William Zickafoose

William Zickafoose

William Zickafoose Obituary

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Nov. 26 to Nov. 28, 2009.
ZICKAFOOSE, William P., 87, of Richmond, passed away Tuesday November 24, 2009. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy P. Zickafoose. He is survived by two sons, Wilson and Stephen Zickafoose; a faithful provider, Mable L. Winn; special friend, Carol Martin; and a faithful friend, Gray McCalley; two brothers, Jack and Donald Zickafoose; and sister, Juanita Robey. He was a veteran of the US Army Air Corp. and a band leader of the Continental Band. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 29 at the West Chapel-Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad St., and where a funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, November 30. Entombment Westhampton Memorial Park.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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November 20, 2023

Jeanne Bowman posted to the memorial.

December 1, 2020

Jeanne Bowman posted to the memorial.

November 21, 2010

Jennifer (Crouch) Dickinson posted to the memorial.

Jeanne Bowman

November 20, 2023

Missing you Godfather and my Godmother.

Jeanne Bowman

December 1, 2020

Missing you my Uncle and Godfather❤

Jennifer (Crouch) Dickinson

November 21, 2010

Oh, my, I've just gotten an email from Legacy that says this guest book will go offline in 5 days. I can hardly believe it's been this long since Bill passed away (right after my own mother).
Bill, if your spirit can see this, know that I still think of you and the wonderful friend you were throughout my life and how you made the world a better place with your goodness, smiles, and music.
Much love offered up to you~~
Jenny Crouch

Nancy Rusinak

August 11, 2010

Just found this guestbook online, although I was aware of Mr. Zicafoose's passing. Please accept my condolences. Mr. Zickafoose was a treasure. I was proud to know him. Thanks for the musical memories, Ziggy.

Jennifer Dickinson

January 9, 2010

I am so sorry it's taken me this long to write to you. I knew Bill & Dot for what seems forever. They were living on Patterson and I was on Dinwiddie just a few blocks away. Our families were friends and I was only a little kid then, but Bill was my "savior", so to speak, when he stepped up to save my treehouse from demolition by a neighbor. Sounds small maybe today, but then it was the whole world. I kept in touch with him on and off for many years and then my own mother died this past August and it was your dad that called me immediately. Whew, what a guy. Believe me when I say I know all the emotions you're going through and my own have not lessened yet...and that's why it took me so long to write. All I could think was, "Not Bill, oh no, not Bill". We sort of expect our parents to be around forever and then we find out that's not true and it's oh, so hard.
Bill continued to keep in touch with me for the next 3 months and then all of a sudden I saw the notice in the paper and my heart dropped. Please know that even today, I send you truly heartfelt condolences. Bill was the best in my book and will always be in my heart and thoughts.
(...and not even to mention how much I'll miss the Continentals; crazy about them.)
Jenny Crouch Dickinson (daughter of T.C. and Gloria Crouch)

December 11, 2009

Dear Wilson and Steve,

Please accept my deepest
sympathies. May your memories
bring you comfort.

Cindy Watts Waller

Gary Shaver

December 10, 2009

Bill and I shared many a good time, both on and off the bandstand---as I recall, my first job with the group was in the gym at Hermitage High in the summer of 1996---as players either changed or retired, I slowly worked my way up in the sax section, starting on tenor 2, then tenor 1, over to alto 2 for Bobby Otto, and finally to alto 1 for the "man" himself...

I was glad to get to know Bill's son Steve, and to work with him over the years, too---let's hope that the band Bill created and kept alive for so long will continue to perform, pleasing dancers and music lovers here in central Virginia for many years to come...

Melissa Zickafoose

December 6, 2009

I love my Uncle Bill very much and will miss him greatly. I will cherish the memories of our times together forever..seeing his band "Bill Zickafoose and the Continentals" play, hearing his recollections of different parts of his life about the band, World War II, Aunt Dot, and our family...Rest in Peace, Uncle Bill. xoxoxoxo

December 1, 2009

My brother Bill was twelve years old when I was born. By the time I was old enough to become close to my older brother, he was gone. Into the Army in War II and then married and living in Richmond. I became close to him in my senior year of high school and while stationed in Norfolk in the Navy. I will sorely miss him. Donald Zickafoose

Gray

November 30, 2009

God bless the Zickafoose family.

