William E. Graybeal

1919 - 2008

William E. Graybeal, 89, of Buena Vista, Va., died on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, at Golden Living Health Care Center, in Buena Vista, after a brief illness. He was born September 6, 1919, in Missoula, Mont., a son of the late William T. and Clyde Eller Graybeal. He moved with his family to Buena Vista before he began school. Following graduation from Parry McCluer High School, he worked on the Skyline Drive and at James Lees Co., in Glasgow, until he entered the United States Army on July 3, 1941. Before overseas duty, he was stationed at Camp Wallace, Texas, Camp Hulan, Texas, and Camp Irvin, Calif. where he was part of an aircraft crew. He served in the Southwest Pacific at New Guinea and at Northeast Manila in the Philippine Islands. His World War II decorations included the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star and the Philippine Liberation Medal. Upon his discharge, he entered Washington and Lee University and received a B.A. degree in February 1949. Associated briefly with Mountain Trust Bank in Roanoke, Va., he returned to Rockbridge County and began a career in the Treasurer's Office at VMI where he was Purchasing Officer and Military Store Manager until his retirement with the rank of Lt. Col. in 1984 after 34 years of service. He was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church, Buena Vista. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Margaret (Peggy) Moore Graybeal, of Buena Vista; a brother, James T. Graybeal and wife, Tris, of Virginia Beach; and numerous cousins. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2008, at St. John's United Methodist Church, Buena Vista with the Rev. John Choi officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John's Church, 351 E. 21st St., Buena Vista, Va. 24416. The family would like to thank Berdie Evans and Marian Lineberry for their friendship and loving caregiving to Billy during these last few years of his life. Arrangements by Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Buena Vista, Va.