Henry Alexander Funk (Alex), age 89, of Coeburn, Virginia, died on August 21, 2010.He was one of thirteen children of the late Ollie and Samuel Funk.Alex's siblings were Paul, Fred, Elma, Effie, Leona, Julia, Emmitt, Hoover, Bascom, Bruce, Ulysess, and Doug.Those surviving are Emmitt, Bascom, Bruce, Ulysess and Doug, all residents of Coeburn.Mr. Funk is also survived by a special sister-in-law, Myrtle Roberson Hall, also of Coeburn.
Mr. Funk joined his wife, Dixie Marie Funk, who preceded him in death in February 2009 after a couragoues battle with cancer.Alex and Dixie were committed to one another in marriage for over sixty years.Not long after his wife's passing, Mr. Funk became a resident of Broadmore Assisted Living in Bristol, TN.Broadmore provided an exceptional level of care, where he made many friends in the last chapter of his life.
The family would especially like to recognize Mr. David Samms, a fellow resident of Broadmore, who "adopted" Mr. Funk during his stay there and cared for him as if he were his own father.The family feels strongly that Mr. Samms' extra care allowed Mr. Funk to remain at the facility much longer than he would have otherwise been allowed.For that, the family is truly grateful.
Alex and Dixie had one child, a son, Greg Funk, who preceded them both in death in 2002, at the age of 52.Their lives were forever changed with his passing, and their love for their son was carried into their last breath.
The legacy this father, mother and son leave are their children and grandchildren.Surviving are five grandchildren:Angela Funk Cvetkovski, Alex Funk, Jerrod Funk, Nick Funk and Heath Funk; as well as six great grandchildren.
Mr. Funk was a proud World War II veteran, having served throughout Europe in the U.S. Army 34th Ordnance Depot Company.
Alex was a lifelong entrepreneur.Side by side with his wife, they owned and operated Serv-Serv Food Markets throughout Wise Country for over 20 years.Mr. Funk was also responsible for creating the "famous" hillbilly fried chicken recipe still used today in various regional establishments.Through his work with Self Serv Food Markets Mr. Funk was honored to call Mr. Fred McClellan of Abingdon, Virginia not only a business associate but a dear friend.
Mr. Funk became a born again believer in 1992 and faithfully served as a member of Mary's Chapel Church in Coeburn.Up until his death, the Mary's Chapel congregation showed him an outpouring of love and friendship.Mr. Funk's beloved pastors, Pastor Marty Puckett of Mary's Chapel Church and Brother Les Richie will be officiating the services.

Funeral services for Henry Alexander Funk will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 23, 2010 at Estes Funeral Home in Coeburn.The family will receive friends beginning at 5 p.m.He will be laid to rest next to his wife, Dixie, and his son, Greg, in the Adkins Cemetery on Tuesday, February 24, 2010 at 11 a.m.Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Tuesday to go to the cemetery in procession.
Estes Funeral Home, 114 High Avenue, Coeburn, VA 24230, is in charge of arrangements.