1951. Married with two children, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren. Lived in Pensacola and worked at the University of West Florida for seventeen years. Moved to Brandon 1995. Would like to hear from friends such as Elizabeth Scott or Phyllis Browning.

Name: Jim Halstead
From: Americus, GA 31709
Date: 2000-03-29 05:31:06
Comments: This is great to learn the where-a-bouts of so many of you former WWHS grads. I graduated in '49 and my wife Billie Joy Smith in '50. We're in Americus, GA and look forward to hearing from many old friends. Peace & Grace.

Name: JoAnn Kiddy Butler
From: Roanoke VA
Date: 2000-03-28 19:49:25
Comments: Graduated in 48 have been in Roanoke 30 yr

Name: Keith Chambers
From:
Date: 2000-03-27 01:34:48
Comments: Hello! I graduated in 1945, and attended West Virginia Institute of Technology before joining the United States Army in 1946. Upon discharge from the service, I attended Beckley College and then returned to WVIT where I graduated in 1951. In June 1951 I was employed by Appalachian Power Co.in Beckley, and was transferred to Charleston in 1953 where I worked until 1954 when I was transferred to Bluefield. I married Mary Ruth Whittington from Bluefield, Virginia in 1958 and then another transfer to American Electric Power in Canton, Ohio in 1972. Our son, Keith, Jr., was born in Canton where we lived until 1987 when I was transferred to Columbus, Ohio. I retired from AEP in 1992, and moved to Miami, Florida in 1999. I am currectly a consultant for AEP, and my hobbies are Amateur Radio, computers and genealogy. I would love to hear from any of my classmates! Keith Chambers Miami, Florida

Name: DAVID SMITH
From: PROSPERITYM WV
Date: 2000-03-26 05:02:32
Comments: GRADUATED 1948. SERVED IN USAF SECURITY SERVICE IN THE FAR EAST. mARRIED mILDRED LOUISE GARTEN 46 YEARS PAST

Name: Mildred Louise Garten Smith
From: Prosperity, WV
Date: 2000-03-26 04:46:54
Comments: Graduated 1948 . Had 2 children , A BOY FREDRIC DAVID BARTON (2GIRLS 3BOYS) AND A daughter,KIMBERLY DAWNE SMITH (1 DAUGHTER), MARRIED DAVID SMITH 46 YEARS PAST.STILL LIVE IN DEAR OLD PROSPITY.

Name: Gladys Malcolm Ford Creager
From: Beckley, WV
Date: 2000-03-22 17:25:19
Comments: Class of 1942. Retired, widowed, and living in Beckley.

Name: Rosemary Canterbury
From: Springfield,VA
Date: 2000-03-16 22:22:21
Comments: Class of 1948. I married Delmar Craft, class of 46. We have one daughter and two sons. Our son Charlie died of cancer in 1996. I enjoy painting, bridge, and bingo. We visit relatives and friends in Beckley about every year. Looking forward to the next reunion.

Name: Maxine Edwards 1926-1996
Website: All My Mama's
From: Beckley
Date: 2000-03-16 00:42:06
Comments: I hope it is all right if I put my mother's name in the guest book, I saw her picture on the 1944 year book page. My hobby is genealogy and my web page is dedicated to my Mother, Maxine Edwards, who passed away in 1996. She graduated in 1944 and spoke fondly of her school days, and old friends. Sandra Sommerville Wells Griffith

Name: Betty Marshall Collins
From: Beckley, WV
Date: 2000-03-13 00:59:07
Comments: Graduated 1947 WWWHS, have two daughters, Cindy & Patti who boh live in Orlando, Florida. My son, Scott, died in 1994 in a traffic accident. I still live in Beckley and had to end my nursing career at Raleigh General due to health. I visit my daughters in Orlando a few times a year. Would love to hear from anyone who graduated with me through my daughter's e-mail address above.

Name: William Donald Wise, Sr.
From: Beckley, WV.
Date: 2000-03-10 01:38:31
Comments: Hi Gang - I am retired now living in Beckley, Married Mary A. Pachuta and have 4 grown children. Am a permanent Deacon with the Catholic Church here and keep busy with that.

Name: Mary Alice (Bergines) Dressel
From: Southbury CT,06488
Date: 2000-03-09 23:50:16
Comments: Is there any one still around from the 40's??

Name: Melville Windle
From: born:Huntington, WV; currently reside: Owensboro, KY
Date: 2000-03-07 18:13:18
Comments: Just browsing.

