William Harry EWALD Sr.

William Harry Ewald Sr., 89, of Buena Vista, while surrounded by family, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. He was born on December 1, 1923 and was the son of the late Robert Byrnes and Carolyn Lackey Ewald. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Garland Ewald; his sister, Virginia Ewald Lemons. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Edna Richardson Ewald, of Buena Vista; son, William Harry Ewald Jr. (Skip) and wife, Sandra, of Buena Vista; daughters, Sue Ewald, of Fishersville, Jane Ewald Anderson and husband, Dan, of McDonough, Ga., Ann Ewald Chisnell, of Waynesboro, and Mary Lou (Boo) Taylor and husband, Guy, of Bartonville, Ill.; grandchildren, Jackie Barnes Walter and her husband, Matthew, Jessica Anderson and fiancé, Dale McCarthy, Melissa Bergman and husband, Richard, Cutter Chisnell, Kristy Hartless, Dianna Taylor, and Cyrus Taylor; a great granddaughter, Hannah Hartless; a number of special nieces and nephews.
Harry was a faithful and active member of the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church. He was also active in many civic organizations and was a long time member of the Buena Vista Fire Department.
He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, serving in the 804 4th Destroyer Battalion, a unit of the 5th Army. His reconnaissance unit served in North Africa and Italy from May, 1943 until November, 1945. After serving his beloved country, Harry returned home to attend National Business College in Roanoke. While there, he met the love of his life and future bride, Edna Richardson. They were married in August, 1947 and resided in Buena Vista, where he made a career in banking and serving the community.
Harry had a great love for history, the outdoors, and meeting new people and seeing new places. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, and friend. He was a stranger to no one. Harry was gracious and generous, and our home was open to all. Although he didn't have much to give, he was always happy to share.
A memorial service will be held at the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church, on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 4 p.m., with family visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. in the sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church, Lexington Hospice, or a charity of choice. Bolling, Grose and Lotts Funeral Home and cremation Service in charge of arrangements.