William Louis "Bill" Bozard

1950 - 2025

William "Bill" Louis Bozard

May 29, 1950 - February 14, 2025

William "Bill" Louis Bozard passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, at the age of 74, after facing metastatic pancreatic cancer with remarkable strength and determination. Bill often reflected that he had "a great run" and a life well lived. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, cousin, friend, and neighbor whose warmth and optimism touched everyone he met.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Margaret Bozard (née Thornton); his son, Richard (Rick) Farrell Bozard II, and daughter-in-law, Kristi Engelman; his brother, Richard (Dick) Bozard (Kathy Lynn); his sister, Kathleen Farwell; his nephew, Daniel Gidick (Kinsey); and his sister-in-law, Patricia Thornton (Nick Slahor). Bill and Margaret cherished the memory of their youngest son, Billy, who passed away in February 2011. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Louis Bozard.

Born in Norfolk and raised in Bon Air, Bill was a proud graduate of Midlothian High School, where he was co-captain of the baseball team. He went on to earn a finance degree from James Madison University (JMU), where he played baseball and tennis and embraced the lifelong brotherhood of the MT TKE fraternity. He remained a dedicated JMU sports fan - go Dukes! After graduation, Bill and his friend Wayne Isbell embarked on a legendary four-month European adventure that provided epic stories he loved to share.

Bill's 25-year career at PM USA was both professionally rewarding and life-changing - it was there that he met Margaret, the love of his life. Bill and his brother Dick shared a deep bond, reflected in their joint development of Winterfield Ridge, where their family homes now stand as a testament to their vision and partnership.

In retirement, Bill immersed himself in his passions: coaching baseball at Blessed Sacrament Huguenot for 24 years, gardening, personal finance, expanding his travels to over 45 countries, and creating cherished memories with family and friends. As his son Rick described, "Dad was the most genuinely optimistic, generous, and good-hearted man I have ever known - always willing to take a risk on people in tough situations. In that, he was truly brave."

Bill was a talented gardener, dedicated coach, captivating storyteller, savvy investor, and an enthusiastic music lover. His Christmas tree decorating skills were unmatched, and his quick wit made guessing the artist and title of every classic rock song a delight. Bill truly enjoyed bringing family and friends together and often said, "A good time was had by all."

Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, hard work, friendship, and joy and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. The Bozard family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at the VCU Health Palliative Care Unit.

Funeral services will be held on February 28th at 4 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 2341 Winterfield Road, Midlothian, Virginia 23113. A Celebration of Bill's Life will immediately follow at Salisbury Country Club. The interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, tributes may be made in Bill's honor to VCU Massey Cancer Center at https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/Massey or as a memorial gift to the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Foundation.