Finding a specific tribute or trying to navigate local records can feel like a maze when you’re already dealing with the heavy fog of grief. Honestly, when people search for harrison pyles funeral home obits, they usually aren’t just looking for a date or a name. They’re looking for a connection. They want to find that one specific story about how their neighbor always had the best garden or read about the legacy a grandparent left behind in Wheelersburg.
The Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home has been a fixture in the Scioto County area for a long time. It’s located at 11623 Gallia Pike, Wheelersburg, OH 45694. If you’ve lived in Southern Ohio for any length of time, you know the building. It’s family-owned, which matters in a small town. People here don’t want a corporate, cookie-cutter service. They want someone who knew their uncle or went to school with their cousin.
Why Finding These Records Can Be Tricky
Most people think you just type a name into a search bar and boom—there it is. Not always. While the Harrison-Pyles website is the primary source, the way digital archives are structured can be a bit finicky if you don't have the exact spelling or date range.
For instance, if you are looking for someone like Juanita Jane Kimbler (who passed in early 2026) or Nina Earlene Mays (a Portsmouth native and cancer survivor), the records are quite detailed. Nina's obituary, for example, isn't just a dry list of survivors; it mentions her love for her Bible, her crochet work, and her years at the Golden Years Nursing Home. That’s the kind of human detail you lose if you only look at "records" and not the actual "obits."
The 2025 Archive Shift
Something you should know—the funeral home’s digital system has a specific cutoff. If you are hunting for an obituary dated prior to October 20, 2025, you often have to toggle into their "archives" section rather than the main landing page. It’s a small technical hiccup that trips up a lot of people.
Common Names and Local Ties
Wheelersburg is a tight community. You'll see a lot of names like Maggard, Pyles, and Craft recurring in the records.
- Gary Ray Pyles (1942–2025): A long-time instrument maintenance worker at USEC.
- Charlene Spradlin (1932–2025): Known for her Sunday dinners and singing.
- Paul David Harris (1951–2025): A name many locals remember.
When searching harrison pyles funeral home obits, it helps to include the year if the name is common. The system is pretty robust, but adding "2025" or "2026" narrows the field significantly.
✨ Don't miss: Bamboo Boxers for Men: Why Your Drawer is Overdue for a Swap
Beyond the Digital Screen
A lot of folks get frustrated because they can’t find a "guestbook" or they don't know how to leave a condolence. On the Harrison-Pyles site, there’s a specific Condolence Form attached to each individual obituary. You click the name, scroll down, and there it is. It’s a way to let the family know you’re thinking of them without necessarily needing to mail a card.
Realities of Local Services
The funeral home handles everything from traditional burials (starting around $7,795) to direct cremations (closer to $1,550). These numbers aren't just stats; they represent the practical side of loss that families are navigating while they're also trying to write these very obituaries.
I've noticed that many families are opting for a mix of tradition and personal flair lately. You’ll see obituaries mentioning Sunset Memorial Gardens in Franklin Furnace or the Old Wheelersburg Cemetery. These locations are deeply rooted in the local landscape.
How to Search Effectively
If you're hitting a wall, try these steps. They sound simple, but they're what the pros do.
✨ Don't miss: Finding the Perfect Picture of an Irish Wolfhound Dog: What Most People Get Wrong
- Use the TimeForMemory Link: Often, the funeral home mirrors its records on "Time For Memory." This is a secondary site that sometimes loads faster on mobile devices if the main site is being updated.
- Maiden Names Matter: Especially in Southern Ohio records, searching by a maiden name (like Jónsdóttir for Elín "Ella" Waddell) can uncover family trees you didn't know were there.
- Check Social Mirrors: Often, the funeral home will post a link on their local social pages. If the website is acting up, that’s your backup.
The harrison pyles funeral home obits are more than just a list of the deceased. They are a record of Wheelersburg's history. From the passing of veterans like Mitchell Wayne Westervelt, who served in the Army and worked in law enforcement, to long-time residents like Barbara Clevenger, each entry adds a piece to the local puzzle.
Actionable Steps for Locating a Record
If you are currently looking for a specific obituary at Harrison-Pyles, start by visiting their official Obituaries page.
- For recent deaths (within the last few months): Scroll the main list. It’s usually chronological.
- For older records (2024 and earlier): Use the search tool specifically marked "Archives."
- To leave a message: Click the "Condolences" button or the link within the specific person's tribute page.
- Verification: If you need a printed copy for legal or genealogical reasons, the funeral home staff is generally very responsive via their main office line at (740) 574-2543.
When you're dealing with these searches, give yourself some grace. The tech can be annoying, but the information is there. Whether you're looking for a service time at Garden City Freewill Baptist Church or just want to remember a friend, these records remain the most reliable bridge to those local memories.