H. Wendell Stidham, of Locust Grove died at his residence on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.

He was born April 25, 1938 in Pound. He was the son of the late Samuel Stidham and Cleo Trusley Stidham. Besides his parents he is also predeceased by a brother James Stidham.

Mr. Stidham was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Good Time Cruisers. He owned and operated the Locust Grove Variety Store, where he hosted local blue- grass jam sessions.

Mr. Stidham is survived by his wife, Shelva Robbins Stidham of Locust Grove; two daughters, Rita Brown and husband Tim, and Angela Leroux and husband James, all of Locust Grove; two sons, Keith Stidham and wife Sophie of Locust Grove, and Michael Stidham of Atlantic Beach, N.C. and his wife, Nancy Stidham of Marshall; seven grandchildren, Melissa Janero, Joshua Stidham, Michael Stidham Jr., Garrett Sanborn, Sammy Leroux, Gabriel Leroux and Isabella Brown; two brothers, Danny Stidham and wife Brenda, and Ernest Stidham and wife Judy; and three sisters, Sandra Stidham, Marlene Stidham and Darlene Hilliard.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, Sept. 30, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Preddy Funeral Home, 250 West Main St. Orange.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 at the Locust Grove Variety Store.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lake of the Woods Fire & Rescue, 104 Lakeview Parkway, Locust Grove, Va. 22508.