Name: JAMES T COLLINS (T.C)
From: TYLER, TEXAS 75707
Date: 2000-03-02 01:23:47
Comments: CLASS OF 1948

Name: Betty Warden Fleming
From: New Ellenton,S.C.
Date: 2000-02-28 02:36:26
Comments: Graduated 1944 Retired Hair Stylist. Have 1 daughter 2 sons 4 grandchildren 1 great grandaughter. I would love to hear from 1944 graduates. Woodrow Wilson High School is now located within sight of where i was raised on Stanaford Rd. How many of you remember the skating rink near there?

Name: Jack D. Stevenson
From: Mount Holly NC
Date: 2000-02-26 23:47:15
Comments: Graduated 49, attended WVa Tech 3 semesters, Joined Navy Jan 1951, Served 4 years on USS Essex CVA9, Discharged Nov 1954, Married Feb 1955 Mary Jane Ott (from Beckley Class 47), two children(son and daughter), one grandchild, lived in Washington DC 1955-1957, been in North Carolina ever since,still working as a consultant.

Name: T. C. Weeks
From: Murrells Inlet, S. C.
Date: 2000-02-22 04:23:17
Comments: I was in the class of 1946.

Name: Gene A. Mann
From: Brandon, Mississippi
Date: 2000-02-19 21:11:22
Comments: Class of 1948, joined Navy in 1949, retired in 1968. Married in 1957, had first son in 1966, second in 1968, have lived in Mississippi since 1969. Wife of 36 years died in 1993, now have four grandchildren all living next door. Dad died in 1983 and Mom died 1990 so now I don't have any compelling reason to visit my hometown, Beckley and WWHS will always be in my heart.

Name: Edwin W. Harvey
From: Jacksonville, Fl.
Date: 2000-02-12 23:13:39
Comments: I graduated in 1945 and my wife Peggy Ann Bryant graduated in 1946. We attended the 50 year reunion and enjoyed it very much. Had hoped to attend the 50 year reunion for the class of 1946. Maybe there will be a 55 for each year, hope so.

Name: Lou Ann Canterbury
From:
Date: 2000-02-11 02:07:38
Comments: Lou Ann Canterbury graduated in 1945, subsequently worked for FBI in Washington, D.C. Attended Marshall College 1945 to 1948. Married James E. Driscoll.

Name: Delmar Lewis Craft "Ludy"
From: Springfield, VA
Date: 2000-02-09 21:50:42
Comments: Graduated in 1946. Married Rosemary Canterbury, class of 48. We had 4 children, and 7 grandchildren. I graduated from VPI, Mechanical Engineering and I worked for the Department of Defense for 30 years. I am retired and I spend my time enjoying my grandchildren, gardening, and genealogy. I lived at 409 S Kanawha St(now City Hall). I found the WWHS web site from article in http://register-herald.com

Name: Mary Lou Johnson Blankenship
From: 116 Creole St. Beckley, WV 25801
Date: 2000-01-16 21:14:28
Comments: Hello, class of '45. I enjoyed the 50-year reunion and am looking forward to the next. I have 2 children, Bill and Natalie, who are also WWHS graduates. I am blessed with 5 beautiful grandchildren and good health. My husband passed away in 1981. I have been working at Belk Department since that time. Would enjoy hearing from old friends.

Name: Juanita Troutman Flick
From: Loogootee, Indiana
Date: 2000-01-15 14:16:54
Comments: I have been in Indiana since September after graduation. Married, have two children. I worked at Loogootee High School as secretary to the principal and extra-curricular activities treasurer for many years. I am presently serving on the Loogootee Board of School Trustees. I attended Vincennes University. I would like to hear from the class of 1944.

Name: JOHN
From: BECKLEY
Date: 1999-12-25 16:24:01
Comments: LIKE TO HEAR FROM MY CLASS MATES;GRADUATED FROM U OF VA IN 51; GRADUATED FROM JEFFERSON MEDICAL COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA IN 56;FINISHED MEDICAL RESIDENCEY IN 1959; USED IN USAF FOR 2 YRS;HAVE BEEN IN PRIVATE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE SINCE 1961; STILL IN PRACTICE;

Name: Mary Mulcay Thurman
From: Beckley
Date: 1999-12-19 02:05:07
Comments: Anyone out there who graduated in 1941? Anyone alive, I mean. I'm still right here in Beckley. No E-Mail, but I am in the phone book. Anyone remember how to use the telephone?

