All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Vernon Wayne Smallridge

Vernon Wayne Smallridge, age 77, of Tallmansville, WV, died Saturday, March 11, 2023, at his home.

He was born March 10, 1946 to Morton and Avis (Tenney) Smallridge both preceded him in death. He was born the 3rd of 10 children in Ten Mile of Upshur County. His siblings are 5 sisters, Christine Carpenter (Larry), Wilma Whitlock (Howard- deceased) Navanda Tenney (Dennis- deceased) Janet Robinson (Arley) Twila Williams (Mark); 4 brothers, Daniel Smallridge (Ronna) Theron Smallridge (Audrey) Nolan Smallridge (Jean) Farrel Smallridge (Brenda). Wayne also has a special niece, Sydney Williams, several nephews and nieces and a great number of friends. Two that were always there for him were Chad Rexroad and Brian Lee.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his only son, Chadwick Smallridge.

After his son’s death he was blessed with a loving nephew (Vinson Robinson) and this wonderful relationship has continued over the years. Wayne was notorious for giving just about everyone he met a nickname. Wayne was a Christian and he loved and enjoyed God’s great outdoors. He worked in the timber business. Wayne will be missed but will forever be with us as we walk in the woods and see the trees he loved so much. In Wayne’s later years he enjoyed life with his companion Nadine Tenney.

In honoring Wayne’s wishes he will be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Sheriff’s Office seeking applications for full-time Animal Control Officer

The Upshur County Sheriff’s Department is accepting applications for a full-time Animal Control Officer who will investigate animal welfare cases and perform related duties after completing required training.

Inside the Courtroom: Despite victim’s support for ex-Buckhannon mayor, judge cites ‘manipulation’ in ordering 10-year max sentence

Former Buckhannon mayor David W. McCauley was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography involving a 17-year-old.

Upshur Update: Catch up on the latest local news in our June 12, 2025 podcast

Former Buckhannon mayor David McCauley was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for child pornography, police seized $500,000 in illegal vape shop products, and local sports and community highlights round out this Upshur Update.

Police seize $500,000 in banned products from vape stores in Upshur and Randolph counties

Authorities seized about $500,000 worth of banned vaping products and cash from five stores in Upshur and Randolph counties after receiving reports of illegal sales to minors, with arrests expected as the investigation continues.

Knabenshue named to Second Team All-State Softball Team

Buckhannon-Upshur freshman Madison Knabenshue, who led her team in hitting, scoring, and stolen bases, was named to the Second Team of the West Virginia All-State High School Softball Team.

Hank Ellis Insurance takes lead in men’s golf league standings

Hank Ellis Insurance surged into first place in the Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League after a decisive win, while First Community Bank leaped from last to a tie for fourth with Feola’s Flowers.

Former Buckhannon mayor sentenced to decade in prison for child pornography offense

David Walter McCauley, former Buckhannon mayor, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and 10 years supervised release for child pornography involving a 17-year-old boy, following an FBI-led investigation.

American Legion Post 7 cancels Flag Retirement Ceremony due to rain

The American Legion Post 7 has canceled its June 14 Flag Retirement Ceremony because of expected rain and thunderstorms, and will reschedule the event for a later date.

Sandra Louise Collins Garrison

Sandra Louise Collins Garrison, a longtime educator in Buckhannon, is remembered by family and former students following her death at age 73, with funeral services set for June 18 at Way of Holiness Church.
LUCAS Truck

LUCAS to offer lung cancer screening in Rock Cave, Weston, and Buckhannon

LUCAS, WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, will offer low-dose CT scans in Rock Cave, Weston, and Buckhannon in July for insured and eligible uninsured patients by appointment.

Man arrested for allegedly attempting to cash unauthorized check at BC Bank in Buckhannon

Christian Lyons, 47, of Ashford, was arrested on a felony charge after allegedly attempting to cash a check without authorization at a Buckhannon bank, with surveillance and account details helping police identify him.
Summer basketball

Summer Basketball League continues to grow under UCRC director Mitchell Shaw

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League, overseen by UCRC director Mitchell Shaw, is thriving and expanding with 18 teams and 183 players, offering organized, community-focused competition and new sponsorship-driven prizes in Buckhannon.