Joseph Lawrence "Pete" Teglas

Big Stone Gap, Virginia JOSEPH LAWRENCE “PETE” TEGLAS, 87, BIG STONE GAP, VA Joseph Lawrence “Pete” Teglas, 87, of Big Stone Gap, VA, died Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at his home. He served his country proudly in both the United States Army and United States Air Force during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He retired from the Air Force in 1966 as a technical sergeant. Following his military service, Teglas worked for Westmoreland Coal Co. - Virginia Division, retiring in 1985 as a health and safety inspector. He spent his later years working in the distribution department of The Coalfield Progress, The Post and The Dickenson Star. It was after retiring from his third career that he discovered his true calling. Teglas proudly focused his attention on family and became a full-time Grand Dad to his two grandchildren and countless other youths as a volunteer at Powell Valley Primary and Appalachia Elementary schools. He touched the lives of many other children, both young and not so young, as one of Santa's “helpers” at area schools, company Christmas parties, nursing homes and in parades. Most recently, he treasured his role as a Great-Grand Dad to four great-granddaughters. Teglas attended Andover Community Church and enjoyed spinning yarns with old and new acquaintances. His military service afforded him the opportunity to travel the globe. He served in Japan, Okinawa, Great Britain, France, Algeria, Turkey and West Germany. When stationed state-side, he served in Texas, California, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, Florida and New Jersey. Many of the favorite recollections that he shared described vivid memories of his military years. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceeded in death by his wife Mary Jane Couch Teglas; parents Julius and Helen Szecsodi Teglas; brothers Julius Teglas, Jr., Frank Teglas, Alexander Teglas, John Teglas and Steve Teglas; sisters Julia Teglas Harrison, Mary Teglas Spears and Anna Teglas Swiney; granddaughter Ashton Julianne Teglas; and son-in-law Chip Myers. He is survived by daughter Mary Jo Myers of Big Stone Gap and son and daughter-in-law Johnny and Kimberly Teglas of Appalachia; granddaughter Courtney Myers Hampton and husband Randall of Big Stone Gap; grandson Jonathan Clark Teglas of Blacksburg; special granddaughter Erin Herndon of Big Stone Gap; great-granddaughters Kaitlin Buckles, Ashley Hampton, Samantha Hampton and Hannah Hampton, all of of Big Stone Gap; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Roy A. Green Funeral Home in Appalachia. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Tony Nunley, Rev. Greg Townsend and Rev. Ronnie Mutter officiating. Military graveside services will be conducted at American Legion Cemetery in Big Stone Gap Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Andover Community Church or Powell Valley Primary School.