Name: Richard
From: Now, Bonita, CA
Date: 1999-12-01 05:46:27
Comments: Member of the fabulous Class of 1949, which just held its 50th Reunion (Oct. 1999)at Pipe Stem State Resort Park. The best reunion ever! We have mini reunions every year in Beckley in the Fall and invite all Classmates to attend !!

Name: Clifton A. Compton
From: 957 Parkwood Dr., Madisonville, Ky. 42431-3240
Date: 1999-11-24 04:02:42
Comments: WWHS class of 1948. Joined Navy June 2, 1948 and served four years. Made a career of retail management with Kuhn's-Big K Stores Corporation, 28 years and Wal-mart Stores, Inc 12 years and retired on January 31, 1993. Married Dec. 5, 1951 and have 5 children and 8 grandchildren. Would like to hear from some of my classmates. While attending WWHS I resided at Prosperity, WVa

Name: Elizabeth (Libby) Yago Jackson
From: Inaianapolis,In.
Date: 1999-11-19 16:37:36
Comments: I am one of those classmates of the class of 49 who just enjoyed the 50th reunion. Pipestem was in glorious color and the friends of the past were wonderful to be with. Now, and for the past 40 years, we have lived in Indianapolis,In. Feel like Hoosiers as we have not fled to avoid the winter cold and snow. And we do love basketball !

Name: Ruth Sisk Sharp
From: Punta Gorda, Fl/
Date: 1999-11-18 23:14:14
Comments: I would enjoy hearing from classmates of 1949 from WWHS. I am now retired and living in sunny Florida. I lived in New Mex and Colo for many years after high school. I graduated from Univ. of Denver.

Name: Mary Riffe Crawford
From: New Martinsville, WV
Date: 1999-11-18 15:34:51
Comments: Treasure of class 1946

Name: Retha Alene Walker
From: Stanaford
Date: 1999-11-18 13:37:00
Comments: Would like to hear from former classmates. I have one daughter, Dottie, and two grandchildren. I still reside in Stanaford. Hope to hear from you!

Name: Nancy Rahal Stone
Website: God's Plan for the Age
From: Columbus, OH
Date: 1999-11-18 03:04:19
Comments: I graduated in 1949. I have two sons and one daughter. I have three grandchildren. We teach Bible prophecy and the imminent return of Christ, called the rapture. We have several Bible subjects on the computer. We are born again believers and are faithful in attending Grace Brethren Church. Your blessing is: Take my yoke upon you and learn of me. For I am meek and lowly in heart and you will find rest to your soul.

Name: James (Jim) M. Richards
From: Baytown, TX
Date: 1999-11-15 01:20:23
Comments: Member of the Class of '49. The 50th Reunion in October was great. It was nice to see so many classmates there. Through contact with family still in Beckley, Betty Price, and Dick Curtis, we are kept abreast of some of the going-ons in the Beckley area.

Name: Margaret Ann Reed Williams
From: Beckley
Date: 1999-11-12 04:55:42
Comments: I have been married to William (Bill) Williams for 56 yrs. We have twin daughters, Barbara and Rebecca. Both are educators and we are very proud of them. We also have two wonderful grandchildren. We live part of the year here in Beckley and the other part in Arcadia, Fl. Would love to hear from other classmates. Just a note: my husband, children and grandchildren all graduated from WWHS!!

Name: Betty Warden Fleming
From:
Date: 1999-11-11 03:27:09
Comments: I am a retired hair stylist. I graduated in 1944 Name then Betty Warden, name now is Fleming. Here is my high school buddy's Email adress: ejflick@dmrtc.net [Jaunita Flick]. She and I attended the 50 year reunion in 1994. we both are wondering if another reunion is planned. We both feel we are still young enough to attend another and thank God for good health. Let me hear from you. Sincerely, Betty.

Name: Jim Beard
From: Beckley
Date: 1999-11-10 01:10:48
Comments: Graduated in 1941..Spent thirty years working in Mullens, WV..Have a lot of good friends there..Glad the Beckley/Mullens ballgame rivalry is over, because I couldn't whole-heartedly root for or against either team. You might recall that Mullens beat WWHS(in football) all three years I was in high school..Two of Mullens biggest football stars were Alva Richmond and Shorty Prichard..They became close friends of mine when I lived in Mullens. Would like to hear from any , pardon the adjective, "old" friends.

