Herbert Ray Halsey, age, 82, of Independence, VA, the Gold Hill Community, passed away at the home of his daughter on February 21, 2023.  He was born in Gold Hill on January 3, 1941, to Amos Hathaway and Drucy Ann Dowell Halsey.

Herbert was a friendly man who was well known in Grayson County and due to his gift of gab, he never met a stranger.   Through the years he held many occupations most notably serving Grayson County School system as a bus driver for 37 years.  He also was a cattle and tobacco farmer while operating a large mowing business.  While working in Pennsylvania in 1970 he married his first wife, Nancy Campbell.  They moved back to Grayson County and had two children.  Nancy passed away in 1981.  Then he met his current wife of 36 years Cleadith "C" Arnold and they also had two children.  Cleadith also brought her daughter into the expanding family.  He enjoyed spending time with his large family, playing cards, having cook outs on the river, and Saturday morning breakfast.  His greatest pride was in his grandchildren.  He loved attending his two grandsons' sporting events and spending time with his granddaughter, who stole his heart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Halsey; brothers, James and Randy Halsey; and infant brother, Fred Halsey.

He is survived by his wife, Cleadith "C" Halsey of the home; his children, Derek Halsey of Gold Hill, Elizabeth and Jason Jones of Elk Creek, VA, Ginger Halsey of Independence, John Halsey and Amber Clodfelter of Abingdon, VA; step-daughter, Sharon and Barry Shupe of Galax, VA; brother, Mack and Barbara Halsey of Gold Hill; three grandchildren, Isaac Jones, Canaan Jones and Ruth Joines; brother-in-law, Doug and Debbie Arnold of Wytheville, VA; sisters-in-law, Vanessa Baumgardner of Wytheville, VA and Donna Halsey of Independence, VA; mother-in-law, Kathleen Arnold of Wytheville, VA; and a special friend, Dr. Charles Quarles.  Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at 12:00 noon at the Gold Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Johnny Johnson and Rev. Chris Huffman officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until noon prior to the service.  Burial will follow in the Gold Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Gold Hill Cemetery Fund C/O Barbara Halsey 1748 Gold Hill Road Independence, VA 24348.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence is serving the Halsey Family.