William B. "Bill" Stephens Jr.

Bill lost his four weeks long battle with Covid-19 on Sunday night, October 25, 2020, with his partner by his side. He tried so desperately to stay here with all his friends and family. His passing leaves an empty place in so many lives that simply cannot be filled.

Early on, Bill graduated from George Washington High School and Danville Community College. Bill more recently retired from American National Bank, where he worked for 46 years, rising from the mailroom to become Vice President of Technology Development.

During his spare time, Bill always made beautiful music. Over 30 years' time, he shared his lovely tenor voice through several choirs, including the Mount Vernon Methodist Church, the Greensboro Choral Society, and later with the Bel Canto Company. Bill gave back to the musical community in many ways, including serving as past President of the Music Arts Guild of the University of North Carolina of Greensboro.

Bill loved to travel and experience new things. Never has there been a happier person than Bill rolling his suitcase off the jetway in some foreign country, passport in hand, and ready for another adventure. His warmth, smile, laugh, genuine friendship, and obvious enjoyment of life will be so deeply missed by all of us.

Bill leaves behind his life partner of 22 years, Richard L. Metcalf of Greensboro, N.C.; his mother, Vera G. Stephens of the residence; his sister, Anne M. Stephens, her husband, Andy Pickeral, and their daughter, Ali Stephens-Pickeral, all of Danville; and his brother, Thomas E. Stephens and his wife, Rhonda Stephens, of Ringgold, Va. He was preceded in death by his father, William B. Stephens Sr.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery in Danville, Va., with the Reverend Jae Cho officiating. The family appreciates that those in attendance wear masks and follow the CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Also, due to the Covid-19 constraints, there will be no visitation at the home, but please visit Bill any time from 9 am until 8:30 p.m. at Townes Funeral Home, 215 W. Main Street, Danville, Va., 434-793-1211.

Donations in lieu of flowers, may be made to The Bel Canto Company, 200 N. Davie St. Box 8, Greensboro, NC 27401, 336-333-2220, or the Church of your choosing.

Online condolences may be to the family online at www.townesfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Danville and Rockingham County from Oct. 29 to Oct. 30, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for William Stephens

Sponsored by Townes Funeral Home & Crematory - Danville.

13 Entries

Ellen Linton

November 4, 2020

What an enormous loss, and a terrible shock. We are diminished by the absence of such a kind, friendly, generous and loving man. He must surely be making music with the angels. RIP, Bill.

Ann Meadows

November 2, 2020

Anne, I just heard about Bill. He was such a great guy. I´m so sorry for your loss. My love and prayers are with you.

Mamie Faucette

November 2, 2020

My Condolences to Family.
May God Comfort You At This Time.
He will be missed.

Joyce Thee

November 1, 2020

My deepest sympathy to members of Bill´s family, I knew him through Choral Society and remember his bright smile and positive words to everyone. He never met a stranger, he will be sorely missed.

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Larry Turner

October 31, 2020

So sorry to hear about Bill. We go way back to the Kings Lounge days and even further back to the days when we were babysat by Ava Powell and Aunt Mary. Bill will be missed by all.

Al Harris

October 31, 2020

Bill's smile is what I remember even from years ago whenever I went into the bank. Very quietly he would lean over and quietly tell me the latest gossip of the day. Never a mean spirit or word was ever spoken. Though it has been years since we had seen each other, I feel his spirit right next to me this morning. Thinking of Richard and also his family who I know has a void in yours heart today. Rest in peace Bill. Teach the angels how to really sing that song.

Daryl Rigney

October 29, 2020

Bill will be sadly missed by many. He was a great friend of mine for many, many years. A fantastic guy always had a smile, great attitude and willing to help anyone. Thoughts, Love and Prayers go out to all the family.

Tommy Cannon

October 29, 2020

Bill was always such a nice gentleman and friend.

Bobby Whitt

October 29, 2020

I met Bill when I worked at the bank with him , he was always willing to go the extra mile to help anyone out ,a great guy, always with a smile.

George Kelecheck

October 29, 2020

Bill was a fantastic fella

Pat Burnett

October 28, 2020

Bill and I became friends from the first time we met when I came to work at the bank and remained friends when I retired. He brought laughter to everyone he met. I will miss him but will never forget him.

Phyllis Stuart

October 28, 2020

Many memories from Choral Society trips and concerts. I remember your smile and your laughter. You will be missed.

susan mcmullen

October 28, 2020

Deep sympathy to you at the loss of dear Bill. I will miss him. He was a great guy who always made me smile. Love, Susan

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