BICKERSTAFF, William Arthur "Billy", passed away October 21, 2008. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Louise Dollard Bickerstaff, his brother, James Bickerstaff Jr. and his sister, Martha Bickerstaff Fulgham. He is survived by five children, William Arthur Bickerstaff Jr., of Richmond, Va., Louise McCallon and her husband, Eddie and their son, James of Fleming Island, Fla., Beverley Pack and her husband, Gary and their children, Dylan and Kori, Susan Rogers and her husband, Bryan and their children, Rebecca and Mason and Margaret Walker and her husband, Scott and their children, Nicholas and Thomas, all of Richmond, Va.; two sisters, Agnes Bickerstaff Whitlock of Richmond, Va. and Ann Bickerstaff Beauchamp of Maitland, Fla.; his dear friend and companion, Gaye Moran of Adelaide, South Australia; and numerous nieces and nephews. After graduating from VMI in 1952, Billy served in Korea from 1953 to 1954 as a first Lieutenant with the 578 Engineer Combat Betallion, 40th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant. Billy was a former purchasing manager at VDOT and a longtime manager with his family business Bickerstaff Auto Parts. He lived his motto of "Service to Others." His free time was given to volunteering at St. Mary's Catholic Church and St. Mary's Hospital, where he spent over 26 years serving in Hospice and the Emergency Room. He also served on the board of directors for Our Lady of Hope and St. Mary's Woods and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 24 at 5:30 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 9505 Gayton Rd. A Christian Wake Service will begin at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 25, with a private interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Bon Secours Hospice, 8580 Magellan Pkwy., Richmond, Va. 23227 or The VMI Foundation Class of 1952, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, Va. 24450. Arrangements by Bliley's-Central.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. It's been a long time since we've been in touch. I wish I could have been there to share in the celebration of his life - he was a great man!
Kristin O'Hara
November 15, 2008 | Framingham, MA
We were so very sorry to hear about Abie's death. I was one of his roommates for our Rat and Second Class years at VMI and have enjoyed visiting with him at reunions.
My wife and I enjoyed a delightful lunch with him on our last trip to Virginia.
We'll miss him.
Our love and sympathy to all the family.
Chuck & Virginia Haley
Chuck Haley
November 09, 2008 | Fairview, TX
Bev, Gary, Dylan & Kori, so sorry to hear of you lose. We will miss him and his can-do attitude at St. Mary's. I'll bet he's scoring goals on that big soccer field in the sky!
Skip, Sally, Philip & Matt
Skip and Sally Eby
November 07, 2008 | Maidens, VA
Billy made triage at SMH ER more bearable. His friendly smile and warm personality made our day better. You will be missed dearly.
Staff at SMH ER
October 28, 2008
Bick,
My mother informed me of you Dad's passing. My sympathy to you and your family in this difficult time. Sincerely,
Peggy Dent Sims
October 25, 2008 | Midlothian, VA
To know him was to love him. Billy exemplified in every way what it is to be honorable, loyal, compassionate, and generous. His passing leaves a large void in the world. To his family, to Gaye, and to his countless friends, Garnett and I extend our heartfelt sympathy. We grieve together, but we also celebrate a life beautifully lived.
Donna Moran
October 24, 2008 | Greensboro, NC
On behalf of all the staff at Bon Secours Hospice and Palliative Care we wish to extend to the friends and family our deepest sympathy and ongoing support. We hope and pray you will find peace with time. Please feel free to contact me anytime if I can be of help.
Lee Peebles Bereavement Counselor
October 24, 2008
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. Billy was a wonderful man; and we can still see his beautiful smile. He is really going to be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May God Bless and Comfort you all.
Amy Fonseca & Linda Fonseca, SMH
October 24, 2008 | Richmond, VA
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Billy's passing. He was an amazing man and I am honored to have known him. Please know my prayers are with you all. Love, Kim Labbe
Kim Labbe
October 23, 2008 | Tokyo, Japan
