William John Stockwell

William John Stockwell

William Stockwell Obituary

Published by Roanoke Times on Feb. 7, 2009.
Colonel William John Stockwell, 56, of Lexington, Va., died February 4, 2009. Funeral 11 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2009, at Jackson Memorial Hall on the VMI campus. Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.
This obituary was originally published in the Roanoke Times.

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February 27, 2017

Patrick Poindexter posted to the memorial.

May 13, 2009

Mari Liddle (Blackburn) posted to the memorial.

March 12, 2009

Zeno Henninger '72 posted to the memorial.

Patrick Poindexter

February 27, 2017

I remembered when I was playing baseball Mr. Stockwell was one of my coaches right next to Vernon Beitzel & Jimmy Coale. At first I didn't knew that he passed away because no one never told me. But his spirit will always live on Jaclyn,Bret & Rob sorry for your loss. I Understand Thus Was A Huge loss for your family because my love for your family will be hear in my heart. When I think about things like these it saddens me the most of the memories of our Baseball squad that I had with your father. Because you will always got us Jimbo,Vern,Patrick,Kevin,Ross,Ryan,Danny, Rob & etc..sincerely Patrick H. Poindexter II

Mari Liddle (Blackburn)

May 13, 2009

I grew up with Bill, his brothers and sister Martha in Ridgewood NJ. I just heard about this today, and it saddens me a great deal. My prayers go out to his family

Zeno Henninger '72

March 12, 2009

My condolences to the family of Colonel Stockwell. His contributions to the VMI are highly appreciated by this alumnus.

Steve Doll

March 11, 2009

I'm so sorry for your loss, I didn't know Bill very well but he was a big part in Adam's life as a coach and will alway be remembered. My prayers are with you and your family.

Mike Barbour

March 11, 2009

I first met Bill in 1976 at JMU where he was doing graduate work and managing a dormitory while also beginning his career at VMI. I worked under him as an RA. He was not only my "boss," but a friend and mentor as well. While we've been out of touch with one another for many years, I have followed his career at VMI and I am glad that so many students there had the benefit of knowing and learning from Bill. I offer my heartfelt condolances to Bill's family and cherish my memories of this outstanding man.

Fred and Lillie Smith

February 13, 2009

God's continued blessings upon you all.

Carol Calak Doyle

February 11, 2009

Bill & I attended Springfield College together. He was an old friend and I remember his kindness. I'm sad we won't see him again on campus but his spirit will be with us when we gather together and he will live in our memories. Sincere condolences.

Tony Caputo

February 11, 2009

Jill, Bredt and family,

We are sorry to hear of the loss of Coach Bill Stockwell. He welcomed us and our son Brandon to the little league program in Lexington. He always did a great job making each boy feel valued and making sure each had his opportunity to shine as well as teaching them the fundamentals of baseball and sportsmanship. We will miss Bill but know that his legacy will continue through the boys that he worked with

John Mitrovic

February 10, 2009

Jill:
I am very sorry for your loss and for the untimely passing of Bill. You and Bill took me under your wings early in my first year when I taught with him in the Physical Education Department. For that I will be always grateful.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers during this difficult time.

In Sympathy I am,

Marie & Paul Stansel

February 10, 2009

Though we've never met you or your family, please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you. We learned of the tragedy from his Aunt Ruth and Uncle Leonard, our pastor. The members of Rollstone church hold you in our prayers.

Thomas J.J. Duncan

February 9, 2009

Jill, I just wanted you to know that I have been thinking about you and your family. It has been a long time since I've seen you, Robby, or Jaclyn (I was never fortunate to meet Bredt). One of the last times I saw you, I was asking you about fat calories....I'm still counting them...Thanks!
I will continue to think of your family and will keep you in our prayers. Take care and I hope to see you in the future.

Karen Wolner

February 9, 2009

Jill and family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Please know that we love you all greatly.
Karen and John Wolner
Albany, New York

Sharon Tomassetti

February 9, 2009

Jill - I am so sad for your loss, and I pray that you will find some comfort in the fact that so many people love you and share your sorrow. May God bless you and keep you and the entire VMI family in his loving care.

