A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home

The A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home is a place closely tied to the memory of one of the most beloved figures in Appalachian religious history, Robert Sheffey. Known affectionately as “Uncle Bob,” Sheffey was a nineteenth-century Methodist circuit rider whose life of prayer, simplicity, and tireless ministry left a lasting impression across the mountains of Virginia and surrounding regions.

Robert Sheffey (1820–1902) was not a conventional preacher. Though associated with Methodism, he did not always follow the formal patterns of the church. Instead, he became known for his deeply personal approach to ministry. Traveling on horseback through rural communities, he visited homes, prayed with families, and spoke wherever people would listen—whether in churches, cabins, or open fields. His manner was often direct and unconventional, yet those who encountered him were struck by his sincerity and evident devotion.

After his death in 1902, Sheffey was laid to rest in the quiet community of White Gate, Virginia. Over time, his gravesite became a place of interest for those who admired his life and ministry. The A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, located nearby, plays an important role in preserving this connection. As a long-standing local institution, the funeral home has helped maintain the site and assist visitors who come to pay their respects.

The relationship between the funeral home and Sheffey’s memory is rooted in the traditions of the region. In rural Appalachian communities, local institutions often serve not only practical functions but also as stewards of history. The funeral home’s proximity to Sheffey’s burial place has made it a point of contact for those seeking information about his life or wishing to visit the grave. In this way, it contributes to the ongoing remembrance of a figure whose influence was largely carried through personal relationships and oral tradition.

Sheffey’s legacy is one of simple faith expressed through action. He was known for his habit of stopping to pray—sometimes at unexpected moments—believing firmly in the power of intercession. Stories about his prayers and their answers became part of the folklore of the region, passed down through generations. While some accounts take on a legendary quality, they all point to the same underlying truth: Sheffey was a man deeply committed to prayer and to the spiritual welfare of others.

Visitors who come to the area today often seek out Sheffey’s grave as a place of quiet reflection. The setting is modest, in keeping with the character of the man himself. There are no elaborate monuments or grand memorials, only a simple marker that identifies his resting place. This simplicity has become part of the site’s appeal, reflecting the humility that defined his life.

The A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, in its role within the community, helps ensure that this connection to the past is not lost. By maintaining awareness of Sheffey’s story and assisting those who come to learn about it, the funeral home serves as a link between generations. It stands as a reminder that history is often preserved not only in large institutions but also in small, local places where memory is kept alive through care and continuity.

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In the end, the story of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home and Robert Sheffey is one of enduring influence. It highlights how a life of quiet faith can leave a lasting mark and how a community can honor that legacy over time. Together, they form a meaningful part of the religious and cultural heritage of southwestern Virginia.

“When the time had arrived to seek out some place to spend the night, Sheffey would seek a home where he could find those comforts which his heart and body craved. He enjoyed sleeping in a bed with a white counterpane over the covers. At the home of Aurelius Vest, where he spent his last days and where he was often a guest during his active ministry, the good house-wife saw to it that his bed was clean and white, and a perfectly white counterpane spread over the coverings.”

Robert Sheffey died on August 30, 1902, in the home of Aurelius Vest.

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Image Source/Credit:
•  Newspapers.com, Clinch Valley News and Richlands Press, September 22, 1976 (www.newspapers.com/article/clinch-valley-news-and-richlands-press/194256615/)