Pound, Virginia

Lester Neal Stidham, 63, of Pound, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on June 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, grit, and unshakable devotion to family and hard work.

Born on December 17, 1961, in Wise County, Neal was raised in Pound and remained rooted in the Appalachian mountains he loved. He attended Dewey School and Pound Elementary and graduated from Pound High School in 1980. He went on to study masonry at Wise Vocational-Technical School, but his real education came from life—building businesses, fixing machines, solving problems, and making the most of every opportunity.

A true entrepreneur, Neal was a co-owner and operator of S&H Trucking for over 40 years. He also partnered in New River Carbons and co-owned Rambler Reprocessing. He built his life with his own two hands and a mind sharp enough to rival any MBA. From coal to trucking, salvage to heavy equipment, Neal knew every inch of his industries—and everyone who ever worked with him knew him as one of the smartest, most determined businessmen they'd ever meet.

Neal wasn't just a provider—he was a protector, a steady hand, and the most deliberate, sincere soul many ever had the privilege of knowing. When he loved, he loved deeply, and if you were lucky enough to be in that circle, you knew what it meant to be taken care of—without question, without hesitation.

He was a man of great faith, grounded in his belief in Jesus Christ and devoted to living with purpose and principle. In his later years, he found his soulmate, Pam Cantrell of Pound, and though their time together was cut short, it was rich with laughter, love, and loyalty. He embraced Pam's family as his own, cherishing her children and grandchildren, who brought him so much joy and who he loved without condition.

Neal found peace and freedom on the open road. He loved nothing more than firing up his Harley, riding with the wind, and taking trips to the lake or exploring somewhere new. Those weekends at the water—full of boat rides, grilled food, and heartfelt conversation—were some of his most cherished memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Troy "Windy" and Laura Stidham, and his grandparents Oliver & Bessie Stidham and Walton & Lina Boggs.

He is survived by:

•    His son: Jeron Stidham and wife, of Big Stone Gap, VA

•    His fiancée: Pam Cantrell of Pound, VA

•    Pam's loving family and grandchildren, whom he adored as his own

•    His brother: Jeff Stidham and wife Kim of Pound

•    Nephew: Scott Stidham and wife Brittany of Pound

•    Niece: Dr. Brooke Mullins and husband Dr. Ricky Mullins of Wise

•    Great-niece and great-nephews: Kimbree and Kimber Stidham. Silas and Jesse Mullins

•    Uncles: Lester "Leck" Boggs of Pound, Carson Boggs and wife Truby of Pound, and Vernon Boggs and wife Linda of Newport, VA

Celebration of Life:

· Location: JW Adams Combined School

· ****Anyone interested in bringing food can drop it off at the cafeteria side entrance anytime during the service

· Family Visitation: Saturday at 10:00 AM

· Public Visitation: 11:00 AM till time of services

· Funeral Service: 1:00 PM

· Burial will follow at Oliver Stidham Cemetery on Dewey Road

· Officiating Minister: Dr. Ricky Mullins

· Pallbearers: His trusted "Rambler Crew"

Following the graveside service, friends and family are invited back to the cafeteria at J W Adams Combined School for a time of fellowship, remembrance and shared stories in honor of Neal's life.

To honor Neal's generous spirit, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Pound Rescue Squad at P O Box 711, Pound, VA 24279 instead of sending flowers