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William Obenchain Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Obenchain
January 5, 2010
Karen,
I have thought about you so much this past week and want you to know we will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Love,
Penny and Sam
Leslie Turner-Babcock
January 5, 2010
Precious Karen, though I did not know your sweet husband,it is obvious he was a very loved man. You are such a special gal and I KNOW that even though a piece of your heart is missing,it is still very much there and alive. I am sending you my wishes and love and to say that "Billy" is now being held in GOD's loving arms.With love and sympathy, Leslie Turner Babcock
Anna
December 30, 2009
I am sorry about Billy's passing but he is in a better place. He was a great man very kind and sweet. He served well in town council and as a firefighter, he was at station number two and my dad is a life-time member. I also know him through by grandmother because she worked at the flower shop. I have many fond memories of Billy. I wanted to express my condolences to the Obenchain family.
Denise Moore
December 29, 2009
Alice, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Billy. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Liz Zangari
December 29, 2009
Alice
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. My prayers are with you and your family.
Johnny Nixon
December 29, 2009
I want to express my sorrow at the passing of Billy to the Obenchain family. Billy and I go way back but I can tell you this he is not sick anymore and in a much better place.
Leslie Scott Amos
December 29, 2009
Karen,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
With Love Always!
Lee & Myrna Trussler
December 29, 2009
My son, Chris, is one of "Billy's Boys". In addition to working with Billy at #2 Station for a number of years, he used to help out at the florist shop on busy days. Billy has been a good friend to him, as well as a mentor. I believe that next to Chris' Dad, Billy has been the most influential person in his life. Chris worked with Billy on several project for the fire dept., including hose nozzle research. When Billy retired, I have heard Chris say many times, whenever the firefighters touch those nozzles, Billy will be there. Whenever we would see him, he never failed to ask about Chris; he will be missed.
To Karen and the family, please accept our condolences. You are in our prayers.
David O'Neal
December 29, 2009
On behalf of Vinton town Council candidate Aaron Lyles, we want to express or sincere condolences to the family of Vinton’s Vice-Mayor, Mr. Billy Obenchain. Mr. Obenchain was a true public servant, through his involvement with the fire department as well as his service on Town Council. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends through this difficult time of loss.
David O'Neal
Communications Director
540-397-5085
December 29, 2009
Obenchain Family,
I'm so sorry for your lost. I know he will be missed.I remember Billy and my dad(Danny Wood)working together at the flower shop when I was little,I would always love to come vist them at work and Billy would always give me candy. He was always so nice. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kristin Wood
Sarah Janney
December 28, 2009
Dear Friends,
We have so many happy memories of times spent with your dear family--from your kindnesses at the florist's to our high school years and the high school years of our boys to watching our boys grow into young men. We can still see Billy sitting on that top row of bleachers taking movies of the soccer and football games. We love you all like family and will never see a firetruck without being reminded of Billy's big smile. He has left a legacy of service and love we would all do well to emulate. May God give you strength and the peace that passes understanding for the difficult days ahead. We love you and are here for you. Sarah, Gary, Craig, Jenni, and Bruce Janney
Mary Criner Kingery
December 28, 2009
Mrs. Obenchain, Alice and family
My thoughts and paryers are with you at this time. Alice i have thought of you often recently, from our nights in the tv room listening to music to spending time snowed in and Billy or Randy would have to take me home. I know you will miss him greatly and i was honored to have known him. I will never forget training fires and seeing him there runing the show. He took me into my first burnung building and ill never forget it. My God be with you all at this time.
TERESA DRUMMOND
December 28, 2009
SORRY IT'S TAKEN TIL TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT I WAS SO VERY SORRY TO HERE OF BILLY'S PASSING...I HOPE THAT GOD'S LOVING HANDS HAVE HELD YOU UP AT THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME., AND THE MEMORIES HAVE HELPED TO PLACE A SMILE ON YOU FACE FROM TIME TO TIME. FOR BILLY WAS A TRUE HERO AND FIREMEN AND HIS KINDNESS WILL BE MISSED... THIS AREA HAS LOST ONE OF IT'S BEST! MAY GOD'S LOVE BE WITH YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS!
