Joseph Oden "Joey" Vallina, Jr.

Joseph Oden "Joey" Vallina, Jr., 72, of Oak Hill, passed away at home on Saturday, January 25, 2014. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Patricia Ann Vallina and his son, Joseph O. Vallina, III. Joey was born in Beard’s Fork, WV, the son of the late Joe Vallina and Mary Elizabeth Vallina (née Nutter). He served in the U.S. Air Force in Spain during the Cold War. Upon his return to WV, he received his B.S. degree from West Virginia Tech and began a 35-year career with the Mine Safety and Health Administration, in which he eventually served as the District 4 electrical supervisor for WV. After retiring from MSHA he served as an expert witness, again keeping miners safe. He was a lifelong Mason. Half Scotch-Irish, half Spanish, Joey had no trouble making friends…and making them feel special. He loved to spend time on the Greenbrier River and visit his ancestral home in Spain and recently traveled with his son to visit family there. He is survived and remembered fondly by his wife and son; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Vallina, of Silver Spring, MD; his sisters Bonnie Gillespie of St. Augustine, FL, and Tomasa Harriston of Charleston; and his grandchildren, Sylvia and Joseph David Vallina along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Calling hours will be held from 5-8pm on Tues., January 28, 2014, at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill. A eulogy will be at 7:00 P.M. On line condolences may be sent to our website at www.tyreefuneralhome.com Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV is in charge of arrangements.