William Ellis "Bill" Tolbut

William "Bill" Ellis Tolbut died on Friday, May 17th. He was born on April 20, 1943 in Philadelphia, PA. Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Karen Peterson Tolbut, who he met on a blind date while serving in the Army in El Paso, TX. They have two children; Robert Wayne Tolbut of Collinsville, VA, and Kirsten Leigh Sugerman of Charlottesville, VA. He has five grandchildren; Austin Sugerman, Harrison Sugerman, Emmett Sugerman, Sarah Tolbut and Rachel Tolbut. He is also survived by his brother, Burt Seawell of New Kent, VA; his three sisters, Linda Paladino of Sarasota, FL; Priscilla Sonne of Lynchburg, VA; and Mary Kane of Newport News, VA; and his step brother, Ray Brown of Holland, PA. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Paulina Ranney Tolbut Seawell; his step-father, John Sterling Seawell; his father, Robert Edward Tolbut, Sr.; and his brother, Robert Edward Tolbut, Jr..

Bill loved being with people. He was passionate about history and had a keen interest in other cultures and foods. In his free time, he was a leather craftsman, specializing in 18th century reproductions, and belonged to the 1st Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line from 1976-1982. He carried this love of leather craft into his work life as he owned and operated the Louisa Shoe Shop, in Louisa, VA. During his life he had many occupations, including disc jockey, computer engineer, magistrate, entrepreneur and storage facility manager.

Special thanks to the staff of Mountain View Nursing Home in Aroda, VA, who cared for him compassionately and respectfully in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a charity of your choice.