Ernest "Blue" Dewey Markham

Ernest Dewey “Blue” Markham, 77, of Big Island, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023. He was born in Bedford, VA on January 10, 1946 a son of the late James Leonard Markham and Ola Wilson Smith. We also remember his siblings, Frank, Lewis, Edith, Marie, and Barbara. He retired from Georgia Pacific and he enjoyed all of his special bear hunting friends. Blue is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Emma Jean Branch Markham; daughter, Debbie M. Burks and husband Ken; son, Trampas Markham and wife Michelle; grandchildren, Aimee Casey and husband Zack, Kandace Burks and fiancé Hunter, Samantha Jimick and husband Spencer, T.J. Markham Jr., Dustin Markham, Kyle Bowyer; great-grandchildren, Addy, Ryland; sister, Delores “Punkin” Wilson and husband Riley;  sister-in-law, Bessie Markham Christian; brother-in-law, Brent Campbell; brothers and sisters-in-law, David Branch, Rosie Rice, Velma Simpson and husband Eddie, Sherry Byers and husband Gary, Barbara Branch, Liz Branch; and many nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., on Friday, at Hunting Creek Baptist Church followed by a graveside service in the church cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Kenneth Bledsoe officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.