William Chase

1943 - 2025

William Chase

November 9, 1943 - June 29, 2025

William "Bill" R. Chase, 81, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed on June 29, 2025, surrounded by his family and loved ones. A friend to all, he is well-remembered for his merry spirit. No one will forget his joyful whistling and the jingle of his keys always the cue to his arrival.

Bill was born in Burlington, NJ, on November 9, 1943. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1961 and joined the US Navy. He served for four years (mostly aboard the USS Saratoga) before moving on to a career in the retail and convenience store industry. He held many positions with Southland Corporation (7-11), Cumberland Farms, Hop-In, Getty Petroleum, and Dollar Tree. This wonderful man was also a proud member of Roanoke's Elks Lodge, BPOE 197, and acted as their secretary for 27 years.

In the early '60s, Bill wowed a young Jo-Ann Oakford with his Jitterbug and Cha-Cha dance moves, igniting a true love story that would span 62 years of laughter, music, and unwavering devotion.

Mr. Chase was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise Chase; parents, Bill and Beatrice Chase; and siblings, Pat Warren, Bruce Chase, and Brian Chase. Left to cherish his memory are his adoring wife, Jo-Ann Oakford; daughters, Debi (Bill) Hogan and Tammy Chase; sons, Billy (Ingrid) Chase and Brad (Melissa) Chase; grandchildren, Chase (Mickayla) Hogan, T.J. (Grace) Hogan, Ryen Biggio, Abby (Cody) Conrad, Collin (Kara) Chase, Zach Chase and Conrad Chase; great-grandchildren, Arlo Hogan and Kya and Baby Chase; brother, Bobby Chase; and sister-in-law, Lonnie Hekierski.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center (SCU/ICU) for providing exceptional end-of-life care. Family and friends are warmly invited to a celebration of Bill's life, which will be held on Sunday, September 28th at 2:00 p.m. at the Roanoke Elks Lodge #197, located at 1147 Persinger Rd., Roanoke, VA 24015. In lieu of flowers, they request donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Visit give.michaeljfox.org.

Online condolences at whitefuneralservicesupply.com. White Funeral & Cremation Service Bolivia Chapel is serving the family of Mr. Chase.