It is an honor to have been Bill's friend. I know his first stop after the gate is to reunite with Dot, the love of his life. Please take solace in knowing he is at peace and making new music now with all of the other greats now.
Selah

Jeanne Bowman

November 29, 2009

Thanks to everyone who signed this guest book, your words meant so much to our family.
I will miss my Uncle & Godfather so very much.
I have always been proud of his music and the words from those who shared the experience of working with him were enjoyable to read.
My heart goes out to my cousins Wilson and Steve who have now lost both of their parents. My love and prayers are with you both.
Much love,
Jeanne Kaye Zickafoose (Bowman)

November 29, 2009

Wilson,
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad passing. He was a great musical talent in Richmond, and a great father. He will be missed by all.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kent and Heather Williamson

November 28, 2009

My wife and I were saddened this morning to hear of Bill's passing. We enjoyed many evenings dancing to Bill's orchestra. He will be sorely missed by so many people.
Bob & Pat Kinder
Fountain Hills, AZ

patti cole

November 27, 2009

I am very sorry for your lose. Bill will be missed by many and the music industry has lost a great and talented individual. Bill, along with Kenny Henderson, played a very important role in my music education and choice to become a trumpet player while attending Chesterfield County Schools. My deepest sympathy ...

Roger D. Carroll

November 27, 2009

Wilson and Steve,
I can't tell you how much your Dad meant to all of us musicians who were able to learn our craft from such a talented and wise gentleman. He was truly a class act.

Alisa & Jeff Erway

November 27, 2009

So very sad to lose a legacy. What a man! Our hearts are so saddened. He will be sorely missed.

Williamson's

November 27, 2009

Wilson and Steve sorry to hear the passing of your dad. He was a good father and husband. I liked him well.

Brooke Smith

November 26, 2009

Wilson and Steve,
It's very sad to see your Dad go. He was so special to so many people and brought much joy to many with his music. I learned a lot from him and he always brought out the best in me when I worked with him. Susan & I really enjoyed talking with him about his amazing past and taking him out to eat. You have lost your Father. The music world has lost a rare talent. Brooke Smith ( Continentals sound & recording engineer )

Carl Ziegler

November 26, 2009

Bill was a special person who I loved to talk to and listen to his music.
He will be remembered with great fondness by his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched in the long life that he led.

Ronny Levet

November 26, 2009

Steve and Wilson,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad. I always liked him and his musical genius. Take comfort in that he lived a long and full life and loved every minute of it. Ronny Levet

William Holliday

November 26, 2009

Bill has been a friend since the early 60s, when I substituted with The Continentals for a few months. I have been a current member since May 22, 2005. To say we'll miss him is an understatement.

Bill Holliday

November 26, 2009

Bill was a great friend and great band leader.He played at our wedding and will truly be missed! the Anderson Family

Mickey

November 26, 2009

Bill was a great friend and great band leader.He played at our wedding and will truly be missed! the Anderson Family

Sharon Berg

November 26, 2009

We always enjoyed these concerts, and his music brought joy to many. He will be missed.

Todd Woodson

November 26, 2009

Mr Zickafoose was "instrumental" in my musical upbringing. My Mom, Nita Kirby, sang with the Continentals in the '60s and I got to hear that great band many times, after which I knew I wanted to be a drummer. He was always the perfect gentleman and a musical representative of professionalism in the region. Mr. Zickafoose was truly the last of a very special musical breed and will be sorely missed. My Love and condolences to the Family.

Anthony@George's And The Stuff

November 26, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

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November 20, 2023

Jeanne Bowman posted to the memorial.

December 1, 2020

Jeanne Bowman posted to the memorial.

November 21, 2010

Jennifer (Crouch) Dickinson posted to the memorial.