FROM A ROANOKE CITY FIREMEN KID...
TERESA SHELTON DRUMMOND
THE LATE(DONALD R. SHELTON'S)
April Brown
December 28, 2009
Karen,Randy and family. May God's strength continue to hold you up as the days pass. Billy was special to many people but he will be missed most by you. God will see you through this.
April Brammer Brown
Deborah Snead-Wright
December 28, 2009
To Karen and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Everyone thought so much of Billy and we know that he will be greatly missed. You and your family will be in our prayers in the days ahead.
Deborah Snead-Wright
Thomas and Catherine Snead
Emily Totten
December 28, 2009
The fire service has lost one of the best. Billy you will be missed.
Debra Wade
December 28, 2009
It is so difficult to lose a loved one, and especially hard this season of the year. Our prayers are with your family now.
I will always remember Billy and our days in school.We shared many classes together as the years passed. He will always hold a special place in my heart. May His name forever be of blessed memory .
Debra Wingfield Wade
December 28, 2009
Karen, Mrs. "O", Randy, Alice, Jeremy and Zak,
I just wanted to say how very much I thought of Billy and what a large footprint he left here on Earth. He did so much in the time that he was here that helped so very many. I remember very fondly, my days at Obenchain's Flowers, my very 1st job and Billy was a mentor to me. He taught me not only a good work ethic but also how to have fun while working. The many memories that he left behind will forever live in the hearts of all who knew him. Many thoughts and prayers to you all.
Toni Vaughan Smith, Hardy, VA
Debbie Pugh
December 28, 2009
To Karen and Family,
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.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
December 28, 2009
My Prayers are with the family. I know Billy will be greaty missed.
William D. "BILL" McCormack
Goodview Va
Rosie Caldwell
December 28, 2009
My Billy left such a legacy. Karen, he couldn't have accomplished it without you.
December 28, 2009
Karen: I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Billy's smiling face when we were neighbors on Ceylon St. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May God Bless Pam Swartzel Brooks
Daniel & Nancy Doss
December 28, 2009
Karen & family
Our love and prayers are with all of you in the loss of Billy. We will never forget his many acts of kindness. This is a great loss to Vinton and the Roanoke Valley. May your prescious memories give you much comfort. Our thoughts and payers are with you.
December 28, 2009
Karen and Family
I was shocked and sadden to read about Billy. I trust the Lord will bring you comfort in the days ahead, Our prayers are for you all that knowing their is no more suffering here on earth and that someday you will see him again.
Chris Morris Updike
Jay Trout
December 27, 2009
Billy will be greatly missed and my condolances to the Obenchain family
Catherine Ross
December 27, 2009
Karen and family-I am so sad for your loss. Billy was always that person who everyone had good things to say about from his youth throughout his adult life. We all wish that life could have been longer but he left quite a legacy of love, friendship and good works. God Bless you all.
Michelle Fernatt
December 27, 2009
Karen,Please know that you are thought of and prayed for....Mom sends her love as well!!! xxooxx
Bruce Roy
December 27, 2009
Billy was a fine man. I first met him in 1982 as a firefighter in RCFD Hollins station 5. I continued to know Billy during my professional career. He will be greatly missed. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Butch Moses
December 27, 2009
To the family,
Even though we are far away, our prayers are for Billy and his family
and may God Bless you all,
Butch and Rhonda Moses
Lillie Stevens (Jordan)
December 27, 2009
To Karen: Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. May wonderful memories bring you comfort. (From: Another former Terrier; and HR colleague)
Mike Reid
December 27, 2009
Karen and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Billy was a strong man, friend, husband, father, brother, son and teacher. Many have leraned so much from him and they will never forget him and his values. You and your family have been an inspiration to so many. The community and the fire service have lost a truely special person, those who knew him will always remember him. May God bless your family.
Mike Reid
Eagle Rock VFD & Blue Ridge VFD
Botetourt County Firefighters Association
December 27, 2009
Dear Karen & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The community and Fire/EMS brothers & sisters have lost a great man. He will always be remembered.
