Estyl Curtis Shreve, 100, of Franklin died Oct. 2, 2022, at Pendleton Manor in Franklin.
He was born Oct. 11, 1921, at Smoke Hole and was the son of the late Alston V. and Emily S. (Alt) Shreve.
Mr. Shreve attended the Palestine School, which was located near the old log church in the Smoke Hole. Later, a new school was built closer to his home, where he finished grade school. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1942.
He served as sheriff of Pendleton County from 1960 – 1964 and 1969 – 1973. He taught school, drove a school bus, worked for the U.S. Forest Service, farmed and raised poultry for 15 years. He worked as an investigator for the West Virginia Beer Commission. He owned and operated Shreve Tax Service for 40 years.
He was one of the founding organizers of the Treasure Mountain Festival, serving as president for many years, as well as grand marshall. He also served as president of the Smoke Hole Reunion, the Alt-Kimble Reunion, the Franklin Lions Club and was branch president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
His vehicle could be easily recognized by license plate number 267, which had been specially designated for him by the governor when he served as a silver-haired legislator.
He had a lifelong love for playing music, and over the years played with several groups. He could play many instruments beautifully, including the guitar and mandolin, but was most well known for playing the fiddle. He also co-authored and distributed three “Smoke Hole” books.
On Dec. 22, 1945, he married Gertie Catherine Kimble Shreve, who preceded him in death on June 29, 1990.
Surviving are a daughter, Linda May of Franklin; a granddaughter, Amber Hedrick (Donnie) of Franklin; a grandson, Ryan Clark Shreve of Morgantown; a brother, Cletus Shreve of Upper Tract; a sister, Bonnie Simmons (Garry L.) of Franklin; two great-granddaughters, Emilee Hedrick and Katelyn Hedrick; a number of nieces and nephews; and his special friend and companion of 30 years, Ruth “AnnaLee” Mitchell of Franklin.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Clark Wayne Shreve, on Jan.15, 2021; and two brothers, Dr. Loy W. Shreve and Dona H. Shreve.
The family will receive friends from 1 – 2 p.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Franklin where a funeral service will follow with Elders Garry L. Simmons and David L. Hartman presiding. Interment will be at the Shreve Cemetery at Smoke Hole.
Memorials may be made to Franklin Rescue Squad, PO Box 966, Franklin, WV 26807 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin.
