RICHMOND, Virginia
YORK, William M. Jr. "Bill," age 83, of Richmond, Va., experienced his heavenly birthday Monday, February 25, 2013 after a long-undiagnosed case of Lyme disease had taken its toll on his neurological system. Left behind and appreciating his life are his wife of 51 years, Beth; daughter, Dorothy York Goebel (her husband, Bill and children, Will, Jessa, Elisa Kay); his son, William M. York III; and his brother, Frank W. York (and his family of Greensboro, N.C). Bill graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 1952, where he was a founding member of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) chapter there. After graduation, he worked part time for IVCF for two years while attending Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, Ala. On weekends, he traveled to colleges in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia. He then attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary full time and graduated in 1958. He returned to work with IVCF as a minister to college students in Virginia and Tennessee from 1958 to 1972. In 1972, IV Press published his Bible study guide, One to One, which has subsequently been translated into Korean, Urdu and other languages. Also in 1972, he opened Logos Bookstore in Richmond, Va., which he owned and managed for 37 years. He and his wife appreciated the help of all the staff who worked there through the years, for they created the peaceful and helpful environment Logos had. Also appreciated are all the customers, many of whom became friends. In 1974, Bill became one of the founding board members of the national Association of Logos Bookstores, serving on the board a total of 13 years between 1974 and 1997. He was an Eagle Scout, as are his son and son-in-law, and for 10 years, he was a Boy Scout leader for Troop 440 at St. Giles Presbyterian Church. He was treasurer of the Midtown West Association for many years. He was a founding member of STEP (Strategies To Elevate People) in Richmond. He served eight years as a citizen member of Virginia's Board of Health Professions, hoping to raise awareness of the benefits of natural health care and alternative medicine. Bill had a big heart and would often choke back tears when hearing good news about friends or even complete strangers. He shared a phrase with Beth early in their marriage, "If you want to help people, you help them when they need help," and he certainly lived that. His lifelong hobby was bird watching, and he had a special bird call for each member of the family. A remembrance service to celebrate his life and his desire to serve Jesus will be held at his church home since 1977, St. Giles Presbyterian Church, 5200 Grove Ave. Richmond, Va. 23226, March 9 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to IVCF, https://donate.intervarsity.org/ Please note: "for campus ministry work in the Virginia region."
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Beth, many, many times I have thought of you and Bill and hoped prosperity for you both. I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I will always remember the time I worked for LOGOS, to this day it remains a great memory despite the final outcome. My prayers are with you and Will and Dori.
Sara Gwathmey
May 02, 2013 | San Antonio, TX
Beth, my thoughts, prayers, and heart go out to you and your whole family. Bill was a wonderful man and had a great positive impact on many people. I have and always will think of and remember you both very fondly and remember both his and your kindness and friendship through the years.
Bryan Slater
March 10, 2013 | Washington, DC
Dear Beth, Dori and Will,
We were saddened to hear of Bill's passing and your great loss. And we rejoice that he is in the eternal presence of Jesus, his beloved Lord, whom he served so faithfully and with such enthusiasm among so many whose lives he touched. I remember his deep love for students and his willingness to travel all over the South to share Christ and teach them to become disciples and witnesses. I remember his encouragement to read the best new books he was excited about,...
Tom Parsons
March 10, 2013 | Kingsburg, CA
I can remember working at Logos Bookstore in Richmond VA. I started out as a confused young girl not really understanding my purpose in life. Bill encouraged me letting me know that God had a purpose and plain in my life, and at that moment knowing that I was someone special in God's eyes. I knew Bill was a kindhearted man of God who loved others and encouraged others to understand Gods love in a confused world. He will be missed by many and loved by more.
Georgeanna Sandford
March 09, 2013
I can remember working at Logos Bookstore in Richmond VA. I started out as a confused young girl not really understanding my purpose in life. Bill encouraged me letting me know that God had a purpose and plain in my life, and I was someone special in God's eyes. I knew he was a kindhearted man of God who loved others and encouraged others to understand Gods love in a confused world.
Georgeanna Sandford
March 09, 2013
Dear Beth, Dori, and Will. My sincerest condolences to all of you at the passing of Bill. You all were a part of my life for 8 years when I worked at Logos. I hold you in my heart and in my prayers. Bill made a difference in the lives of so many people.
"Well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of the Lord"
Reverend Michelle Nickens
March 08, 2013 | New York, NY
Dear Beth, Will and Dori, My heart is with you all as you prepare to celebrate Bill's life of service to our Lord. He was truly the light of Christ to so many. My time working at Logos was a joy and a blessing. May the peace of Christ be with you.
Kristi Covington Lane
March 06, 2013 | Mechanicsville, VA
I was saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Bill and other members of the "Mid-Town West" merchant's association in the early 90s when I headed up a task force for the Richmond Police Department. Bill always had a kind word for everyone he met and was a level headed, down to earth guy. He had a way of making his point while respecting the other guy's opinion and an inner strength that was obvious to everyone around him. I'm sure his family has plenty of great...
(Retired Lt.) Tim Morley
March 02, 2013 | Midlothian, VA
I appreciate Bill allowing me to stay with his family during the summer of 1975 in between college semesters. I especially enjoyed going to Sunday morning and evening church and otherwise experiencing a solid Christian family household. I remain grateful. Warm wishes and God's blessing to the York household.
Jim Walker
March 01, 2013 | Brockton, MA