Pat Ferris
December 26, 2009
Alice,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Hold fast to the memories of your dear brother ... they will carry you through some of the difficult times.
God bless,
Pat Ferris
December 26, 2009
Dear Karen & family:
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Billy. This has got to be very hard, but you are a very strong woman and my prayers are with you at this time of loss.
Love,
Judith Broughman Mills
December 26, 2009
Karen,
He will be missed, always had a kind word when we would see you guys at the Dogwood. Heaven gets a little stronger every day! Our prayers are with you!
Denny & Helen Carr
Jean Mullins Jordan
December 26, 2009
Dear Frances,
Many years have passed since we first met. I often think of you. My prayers are with you during the loss of your beloved son.
December 26, 2009
Karen & family.
We're keeping you close to our hearts and our prayers are with you. God Bless.
Cary and Donna Proctor
December 26, 2009
What a great loss to the community and the fire service. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Kent Henson
Mt. Pleasant Fire Department
Terry & Trish Payne
December 26, 2009
Karen & Family
We are so sorry to hear about your loss our prayers go out to you during this sad time.
Your old friends and neightbors from Ceylon Street.
Dianne Shelton-Waterman
December 26, 2009
May the wonderful memories you have fill your heart now and always, you are in my thoughts and prayers. As a "Fireman Kid" I knew Chief Obenchain when my dad was at the department.
Ronnie & Beverley Campbell
December 25, 2009
To the Obenchain family,
Through our son, Ronald Campbell, who worked with Billy at the RFD we were able to meet and talk with Billy. We also would help him with the many children he helped at Christmas time by taking several children off of his tree at the florist shop. We also understood that if there were children's names left on the tree, that he would buy for them himself in order for them to have something for Christmas. That is a very special person. He inspired so many people to help others because of his kindness and thoughtfulness to others. He always seemed to think of everyone else's needs more than his own. I know he will be missed by his family and the many friends he had. May God be with you at this time of sorrow.
Ronnie and Beverley Campbell
December 25, 2009
Randy, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I know how close you and Billy were and I know that he will be greatly missed by everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
-Mary (Brown) Cecil
Ginnie Hall
December 25, 2009
I thought so much of Billy.
December 25, 2009
To the fireman's fireman, I will miss you greatly!!! Mike Milton ( Uncle Milty!!!!!)
Gloria Morgan
December 25, 2009
Mr. Obenchain was very special and will be greatly missed. I enjoyed his sense of humor and unique spirit. I was honored to have the opportunity to get to know him through my job at the Town of Vinton. My thoughts and prayers are with the Obenchain family - may God bless you and comfort you during this difficult time.
Chuck Sharp
December 25, 2009
Chief Obenchain was truly one of the cornerstones of the City FD. Although I never worked for Billy, I taught a few pump classes for the recruit schools with him and actually felt like one of the students when he was talking! I think I learned as much as them when he was teaching. The recruits even knew who he was and his reputation before he was introduced. He was so respected! I dont know of anyone in our department past or present that was/is respected as much as him. When Chief talked, EVERYBODY listened!! His name and legacy will never be forgotten in our department. He will be sorely missed for a long time to come. Rest in Peace Chief!
Rita Karen Douglas
December 24, 2009
The Douglas Family assembled here in West Virginia for Christmas sorrows with you and sends you comfort and profound sympathy. The graceful thoughtfulness of your tending to our concerns at this time is greatly valued. Remember all the love.
Shirley Newton
December 24, 2009
Karen and Family,
I'm so sory to hear of your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. You and your family will be in my prayers.
william martin
December 24, 2009
Billy you will be missed you helped the members and myself of the stewartsville chamblissburg fire dept get a good start of being great fire men and woman and you and i loved playing softball in past years god bless William Martin
Tonya Rose
December 24, 2009
Karen, my deepest sympathies are with you and your family. I remember our conversations at Litton and how highly you spoke of Billy. He truly was a great man. May God continue to bless and comfort each one of you during this time. For God makes no mistakes. He was ready for his angel to come home. Please know that my prayers are with you.
