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WILLIAM DEFORD Obituary
William "Pete" Henry Deford, Jr. passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2011. He was 65 years old, and leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Carol Ann Pinar Deford.
William earned his Bachelor's degree at Longwood College in Farmville, and continued his education at Lynchburg College, receiving his Master's degree in Education. He taught at Linkhorne Middle School for 18 years. William loved to garden, as well as play the guitar and sing. He was also very dedicated to the local Lynchburg Parkinson's Support Group which he founded. William is predeceased by his father, William Henry Deford, Sr., and mother, Florence Shirley Burks. He is survived by his three wonderful sons: William Brian Deford and his wife, Cindy, of Chesterfield, Ohio; George Alexander Deford of Lynchburg; and Richard Andrew Deford of Lynchburg. He also has nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
The visitation will be Monday, December 12, 2011 at Tharp Funeral Home at 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A funeral service will follow immediately after the visitation.
Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg is assisting the family, 434-237-9424, tharpfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM DEFORD
January 5, 2012
You have my sympathy and prayers. I grew up in the same community with Pete and we were in the youth together at Madisonville Presbyterian Church. He was a good person.
Billy Carson
Scottsburg, VA
Debra Crawley
December 16, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are extended to you at this time.
Debra Ford Crawley (former student)
Brian DeFord
December 15, 2011
You were the best, Daddy....I miss you SO MUCH!! Love, Brian
Norma Turns
December 15, 2011
Carol, so sorry I just saw where Pete died, just wanted you to know you are in my prayers
Byron Baber
December 13, 2011
Mr. DeFord was my history teacher at Linkhorne Middle School. He was always very kind and polite.
Deepest sympathy to the family.
Susan Amowitz-Schlossberg
December 12, 2011
Deepest sympathies to the DeFord family. He was my history teacher way back in the mid-70s and will always be one of my favorite instructors. Thank you for sharing him with us and know that he is in our prayers.
Linda McClung
December 12, 2011
Pete was a dear friend throughout high school and I valued his friendship. I know that he leaves this world a better place because he was here.
Vernon&Janet Gwaltney
December 12, 2011
Carol, we are praying for you today.
Ann Kennedy-Pitka
December 12, 2011
Our children grew up together roaming the woods and playing in the creek in Bedford Hills. They, as all kids do, sometimes side stepped and got into little bits of trouble along the way and through it all Pete remained calm, loving and supportive. He would have glued those pine trees back together if it had been possible when our boys decided to widen the path between our houses and another neighbor was more than a little upset. He raised three wonderful sons, maintained his sense of humour and when all is said and done I am sure he was very proud of his boys and their families. My family will remember him from twenty years ago as a clear thinker in crisis, a peacemaker, a smart sensitive man, a very kind person and a loving human being. Now at rest long remembered.
My thoughts are with you all.
Ann Kennedy Pitka
Carolyn Bryant Vanaman
December 12, 2011
Thoughts and prayers for Pete's family. I remember him from Inglewood and from Linkhorne. Prayers for you all during this time of loss.
Charlotte Hamlett
December 11, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I went to school in Madisonville with Pete. I know he is a great loss to your family.
Brennan Kennedy-Poling
December 11, 2011
Papa DeFord was a 2nd father to me as a child. I will always be grateful for the chance to have known him as well as the rest of the DeFord family. All of you are in my prayers, my sincerest condolences.
December 11, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers to Pete's family. We remember him well from years ago when we all went to Inglewood. He was a very fine fellow!
Ann and Steve Jones
Mel Parker
December 11, 2011
My thoughts and sympathy are of Pete and his family and of the years we enjoyed working together at Linkhorne Jr/Middle School.
Ennis Jones
December 11, 2011
I was raised at Madisonville and went to Church with Pete in my youth. Great Guy!
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Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory - Lynchburg220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502
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