Pam Roes

February 9, 2009

Jill, I am so sorry...I am praying for you and your children. You are in my thoughts and I am always here for you.

Love you, Pam

Becky, Scott, Natalie, Clara and Grace Fleshman

February 8, 2009

Jill,
Your friends from Providence II are praying for you. Lean on us!! We love you... We will help in any way, big or small.

Brooke Lawhorn

February 8, 2009

Dear Jill, I'm so sorry to hear about Bill. Please know that You, Robby, Jaclyn and Bredt will be in my thoughts and prayers now and the days to come. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Much love, Brooke Lawhorn

Jim Green

February 8, 2009

Our thoughts are with all of the VMI family at this time.
Jim and Millie Green

Dana Davis

February 8, 2009

We were fortunate to meet your husband and father, Col. Bill Stockwell, while serving as members of the VMI Parents' Council this Fall. We recall his geniune warmth, his kindness, and his knowledge of the Institute and the Cadets. We cannot begin to understand the depth of your loss but we want you to know that we hold you close in our thoughts and prayers. We are grateful for the contribution he made to our son's education and training. There is no more honorable, selfless gift than teaching, supporting those who teach, and encouraging those who learn. Every cadet, both present and past, carries with him or her a bit of the fine character that defined Col. Stockwell. All of them are in his debt. Our heartfelt sympathy is with you all. Dana and Dr. Bob Davis (Parents, HW Davis '11)

Sarah Bartlett

February 7, 2009

Jill...you made me laugh so many times in the moments I ran into you. Children, weight and other random topics. Those memories touch me still a half a world away. Know that I am thinking of you...

Susan Alexander

February 7, 2009

Jill, Bill was the finest person I've ever worked with, and his devotion to you and your family was apparent daily. There are truly no words to express our love for him, and the deep gratitude that he was able to touch so many lives, especially the children and cadets. What a loss for everyone. I know that he is in God's comforting hands, and is watching over his beloved family. Love always, Susan and Dan Alexander

Marge McMullen

February 7, 2009

Jill and family,

I'm at a loss for words today and cannot stop thinking about each of you. Please know that you're in my thoughts and if there's anything I can do, please don't hestitate to let me know.

February 6, 2009

Jill and family,
Please know that you will continually be in our hearts and prayers.
Love, Susan, Dick, Jessica, Rebekah, Sarah Elizabeth and Kathleen Wager

Vera Merchant

February 6, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kim & Diane Office of Dr. A. B. Hammond

February 6, 2009

Jill and family,

Please know that we are saddened to hear of Bill's passing, you and your family are in our hearts and prayers. We know that he will be missed by many not just your family. If we can be of help to any of your family in any way small or big, please let us know.

God Bless.

Beth Wells

February 6, 2009

Jill,

You and your family are in our constant thoughts and prayers.
Beth and Zack Wells

Sonny Craven

February 6, 2009

Mrs. Stockwell. I am dealing personally with the tragic loss of your husband but I know it pales in comparison to your own grief. Bill was so helpful to me during the years I was with VMI communication & marketing. He was a wonderful example and had so many qualities, not the least of which were an outstanding personality and genuine love for VMI. I could turn to him whenever I needed support from the dean's office and was so delighted when he was elevated to that position.

My prayers are for you and your children, but please know that Bill's memory will always be an inspiration for me.

Sally Woody

February 6, 2009

Jill... I just want to let you know that I'm so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Eli Liang

February 6, 2009

Although I did not know Col. Stockwell well, I did exchange email with him a few weeks ago. He answered my email in an extremely thoughtful way, in an email that came complete with facts and figures. He struck me as a highly intelligent man; one who cared deeply about the Institute and took his responsibilities quite seriously. I'm certain that VMI will miss his presence. My condolences to his family.

Sincerely,

Eli Liang, a parent of a VMI cadet

Kathy Ruffin

February 6, 2009

Dear Jill and children,
My words cannot express the pain and sympathy that I am feeling for you all at this time. Please know that you are in my constant thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful husband, father, and mentor. He will be greatly missed by more than you can imagine! Please let God, your friends, family and community help you all through this tragedy.
Much love to each of you!

Eloise Sensabaugh

February 6, 2009

Jill,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and the children are in my thoughts and prayers. May yours memories bring you comfort. Just remember God is with you in your time of grief.

