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Rev. Dr. William R. Shealy Jr.

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Drew University University of Chicago

FUNERAL HOME

Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home - Tidewater Drive Chapel

8464 Tidewater Drive

Norfolk, Virginia

William Shealy Obituary

The Reverend Doctor William Ross Shealy Jr., 97, died on January 14, 2023. Dr. Shealy was educated in the Chicago, Illinois Public School system; the University of Chicago; Garrett Biblical Institute; Union Theological Seminary (New York) and Drew University. He served two congregations of the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church before entering the teaching ministry. He taught on the faculties of Drew University, Tufts University and Virginia

Wesleyan College/University. Private burial will be in Albert G. Horton Memorial Cemetery, Suffolk, Virginia. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jan. 22, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for William Shealy

Sponsored by the family.

18 Entries

Rebecca Wise

September 25, 2023

Dr. Shealy was an incredibly generous professor whose great love for all things living, great and small, was sometimes hidden behind an at-times gruff exterior. I was so incredibly fortunate to get to know him first as an advisor and then as a friend after graduating from VWC with a degree in Religious Studies. I don't know if you believed in heaven in any conventional sense but surely if there is any such realm you are there now and satisfying all our your boundless curiosities while looking down with love on those of us who are still here among the living.

Dr Kimberly Hess Harlan

February 8, 2023

Dr. Shealy was one of a kind. He will forever be in my heart. I´m so grateful to him for enriching my life while I was at VA Wesleyan.

Linda Byrd

February 3, 2023

Dr. Shealy changed my life when I took a comparative religion course with him in 1970. I began studying other faith traditions that took me on a wonderful journey - Hinduism, Buddhism and within Christianity I went from Baptist to Unity to Episcopalian (where I finally landed). He opened my eyes to the truth found in everyone's faith and taught me to be more open-minded than I had been. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

Bob Chapman

January 31, 2023

Dr. Shealy was a student all of his life. He was always observing, studying, contemplating the intricate balance, mystery and harmony of life. He teaching, describing the difference between having many acquaintances as opposed to one or two endeared friends, one whom you can call in the middle of the night has proved true. His slide shows forever influenced the visualization of my bible studies. This Professor of the classics, continually introducing his students to the relationship of faith and art was indeed an artist himself. Referring to Picasso, I remember him sharing: "Art is a lie that tells the truth." The last time I saw him was at the Chrysler Museum. All who studied with him received a true gift.

Rev. Dr. Gary L. Hulme

Planted Trees

Lorraine D Donovan

January 28, 2023

As employees in the Registrar's office at VWC, we always used titles when talking to or referring to faculty members. I asked Dr. Shealy if he preferred Doctor or Professor. He explained to me that many were able to get a doctorate but far fewer attained the rank of Professor.

I had one class with him; it was a tough one but I still carry those lessons with me today. He will be missed but his memory lives on.

Gary Hulme

January 26, 2023

Dr. Shealy was without a doubt the most influential professor I had throughout all my educational experiences. His knowledge, intellect, dry wit and teaching abilities were all superior. He frequently said to the class it may take you ten or more years to full understand this. And he was right. I continued to learn from him for years after I graduated in '79. I believe I recieved an Ivy League level education in my time in his and others classes. I am forever grateful for the gift he was to all who had the honor of being his student.

Leslie Hines

January 25, 2023

Although I am the only member of my family who did not have a Shealy class, I knew him well through my husband and later my son who took every one of his classes they could possibly squeeze into their schedules, and we had many family dinners discussing the latest thought provoking Dr. Shealy story. I thought he might be immortal. RIP, thou good and faithful servant.
From the Hines family

Lisa Blackmonson

January 24, 2023

For years, after undergraduate school at VWC, my frequent preface to some wise or eclectic quote in the midst of conversation would be "Well, Shealy says...". He was easily the most intelligent, wise and profoundly depthful person I have ever known. To this day his teaching and influence have shaped my life and informed my understanding of faith and worldviews. Thank you Dr. Shealy for sharing your life with us. You will be, forever in our hearts.

Brian Kirwin

January 23, 2023

It seems everyone has a Shealy story. Mine involves music, and the wonderful sound of vinyl records. He was such a good man and a very effective teacher.

Roy White

January 23, 2023

Bill was unique. He was one of the best teachers I was privileged to have known. And his knowledge on a variety of subjects was astounding. I learned that Bill enjoyed students who would, intelligently, push back. His withering analysis of my so called "opinion" was always done in a way that affirmed me. He opened up an appreciation of art that transformed how I view works of art. His understanding of Nature--plants and wildlife (especially birds)--improved the way I observe and cherish life all around me. Bill introduced me to some of the leading Christian theologians of the 20th century--Barth, Tillich, Niebuhr, Brunner. Long after I graduated, Bill would recommend writers and thinkers that were always stimulating. As a pastor, I got good practical advice from him regards inevitable conflicts or dilemmas within the local church. I value him as a friend and mentor. I will miss him.

Susan (Nootnagel) Ferguson

January 23, 2023

I took one of his religion courses and was honored to work him and one of his freshman classes as a peer advisor at VWC. He was a wise, kind and thoughtful person. Many years afterwards, I ran into him at the outdoor aviary of the Virginia Aquarium. He was having a great time in retirement. Deepest sympathy to his loved ones.

Liz McDougal Millinor

January 22, 2023

I majored in religion at Virginia Wesleyan and Dr. Shealy was the chair of our department. He was such an interesting man. I enjoyed many stories about the University of Chicago, a class on the writings of Norman MacLean (who was one of his professors at UC - I distinctly remember him teaching us how to fly fish :)) and check marks for mid-terms (you never really knew how you were doing in Dr. Shealy´s classes until the end of the semester ;)). He was a good man, a great professor and I´m sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for his family and friends!

David Reynolds

January 22, 2023

He was such a huge influence on me and such a mentor to me! And I think it is safe to say that through me he was a huge influence on my kids on several of my colleagues in ministry and on all the congregations that I served. So many of the things he taught me have resonated so clearly over these 45 years since I graduated from Va.Wesleyan. He was easily the most brilliant man I have ever known and the most influential teacher I ever had. I will always appreciate and treasure the support and encouragement he gave as a student and early on in my ministry as well. What a well-lived life!

Sherry McMillan Simmons

January 22, 2023

What a wonderful professor, friend, and inspiration! His wit, education, smile and willingness to listen and answer all our questions truly gave me a much more centered life. Thanks for the memories. I grieve this loss with his family.

Clair Berube

January 22, 2023

One of my favorite professors at VWC. He would show slide shows of his interesting trips around the world and a great memory was of his little Boston terrier (I think, was a cute pup) making an appearance in many of the slide shows, which always drew laughs from students. Thanks for being such a great professor. You had lots of fans.

Dora Dobrin

January 22, 2023

Sorry for your loss. Bill was an interesting colleague at then VWC for many years . A very dry wit , very committed professor, and a friend

Emilie Tilley

January 22, 2023

Every one who ever knew Bill will miss him. He was a great friend and music lover and a Christian with principles.

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