Allen Wayne Hartless, known to many as “Sugarbear” from Buena Vista, passed away on Jan. 7, 2026, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. 

He was preceded in death by his daddy and mama, Thomas and Mildred Hartless, his sister Bonnie, his brother Gary Allen, and a special nephew Will Allen. 

Left behind to cherish his memory and miss him tremendously are his son Joshua Hartless and wife Kristi, and his daughter Ashley White and husband Joey; a brother, Joseph L. Hartless and wife Susan, and a sister-in-law, Carol Allen; seven grandchildren, Kaden Forren, Kameron Tomlinson (Logan), Jordan White, Jaedyn White, Elijah White, Grayson White, and Adalyn White; nephews Joe Hartless Jr. (Bridget) and Seth Allen; niece Jennifer Pattison (Kevin); several great-nieces and great-nephews; special friends who he loved dearly and considered family, including Ronnie Green, Roy “Cotton” Sorrels, Timmy Hartless, and the many friends up on “The Creek.”  

Co-workers knew him by Allen, some knew him as Wayne, and many called him Sugarbear. He devoted his life to raising his two children who he loved more than anything else in the world. His most cherished title was Daddy and years later would become Poppie.

He never met a stranger and no matter who you were, you were always greeted with a smile. He had the biggest, kindest, most tender heart, and he was full of patience. He loved his family and friends unconditionally and would give the shirt off of his back to anyone. He enjoyed riding up Irish Creek, watching NASCAR and Westerns, playing his guitar, and became quite the gardener over the years. His stories were larger than life and his hugs are irreplaceable.

He will be missed by so many and all of the memories we have of him will be cherished forever. We take comfort in knowing that he will greet us one day in Heaven and we will rejoice for eternity.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Buena Vista Pentecostal Holiness Church with Pastor Adam Williams officiating.