Rev. Dr. William R. Shealy Jr.

Dr. Shealy was an incredibly generous professor whose great love for all things living, great and small, was sometimes hidden behind an at-times gruff exterior. I was so incredibly fortunate to get to know him first as an advisor and then as a friend after graduating from VWC with a degree in Religious Studies. I don't know if you believed in heaven in any conventional sense but surely if there is any such realm you are there now and satisfying all our your boundless curiosities while looking...

Dr. Shealy was one of a kind. He will forever be in my heart. I´m so grateful to him for enriching my life while I was at VA Wesleyan.

Dr. Shealy changed my life when I took a comparative religion course with him in 1970. I began studying other faith traditions that took me on a wonderful journey - Hinduism, Buddhism and within Christianity I went from Baptist to Unity to Episcopalian (where I finally landed). He opened my eyes to the truth found in everyone's faith and taught me to be more open-minded than I had been. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

Dr. Shealy was a student all of his life. He was always observing, studying, contemplating the intricate balance, mystery and harmony of life. He teaching, describing the difference between having many acquaintances as opposed to one or two endeared friends, one whom you can call in the middle of the night has proved true. His slide shows forever influenced the visualization of my bible studies. This Professor of the classics, continually introducing his students to the relationship of...

As employees in the Registrar's office at VWC, we always used titles when talking to or referring to faculty members. I asked Dr. Shealy if he preferred Doctor or Professor. He explained to me that many were able to get a doctorate but far fewer attained the rank of Professor. I had one class with him; it was a tough one but I still carry those lessons with me today. He will be missed but his memory lives on.

Dr. Shealy was without a doubt the most influential professor I had throughout all my educational experiences. His knowledge, intellect, dry wit and teaching abilities were all superior. He frequently said to the class it may take you ten or more years to full understand this. And he was right. I continued to learn from him for years after I graduated in '79. I believe I recieved an Ivy League level education in my time in his and others classes. I am forever grateful for the gift he...

Although I am the only member of my family who did not have a Shealy class, I knew him well through my husband and later my son who took every one of his classes they could possibly squeeze into their schedules, and we had many family dinners discussing the latest thought provoking Dr. Shealy story. I thought he might be immortal. RIP, thou good and faithful servant. From the Hines family

For years, after undergraduate school at VWC, my frequent preface to some wise or eclectic quote in the midst of conversation would be "Well, Shealy says...". He was easily the most intelligent, wise and profoundly depthful person I have ever known. To this day his teaching and influence have shaped my life and informed my understanding of faith and worldviews. Thank you Dr. Shealy for sharing your life with us. You will be, forever in our hearts.