Robert Wriston

Robert Wriston, 90 of Maple Fork, passed away, Sunday, March 6, 2016, at home from an extended illness. He was the son of the late Wilbur and Birdie Wriston. He was born March 13, 1925 in Nesco, West Virginia, which later became Maple Fork. He attended Woodrow Wilson High School. Robert served in the US Army from June 4, 1943 until October 17, 1945. During WWII, he served in The European Theater where he received Silver Star, Purple Heart and numerous other medals. He was an active member of Maple Fork Baptist Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He worked as a tipple operator and mechanic on strip jobs, enjoyed being outdoors, working on his farm, gardening, working in the hayfields, heavy equipment and spending time with his children, grandchildren, family and friends. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brother, Wilbur Wriston; sisters, Nadine Wriston and Garnet Craddock; grandson, Freddy Clay, Jr; son-in-law, Dr. Carl Larson and five great-grandchildren. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 69 years, Betty Wriston, children, Bob Wriston and wife Gail, Kathy Clay and husband Freddy, Roger Wriston and wife Tammie, Jeanne Larson, Rick Wriston and wife Cindy, and Lisa Wriston; sister, Edith Tyree; 20 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Friends may gather with the family from 6-8pm Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home. Services will be held 1pm, Friday, March 11, 2016 at the funeral home with Pastor Jim Bowyer officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens with Rick Wriston, Nicholas Clay, Shannon Wriston, Alex Wriston, Daniel Hanna and Timothy Dotson to serve as pallbearers. Zachary Clay, Bobby Wriston, Corey Stover, Jacob Stover, Reggie Wriston, Ricky Wriston and Kaleb Smith will serve as honorary pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, has the honor of serving the Wriston family.