Mr. Kenneth Arthur Talley, 63, of Burdette, Virginia passed away January 21, 2017. A graveside committal service was held Sunday January 22nd at Rosemont Cemetery in Sedley, Virginia in the family plot with graveside prayer by the Rev. J.J. Ferguson with immediate family attending. "Kenny", as he was often called, was born on June 1, 1953 in Lancaster, New Hampshire to the Rev. Dr. Joseph Addison Talley, also formerly of Burdette, and Mrs. Miriam Ayers Talley, who predeceased Ken by only five weeks. He was a collector of model trains and a member of the National Historic Railway Society. Earlier in his life while living in Portsmouth, he enjoyed collecting old coins, photography and pier fishing. He also had been the drummer in the nightly house band at the Ashland, Virginia Holiday Inn. Before moving to Burdette in 1983 he had lived in Portsmouth and Richmond, Virginia and as a child in Waterbury, Connecticut.

He is survived by his brothers Joseph Eugene Talley and wife, Vibeke, of Hillsborough, North Carolina and James Chase Talley and wife, Charlotte, of Richmond, Virginia, three nephews and a niece.

A memorial service will be held at the Burdette Baptist Church on Saturday, February 18th at 3 P.M. If there is snow or ice on that date the service will be postponed until Saturday, February 25th at 3 P.M.. The family will receive friends and extended family at a reception immediately following the service in the fellowship area of the church. Kenny was able to fulfill his wish to live independently in the family home for the rest of his life after his parents had left the home and he did this for nearly four years impressing both family and friends. His wish to stay in the home came true to a great extent as a result of the continued caring presence of those around him including his dedicated dear neighbor and relation Mrs. Bobbie Joyner who regularly checked on Ken or brought him something extra to eat as well as his cousin Mr. Merritt Raiford, who visited him nearly every day for over three years. The family extends it's deepest appreciation to them for the love and kindnesses they have generously shown over the years. Mr. Edward and Mrs. Pat Hatfield were constant sources of support in time of need. Mrs. Ruth Ann Story and Mr. Glen Joyner are also thanked by the family for their compassionate care and help. Mr. Richard Buschell of Portsmouth, Virginia has been a most faithful friend and visitor for forty years and lifelong friend, Mr. Steven Smart, of Salem, Massachusetts was a regular telephone caller. Mr. Pete Chapman was a visitor and Rev. J.J. Ferguson took many, many calls. The family thanks each and all for their important and unique contribution to Kenny's life. Memorial donations may be made to the Burdette Baptist Church, 35490 Burdette Road, Franklin, VA 23851.