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William Covington Obituary
May 7, 1932 - May 14, 2025
Dr. Bill Covington passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of May 14, 2025, at age 93.
He was born in Hendersonville, NC to Robert Lee Covington and Treola Smith Covington. He grew up in Danville, VA and graduated from George Washington high school. He served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955, stationed in Bitburg, Germany. While there he met his wife of 66 years, Josée Covington, in the nearby city of Luxembourg. Returning to the US, he attended the University of Richmond and earned his bachelor's degree from Long Island University. After completing dental school at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, VA, he started his dental practice that served the Richmond community for 57 years. Never a golfer, "Dr. Bill" spent his Friday afternoons teaching clinics at the MCV Dental School for 55 years.
When he wasn't improving people's smiles at work, he created them by telling jokes or funny stories. His passions, other than dentistry, included family, pets and plants; his yard looked like a park and was the envy of the neighborhood. A kind man with an easy smile and a terrific sense of humor, he will be missed by family, friends, colleagues and students.
He is survived by his wife, Josée Covington; his sons, Joe (Sharyn), Paul (Dee), and Denny; sister, B'Lee Hosang; grandchildren, Lara (George), Joey (Jessie), Peter, and Melanie; great-grandchildren, Audrey, Stone, Brooks, and Grayson; and a great bunch of nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his sisters, Betty Walsh and Jimmi Barton.
Spending his last nine months comfortably at home was made possible by the wonderful team of caregivers that worked tirelessly and with immense love for Dr. Bill. The family shares heartfelt thanks to Valarie, Nicole, Joy, Melissa, and Michelle; and his niece, Charlotte Powers.
A private celebration of life will be arranged at a later date.
In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Bill's life and his love of teaching dental students, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the scholarship in Bill's name: the William D. Covington, DDS, MAGD Scholarship. Gifts can be mailed to the MCV Foundation, Box 843042, Richmond, VA 23284-3042.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Covington
3 Entries
john
May 31, 2025
My great sympathy to you ,Josee, and your boys with fond memories. Also, Dr. Covington was one of my Kate's favorite instructors. Peace to you.
John Helfrich
Linda Stanley
May 25, 2025
Dearest Josée, Joe, Paul, and Denny,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many wonderful memories of all of you.
Much love,
Linda Stanley
Frankie Nixon Lythgoe
May 25, 2025
I became a patient of Dr. Covington in 1968. He treated my whole family. He was my children's first dentist. He was the best of the best. He was a fine gentleman.
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