On Monday, April 5th, 2010 our most cherished, Carl (Pee Wee) Acord of Bolt, one of the “Old Man Crew,” at Massey Energy died tragically along with his friends and co-workers in the Montcoal mine explosion. He was 52 years of age.

The second of four children, Carl Calvin Acord was born on January 7th, 1958. “Pee Wee” as he was affectionately know all his life was the precious and only son of Jessie Gunnoe Acord of Bolt and the late Johnnie Acord.

A lifelong resident of Bolt, Carl was a graduate of Trap Hill High School, Class of 1976. Entering the mines at the age of 18, he began his career with Peabody Coal Company at Kopperston, Carl worked for Beckley Coal company for a number years. His last 16 years have been with Massey. Carl was a member of the coveted “Old Man Crew” of the mines. He and his fellow co-workers that died and were injured were the oldest production crew in the mines. They had vowed to “stay together” until they retired.

When his wife and children reflect on Carl’s life they remember a man who had a high work ethic. When he was wasn’t working he was with his family. Carl enjoyed working in his yard, and loved to drive his tractor. Recently his “grandbabies” had came into his life and he immensely enjoyed being PaPaw. Now his family all knew he had his “old grouchy side” but he worked so hard they understood. He loved his wife and children unconditionally. Carl had a close spot in his heart for his mother and his sisters. We, his family is thankful for Easter Sunday.

That was a good day for all of them. Carl had gave his life to the Lord several years ago and we his family know he with his Savior now. It just all ended too soon.

On September 4th, 1982, Carl married Joyce Lynn Griffith of Glen Rogers who will cherish his memory eternally. He leaves his two sons, Cody and his wife Lindsay of Bolt, Casey and his fiancé, Kista of Glen Daniel; his “grandbabies, Chase Calvin and Cameron”Coop Lee Acord; he was the dear brother of Diana Pendergrass and her husband James of Henderson, N.C., “the twins,” Sherl Grow and her husband, James of Crab Orchard and Sherry Cline and her husband Darrell of Grandview; he was the fond uncle of Kristen Wilson, Brandon Grow and Jarod Cline; a large extended family; neighbors and co-workers.

This Friday, April 9th, at 2 p.m. we will remember the life of Carl Acord at Melton Mortuary. Pastor Garry Hall will be officiating.

Carl will then be taken to the Sunset Memorial Park where he will be laid to rest near his father, Johnnie.

The family will receive friends from noon until the hour of the service.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Grow, Joseph Wilson, Jarod Cline, John and Daniel Hall, Sam, Arnold and Bob Acord.

Flowers are a wonderful gesture. The family suggests that donations can be made to Carl’s grandsons’ educational fund, The Carl Acord Trust Fund, Whitesville State Bank, PO Box 370, Glen Daniel, WV 25844

And so now we must say goodbye. He was a first a son, then a brother, a husband, “Our Dad,” a father-in-law, “Uncle PeeWee,” most recently “PaPaw,” but at the end of the day and most important of all, Carl Acord was a child of God. Condolences may be sent to the family’s guestbook at www.meltonmortuary.com

Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley. (Obituary from The Register-Herald)