William Glynn Loope

It is difficult to imagine Botetourt County without William G. (Bill) Loope, but that time has come to pass. Bill succumbed to a prolonged series of health complications on Friday, August 28, 2009. Strong to the end, he never waivered in his commitment to family, friends and community.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Lee Loope; son, Glynn and his wife, Jill; and granddaughter, Emilee; daughter, Michelle; sister, Ginger; and brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas B. Smith; sisters-in-law, Katie P. Loope, Linda N. Loope and Suzanne B. Arrington; brother-in-law, Joseph M. Arrington Jr., and brother-in-law, Mike Arrington and his wife, Janis; in addition to numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Katherine Loope; and brothers Jimmy (in March 2007) and Bobby (in June 2009.)

Bill was in the last graduating class of Buchanan High School in 1959, serving as its senior class president. He attended Virginia Tech for a period of time, remaining a dedicated Hokie fan throughout his years.

He retired after 38 years of service with Appalachian Power Company, to be followed by years of travel, photography, and spoiling his granddaughter, Emilee.

Bill Loope was committed to a spirit of community service, personified by his active life with the Botetourt County Jaycees, where he was a past president and state vice president with the Virginia Jaycees; past president of the Bonsack/ Blue Ridge Ruritan Club; dedicated to the Gideons organization; and was an active member and Deacon at Bonsack Baptist Church.

Public service was always a calling for Bill. Active in local and state political affairs, he served as a member of the Botetourt County Planning Commission, and later on the Electoral Board.

In 1992, Bill took his energy and commitment to community and public service to a new level by seeking a seat on the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors, which he held until 2004. While on the Board of Supervisors, he served on numerous committees, in addition to service with the Virginia Association of Counties, chairing the committee on rural affairs and economic and community development.

While on the Board of Supervisors, he was committed to listening to constituents concerns, no matter how large or small, to advancing the county's education system, while having a passion for economic development, that balanced the rural character of Botetourt, with its ever growing number of residents. His family roots in Botetourt, going back to the origins of the nation, gave Bill a perspective on the past, that shaped his view of the future.

The family will receive friends at Oakey's Funeral Home, East Chapel on Sunday, August 30, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

The service will be held 2 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2009, at Bonsack Baptist Church, 4845 Cloverdale Road with Dr. Robert G. Moore III officiating, followed by a graveside service at Wheatland Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Bonsack Baptist Church Youth or Music Ministries at, 4845 Cloverdale Road, Roanoke, Va. 24019, or to the American Red Cross Roanoke Chapter.