Linda Bayly-Smith

February 6, 2009

Jill and children,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dianah Kelly

February 6, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. COL Stockwell was such a wonderful person. He will be sadly missed by all. I will certanily miss his friendly face and smile here at VMI. God Bless you all.

Robert Foresman

February 6, 2009

Jill you and the children are in my thoughts and prayers. Bill will be sadly missed by all. As you move forward your faith, family, and friends will carry you through.

Anna Volant

February 6, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We are praying for your family.

Tucker Maloney

February 6, 2009

To all of the Stockwell family,
COL Stockwell was a teacher of mine in the early '80's, and I had the privilege to serve on one of the cadet activity committees he advised. He was a very good man, and like many other former cadets with whom he intefaced, was shocked by and deeply regret your loss. Best wishes to your family in this difficult time. The on-post and extended VMI community will greatly miss him, and will always appreciate his service and guidance.

Jim Turner

February 6, 2009

Jill and Family,

Bill was a close professional friend and gave me great inspiration and support in doing my job as Director for Undergraduate Research here at VMI. He was the strength and consciousness of our academic life at VMI. He cared so much for those that he worked with and was willing to offer his well respected advice and wisdom to any and all in need. Bill recruited me back to VMI and for that I will be eternally grateful to him and he gave us the original charge to start the Undergraduate Research Initiative. I will always remember Bill for his honesty, strength of character, and his steadfast love for VMI.

Virginia’s and my prayers are with you and your family now and forever.

With the greatest respect and love.

Jim

Colonel James E. Turner, PhD '65
Professor of Biology
Director of Undergraduate Research
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, VA 24450
Phone: 540-464-7436
FAX: 540-464-7761
[email protected]

James and Laura Squire

February 5, 2009

Jill,
My last words to Bill were just a couple of days ago, thanking him for the work he did so many years ago with creating the RARO basketball program for children. He played an important role in my choice to come and stay at VMI, and his humor ("I know deans should be watching PBS and not ESPN, but I just can't stand it!"), honesty, and commitment to help others are a terrible loss for our entire community.

Larry and Debbie Coffey

February 5, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lorie VanNess

February 5, 2009

Dear Jill and Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man. Kevin thought the world of him and he will be missed on the baseball field. Kevin told me today that Bill always made him feel like he could do anything, thats just the type of man he was he really supported the young men he coached. I hope what I have written will comfort you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

When we lose our loves ones its hard to understand,
But Bill will always be remembered as an awesome and wonderful man.

He worked with our young men and the community too,
But more then that he loved all of you.

Please put your faith in God like I know you can,
For he holds all of you in the palm of his hand.

With Love,
Lorie, Chelsey and Kevin VanNess

Lynn Meade

February 5, 2009

I am so sorry Jill. God be with you and your children.

Terri Knight

February 5, 2009

Jill, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Robert (my son, class of 2011) spoke highly of Col. Stockwell. He will be missed. Take comfort in your memories of the good times with him and know you will see him again.

Cheryl, Bernie, Jon & Ben Watts

February 5, 2009

Jill and family,
We are shocked and saddened to learn of Bill's earthly death. May God wrap you in His arms and give you strength, grace, and peace. Look forward to the joyous reunion in Heaven.
Blessings,

Lynn Tyree

February 5, 2009

Dear Jill,I am so sorry for your loss.
You and the children are in my prayers. I use to cut his hair. I pray the Lord will comfort you.

Melou & George Piegari

February 5, 2009

Dear Jill & Family, We are out of town and got the tragic news. You know that Bill was always one of my favorites and for whom I had the greatest respect and admiration. It will be a long time before I can get back to joking & laughing with you. Please know that you are constantly and our thoughts & prayers. -- George (& Melou).

