J R Espey

J.R. "Doc" Espey, 64, of Vanderbilt, formerly of Reagantown, passed away late Tuesday evening, Nov. 13, 2001, in Highlands Hospital, Connellsville. J.R. was born at Reagantown in East Huntingdon Township, Oct. 3, 1937, a son of the late Hugh Thurman and Audrice A. Davis Espey. J.R. was the longtime proprietor of Espey's Meat Market and noted operator of Espey's Cider Press at Reagantown. Years ago, he was employed at Westmoreland Dairy, prior to working with his father at the meat market. He especially enjoyed working around the butcher shop during deer season, providing a service to successful area hunters, both young and old. J.R. was an avid Dale Earnhardt #3 racing fan and loved to take cruises, travel and fish. He was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church and a graduate of East Huntingdon High School. J.R. is survived by his loving family; his wife, Diana M. Graft Espey, whom he married on Jan. 25, 1985; his children, Joseph R. Espey Jr. and wife, Beth, Randy Espey and wife, Vicki, and Kisa Nelson and husband, Kelvin, all of Scottdale, R.D.1; four stepchildren, John Batronis and Kim of Dawson, Joe Batronis and wife, Tracy, of Adah, Jim Batronis and wife, Melissa, of Greencastle and Jeff Batronis and Tracy of Vanderbilt; six grandchildren, Sarah Espey, Joseph R. Espey III, Emily Espey, Rebecca Espey, Kelvin Nelson Jr. and Stephanie Nelson; six stepgrandchildren; a sister, Elizabeth "Liz" Dillinger of Scottdale, R.D.1; a nephew, Edwin Dillinger and wife, Joanne; a great-niece, Teri MacPhail; a great-nephew, Don Dillinger; and his special pet dog, Penny. In addition to his parents, J.R. was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Pamela Ann Espey, in 1987; two brothers, Hugh T. Espey Jr., in 1992, and Emerson Davis Espey, in 1994; an infant brother and sister; a brother-in-law, Roy Dillinger; and a sister-in-law, Rose Espey. Family and friends will be received today from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale, (724-887-5300, e-mail: [email protected] ). Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastors Charlie Yost and Herb Peterson co-officiating. Graveside committal services and interment will follow in Dickerson Run Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to: Leukemia Society, toll-free 800-726-2873. Love Lasts Forever!