Name: Robert F. Richmond
From: Grant,Florida-32949
Date: 1999-11-09 22:43:36
Comments: Class of 49

Name: Lee Kinard
From: Greensboro, N.C.
Date: 1999-11-09 20:47:33
Comments: I should have graduated in 1949, but my parents divorced and Mother moved us back to our former hometown Concord, N.C. at the end of my Junior year. I have enjoyed a long career in local TV and will retire from WFMY-TV, Greensboro, NC in December 1999. I really enjoyed the 49'ers 50th at Pipestem.

Name: Tony E. Cumbo
From: Relocated from Beckley to Ashland, Ky. Jan '97
Date: 1999-11-09 17:14:38
Comments: I should have graduated with the class of '48 but elected to enlist in the USN at age 16. Nine years later I confessed to the Navy and they forgave me and corrected all records. Through the USAFI I completed courses and passed the GED. When I retired I enrolled in Ashland Bus. College and earned an associate degree in Specialized Business. Then enrolled in ACC and completed 35 hrs towards Human Svc Assoc. Degree. WWHS is going to send my long overdue diplome in Feb 2000 as I'm tired of being the "black sheep" of this elite class. Little do they know I continued my education. A few token invitations to reunions only made me feel like an outcast, so I decided to do something about it, re the diploma. Sent transcripts, etc. Spent 20 yrs 8 mos in USN serving on 1 aircraft carrier, 3 destroyers and 4 troop transports. Entertained with my accordion. In fact, the class of '49 has made my wife and I honorary members and you should hear Coach VanMeter sing the WWII songs along with Peggy Daniels (Hughes). We had a great time at Pipestem. The late Emory Miller (magstrate) invited us in '95 to a '49 reunion and I brought my accordion and talk about fun??? We sang the old songs and were overjoyed to hear the Coach and Peggy sing also. Life goes on. My wife is currently undergoing her third bout of cancer and a neurosurgon while performing a biopsy on my spine, damaged a nerve (L5) which created a lifetime limp! This happened a year ago. We are Christians and attend a small church about 8 doors up the street from us (Moore St Baptist)and our other outlet is seeing our son, daughter and grandkids, which includes a great grandson born Feb '99. Sorry I made this a book but at least you now know who I am.....Best regards and thanks for this service. Tony E. Cumbo
Note: Tony passed away on Jan. 19, 2001. A brief obituary is on Obituary Page 5 of this website.

Name: John Operchuck
From: Berwyn Heights, Maryland
Date: 1999-11-09 15:35:41
Comments: Class of 1949

Name: George
From: Harper Heights
Date: 1999-11-09 13:56:58
Comments: Heard about the site through Betty Price.

Name: Katherine Massanopoli Vaughan
From: Bowie, Maryland
Date: 1999-11-09 02:42:44
Comments: My sister Carmela Massanopoli Mosier just forwarded this information to me today. I think this is an excellent idea and way to find old lost classmates - My husband Dudley and were unable to attend the 50th class reunion in July 1997 - we were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary! I look forward to hearing from any of you.

Name: Nancy Jo Minster Daniels
From: Kernersville, NC
Date: 1999-11-09 01:40:50
Comments: Graduated 1949

Name: Carmelo (Charles) Massanopoli 1947
From: Malvern, PA, 19355
Date: 1999-11-09 01:06:23
Comments: Great idea! It should be easy to get in touch or stay in touch. To all my classmates from '45 thru '49: How y'all doing? We enjoyed our 50th reunion; it was a real blast! Just regret missing everyone else's gathering.

Name: Carmen Massanopoli Mosier l949
From: Elkview WV
Date: 1999-11-09 00:37:11
Comments: E-mail from Betty T. Price advised about this website.

Name: Patricia Baker Felton
From: Lakeland, Florida
Date: 1999-11-09 00:27:04
Comments: Pat Baker graduated in 1949 and just attended our 50th reunion at Pipestem, West Virginia. It was a great reunion and a wonderful time to see and visit with classmates I have not seen in 50 years. I am looking forward to finding more friends through this website.

Name: Francis Leon Neal
From: Beckley, WV
Date: 1999-11-09 00:25:05
Comments: Class of 1941

Name: Betty Thorne Price
From: Beckley
Date: 1999-11-08 23:43:29
Comments: Email from Jeff advised me of the site.

Name: Mary Abbott
From: Beckley, WV
Date: 1999-11-08 23:30:10
Comments: Would like to hear from gradutes in class of 45.

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