William Robert Webb

William Robert “Bill” Webb

“As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years…” Psalm 90:10 

W.R. “Bill” Webb was 16 months into his second century… a testimony to God’s blessing and his strength! His first 100 years were filled with his faith, family and friends—mostly church and railroad relationships. He was a member of the Mid-Way Christian Church for 89 years serving as a deacon, elder, and trustee. He graduated from Beaver High School in 1941 and worked for the N&W Railway for 40 years, his last ones as Yard Master. He enjoyed a wonderful, relaxed retirement of nearly 41 years. 

In the early hours of Friday, August 16, He was overtaken by age and quietly slipped the shackles of the long life he loved here for the unending one awaiting him there.  

Our dad was born the second child of Henry Crocket and Pauline Arretta Sneed Webb on April 16, 1923. He married Mary Claudine Goforth on October 1, 1943, and they honored their vows for 66 years until June 15, 2009; only death could part them… temporarily. 

The first 33 years of their marriage were spent birthing, raising and marrying off their four children: Bill Webb Jr. (Jenny), Pam Whitteker (Kenny-deceased), Dan (Janeen) Webb, all of Bluefield, and Gina Veach (Larry) of Winchester, VA. 

Bill and Dean’s family expanded to include nine grandchildren: Robbie (Chris) Webb and Wendy (Paul) Olinger; Scott, Brian (Jessica), Benjamin (Angel) Whitteker; Jason (Alicia) Webb and Katie (Justin) Willis; Brad (Melissa) Veach and Becky (Jerry) Ostopowicz, who then added twenty-two great-grandchildren and two great-great- grandchildren. 

Our centenarian was preceded in passing by his older brother Adam Webb and two younger sisters, Dolly Duncan and Betty Lambert. 

A time of tribute to a well-lived life will be offered Saturday, August 24th at 11:00 a.m. at the Mid-Way Christian Church, 3014 Big Laurel Highway, Bluefield, WV 24701. There will not be a time for visitation prior to the service. Please feel free to honor “Mr. Bill” any way you choose.