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William Metzel Obituary
June 8, 1927 - April 23, 2024
Reverend William 'Muhindula' Sims Metzel, Bill, passed away on Tuesday April 23, 2024, surrounded by family. Beloved husband of 65 years to Ruth 'Kamuanya' Patterson Phipps, devoted father to ´Kapinga´Sarah, ´Kasai' Jeffrey, ´Tshimanga' John, and ´Mishenge Kasonga´ Daniel; brother to Martha Metzel Mohler, Mary Metzel Popper; Grandfather to Rebekah Adams, Sam, Hannah, Ruth Ngolela, Daniel Mandela and Sarah Sangayi, Jeffrey and Aylin Metzel. Great Grandfather to Jackson, Olivander, Julia Amy and Claire Metzel; uncle to many beloved nieces and nephews and a large extended family. Preceded in death by his parents Jeffrey and Elizabeth Cone Metzel.
Bill was born in Woodbury, New Jersey. He graduated from Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, and, after service in the Navy, from Washington & Lee University. While working his first job in labor relations, Reverend Metzel heard the call to which he would dedicate the rest of his life. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..teaching them my commandments.. love the Lord your God with all your heart, and.. love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 28:1920, Mark 12:30-31).
While enrolled at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Bill Metzel would meet the love of his life, Ruth ´Kamuanya' Patterson Phipps. He was inspired by the dedication she already felt to teach in Congo.
They were married on February 28, 1954 at First Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro. After Bill's ordination as minister, Bill and Ruth "accepted a joint call to mission service, devoted to evangelism alongside the Presbyterian Church of Congo."* Lubondai, Bulape, Ndesha, Moma, Mboi, Luebo, Bibanga, Mbujimayi, Kananga and Kinshasa are some of the places where they worked to form congregations and to train pastors.
Following his career as a PCUSA mission worker in DR Congo, Bill served as pastor of Highland Memorial PC, Winchester, VA, 1972-78, Third PC, Petersburg, VA, 1978-81, Francisco PC, and Collinstown PC, in Westfield, NC from 1991 until 1994.
A celebration of the life of William 'Bill' Sims Metzel will be held at Mount Horeb Presbyterian Church, 4517 Rockfish Road, Grottoes, Virginia on Saturday June 29, 2024 at 2:OO PM. Interment will follow the memorial service and reception. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out by check to "Ginter Park Presbyterian Church". In the memo line please write: E051625.
With this designation your gift will reach the Ministry to Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children, DR Congo, and the 'Complexe Scolaire Kasai Jeff Metzel', a home and school for unaccompanied children established in memory of Bill's eldest son. Donations can be made online at:
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/donate/search/?fund_query=Ministry+to+Orphans+and+Other+Vulnerable+Children%2C+Congo.
*Tammy Warren, "Celebrating the life of Ruth 'Kamuanya' Metzel"(Presbyterian News Service) March 31, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Metzel
4 Entries
Dawn Turner
September 7, 2024
To the Metzal family.My name is DawnTurner.hour father was my pastor at third Presbyterian church in Petersburg Virginia .I am sorry to hear if the passings of your Mom
And dad. If you have the yimeSara,or John or Daniel could you give me a call.i would like talk .my dad had also passed.His name was Harry Owen Turner Sr.so if you all have the time .you can all 804-873-6901
Your mom and dad are going to be missed so very much
MayGodBless your hole family..y mom sends her love to all you and her prayesFromDawnTurner.
Barrie Kirby
July 10, 2024
I met Rev, Metzel only a few times, but I knew his daughter Sarah in college. My sympathy to your family as you grieve your loss. - Barrie Kirby (AKA BJ Miller at MWC)
David Shaw
June 29, 2024
To the family of William 'Bill' Metzel. My deepest sincere sincere sympathy to you all. I met Mr. & Mrs. Metzel through Edward and Laura Dail from Ginter Park Presbyterian Church in Richmond. I am the man in the wheelchair that used to visit Ginter Park Presbyterian Church Daniel Green. I am very sorry for your loss. He will by missed very much by everyone who knew him and loved him. God Bless you all. With love, David Shaw Richmond, VA
Donna W.Jessup
June 29, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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