John Cassell

MARION, VIRGINIA: JOHN J. "JAKE" CASSELL, age 90, died Friday, April 14, 2006 in Marietta, Georgia. He was one of the first licensed Ham Radio operators in Smyth County and was the full back for Marion High School state champion football team in 1933. He taught at the vocational school. Jake was a historian who loved to give programs at Hungry Mother State Park and the various Smyth County Schools for Appalachian Days about the history of Smyth County and the Civil War. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Hicks Cassell; two brothers; and two sisters. He is survived by one daughter, Judy Cassell and husband, Frank Hunt of Marietta, Georgia; Two sisters-in-law, Ruby Cassell of Marion, Virginia and Elizabeth Cassell of Roanoke, Virginia. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 20, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Rev. Donna Hester officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Marion, Virginia. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Davis Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 389, Atkins, Virginia 24311.