Lisa Zitmore

February 5, 2009

Dear Jill and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Trust in God, and he will give you the strength you will need. I am here for you whenever you need someone.
Always, Lisa Zitmore and family

Rita Blackwell

February 5, 2009

Jill, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that we are here for you if you need anything. Bill will certainly be missed. Larry, Rita and Lauren Blackwell

Barton and Gail Dick

February 5, 2009

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Lorri Thompson

February 5, 2009

Dear Jill and Family:
I was saddened to hear of your loss, please know that you will be in my thought and prayers daily. This is truly a time to lean on your faith and trust that God always has a path to follow.
With All My Heart,

Amy Reid

February 5, 2009

My husband and I will be praying for the families and many friends of Colonel Stockwell. I will miss seeing him on post at VMI. May God ease your pain and sustain you now and always. Amy & Charlie Reid

Tamara Hattersley

February 5, 2009

Jill, you and your family are in our prayers. You are such a sweet person and please know that we are thinking of you.

Mitzi Waters

February 5, 2009

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Mike Sebastino

February 5, 2009

Words cannot express how sorry I am over your loss. Bill was instrumental in my coming to VMI five years ago, and I immediately liked him as I interviewed with him. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him over the past five years – especially when our “work” meetings would evolve into conversations about sports. He was the epitome of a “nice guy,” and he will be missed.

Raymond and Jill Trout

February 5, 2009

We are saddened to hear about Bill. Daniel thought the world of him, we are diligently praying for your whole family. We are so sorry.....and will miss seeing him with the boys during baseball....Love, Raymond, Jill and Daniel Trout

Dabney Ruffin

February 5, 2009

dear Stockwells, i am extremely sorry to hear about your loss, you are all in my prayers and i am thinking about you daily.
-sending my love-
Dabney Ruffin

John Hart

February 5, 2009

To the family of William Stockwell, I am sorry to hear of you earthly loss of a Husband, Father, and friend.

I pray that God will comfort you and provide peace to you. I know your family and friends will be there to help, go ahead and lean on them. The VMI family will also be there to help.

In the bonds of the Institute, John Hart '68

Alice Flora

February 5, 2009

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Terri Lowder

February 5, 2009

Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. What a terrible loss for the Rockbridge and VMI communities.

Dale Davis

February 5, 2009

I first met Bill Stockwell in 1978 when I was a Rat. He was as friendly, compassionate, and engaging then as when I returned to VMI in 1997 to join the faculty. Throughout my time on the VMI staff Bill was a source of encouragement, wise counsel and honest friendship. He upheld the highest standards of integrity and character and was untiring in his commitment to VMI and his students. I was honored to be his colleague and friend and deeply saddened by his passing. He will certainly be remembered by all who knew him as a truly great human being.

Saundra and Bob Martis

February 5, 2009

Bob and I are shocked to hear about Bill. He was a wonderful man. We will always remember our times with you, Bill and the kids at those long swim meets sitting and sitting and sitting waiting for the kids to compete. It was fun. Our prayers are with you.

George and Amanda Ray

February 5, 2009

To Jill, Jaclyn, Robby and Bredt,
We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and father. Please know that you always have our love and support.

George and Amanda Ray

February 5, 2009

Kipper and I are so sorry. I could not believe the sad news when I saw it in the paper today. I have a call into Louie who is in Idaho. We are here for you. Mary Nottingham

NINA AND DON FARRISS

February 5, 2009

JILL..YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE VERY MUCH IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME...WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS OUR FEELINGS...JUST KNOW THAT YOU HAVE OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY...

Deneise Shafer

February 5, 2009

Jill and family,
My heart is heavy for you and your family. Losing someone is never easy. I am really sorry for your loss. At times like these you have to lean on your faith and try to accept that god has a bigger purpose for us. May all the love that surrounds you give you strength.

Anne & Jess Truax

February 5, 2009

Jill, our prayers and hearts are with you at this time.

Melissa Hennis

February 5, 2009

There will be a void in our community with the loss of Bill. He had such a positive impact on our children and on each of us. He was a great husband to Jill, a great father to Robbie, Jacklyn, and Bredt, he was a great teacher and administrator, he was a great coach, and he was a wonderful friend to so many. I will miss seeing him on his bike each day and I will especially miss seeing him on the baseball field with our boys. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you.
Pat, Melissa, and Adam Hennis

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February 27, 2017

Patrick Poindexter posted to the memorial.

May 13, 2009

Mari Liddle (Blackburn) posted to the memorial.

March 12, 2009

Zeno Henninger '72 posted to the memorial.