William Robert Amos Jr.

1937 - 2025

William Robert Amos Jr.

December 18, 1937 - March 17, 2025

William Robert Amos Jr., 87, of Roanoke, VA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 17, 2025. Born on December 18, 1937, he was the son of the late William Robert Amos Sr. and Eulene Croft Amos and was also preceded in death by his sisters, Myrtle Amos Adams and Lillian Amos.

William was a devoted son and brother and an exceptional father. He was an extremely patient husband to his sweetheart named Rita, who he fell in love with in junior high school and then married. He once told his daughter, "The first time I saw your mama, she was wearing a baby blue dress her grandmother made for her and she was the prettiest thing I had ever seen." William has now joined his beautiful wife in eternal glory. He always shared how much he missed Rita every day since her passing in April of 2021. They spent 67 years together.

William always had a great love for family and an immense patience and calmness about him. These qualities continued to grow when his daughter Teresa was born. Their bond was like no other. William shared an unwavering love for the outdoors and wildlife with not only his mother and sister, but he continued to share this passion with his daughter. Whether he was befriending the chipmunks or watching over a black bear that became very fond of his back porch, admiring his many birdhouses and visiting birds or loving on the many dogs throughout his life, they all meant the world to him and brought him great joy. William introduced Teresa to the beloved comic strip and animated show of the "Peanuts" crew and they both shared a fondness for Snoopy! This sparked a shared interest, collection and passion for the cartoon pup that has lasted a lifetime for father and daughter.

Besides loving God's creatures, William also was a garden enthusiast, enjoying plants and flowers of all kinds. He started his college life in his early 70's after he retired from the railroad. William was only two courses away from receiving his degree in Horticulture Studies when he chose to stop attending classes in order to provide fulltime home care for his wife. He was at last able to receive his degree in 2023.

William knew Jesus in his heart and soul, thanks to his mother, his wife, Billy Graham, Pastor Greg Hetherington, Pastor Mark Mofield and Melrose Baptist Church, of which he was a member. He would be the first to tell you he was not a perfect soul, but all that met him knew him to be a kind and generous man.

As a young child, William spent nine months in a Richmond, VA, hospital with rheumatic fever. After his experience, he vowed to give back and show kindness to others as he once received. He believed in helping others in need, especially donating to various children's groups and missions, and often reflected on the generosity he experienced as a child.

William always believed he was blessed beyond imagination. He was very thankful for his job and the life he created with his wife and daughter. He spent 38 years with the Norfolk and Western Railway, devoting his life to being a dedicated employee. While working in the accounting department, for most of his career, William was often called to complete many other tasks, such as engineering a train during a railroad strike in Ohio for several months. He made many personal sacrifices due to his commitment to work and to his family. William believed it was his full responsibility to care for and provide for his family, just as much in the present as in the long term.

William Amos Jr. is survived by his daughter, Teresa Amos Kennedy, who can't imagine a world without her dad. She has always been a daddy's girl and treasures the lessons of generosity, kindness, patience and honor that he taught her. He also leaves behind a son-in-law, Steven Kennedy; brother-in-law and wife, Charles and Wanda Hylton; and lifetime friends, Robert and Linda Quam.

The family would like to thank friends that called William on a regular basis and spent time with him, W.G. Crotts, Chris Hengli, Reed Kelly, Cary Hunley and the Dudley family that referred to him as "Grandpa Will."

Services have been previously held. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in William's honor to the Keystone Community Center, Inc., Atten Pat Carter, 101 17th Street SE, Roanoke, VA 24013; to Melrose Baptist Church Children's Department, 3520 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019; or to any animal or children's charity of your choice. Condolences may be shared with his family at www.Oakeys.com.

Oakey's Funeral Service - North Chapel

Roanoke, VA | (540) 362-1237