Tiffany Thompson
December 24, 2009
Randy-
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
God Bless!
Donna Pride
December 24, 2009
Hi Karen, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My mom in Richmond sends her prayers and sympathy to you as well. May our God hold you and keep you in his loving care.
Donna Pride (Manpower)
Lenora Miller
December 24, 2009
Karen, Alice , Randy & Mrs. O,
Love and prayers to all of you !!!
Monty, Kelly and Dalton
Julie Tucei
December 24, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Obenchain family at this sad time. Mr. Obenchain was a wonderful person who was always known for his kindness, fairness, and honesty. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know him through my job at the Town of Vinton. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is in a better place now that his brave battle is over. May he rest in peace.
Citizen
December 24, 2009
Best wishes to the Obenchain family and to all of his friends at RFD.
Jennie Waid
December 24, 2009
I had the honor of knowing Mr. Obenchain only a short time but in that short time he made a great impact on my life. I've been a nurse for many years but there's always that one person that you meet that just stands out and that would be Mr. Obenchain to me. I admired his quiet dignity and his strength. I'll remember him always as the type of man that did great things for anyone just because that was the right thing to do. To his family I send my deepest sympathies and prayers.
Cindy Cupp
December 24, 2009
Dear Karen,Jeremy,and Zac,
I was so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. He fought a long hard battle.
I know he loved Christmas,he came to many "a Open House" parties, sharing his jokes or giving a good ribbing,spreading lots of laughter. I hope you all know he will be at the biggest best party of all.... Jesus birthday party! he saved the best for last.I know he will be greatly missed here on earth but just remember you will see him again!I hope you will find some peace and my God grant you strength, you all have been through so much.You will be in my prayers!
Love,
Cindy C.
Vinton
Marsha Garrison
December 24, 2009
Frances and Family,
I am so very sorry that Billy has died. He was very special and I know you will miss him so much. I have so many fond memories of our times at the flower shop. My love and prayers are with you and Randy and Alice Marie, and all the rest of your family.
Much love,
Marsha Lyon Garrison
Amy Hebert
December 24, 2009
to billy: you will be greatly missed dear friend. to karen and the rest of the family: may love keep you together forever. my thoughts are with all of you.
Bill & Janet Tyree
December 24, 2009
We will miss Billys smiling face and will cherish the memories he leaves behind for us. Our deepest symphathies to the family..his friends and all those that knew Billy. Sadly missed by Bill and Janet Tyree, Vinton Dogwood Festival.
December 24, 2009
My thoughts and prayers to the family of a great man and Vintonite.
Kevin Orange
Town of Vinton Public Works
Sonny & Kathy Martin
December 24, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through the days ahead. We are praying for the Lord to give you the comfort that only He can.
"Moe" Mattox
December 24, 2009
Billy was the most courageous person I have ever met. I am proud to have been able to call him friend. The long battle is finally over and you can rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with Billy's family.
"Moe" and Carol
December 24, 2009
All my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Take peace that Bill is now with the angels and no longer battling with a disease. We will see he again soon.
V. Parsons
Pam Powell
December 24, 2009
Karen, words cannot express how sorry I am about Billy, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys.
December 24, 2009
Karen, Jeremy, Zach, Frances, Randy, Alice Marie and families,
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to each of you in the loss of Billy. We are grateful for all he has done in our community and we will surely miss him. May God bless you and give you comfort and peace. We will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Wayne and Helen Foster
Pat Mullins
December 24, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Sam Hayes
December 24, 2009
Alice - I send my condolences to you and your family today. I know how close you were to your brother and how much you loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tommy Wagner
December 24, 2009
What a loyal servant to our community. He was always so fun and dedicated and hard working. May the God of grace bless all of the family and grant you rest and peace. He can join my Father who really cared for him.
December 24, 2009
Karen, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. God always has a better plan.
Joel and Debbie Brammer
Cecil Wingo
December 24, 2009
You will be missed my friend. God bless you, see you on the other side.
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