William "Billy" Gitchell

Mr. William "Billy" Gitchell, lifelong resident and businessman in Charlottesville, passed away on Monday, May 24, 2004 at his home. For many years he operated Gitchell's Photography Studio. He was born in Charlottesville on August 25, 1928, the son of the late, Frank Leigh Gitchell and Mary Omohundro Gitchell. He was also preceded in death by a half brother, Frank Leigh Gitchell Jr.; and two half sisters, Gertrude Gitchell and Frances Gitchell Hussey. He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Jackie; his son, Stuart and wife, Emily and children, Ryan, Katie, and Faith of Richmond, and second son, Bruce and wife, Jo and children, David, Jackson, Ashley, and Anna of Charlottesville; and a brother, Robert L. Gitchell and wife, Marian of Panama City Beach, Florida. He is also survived by a maternal aunt, Allie Omohundro Gitchell Kempton; and a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was a lifelong member of Christ Episcopal Church and served many terms on its Vestry. Billy was active in several civic organizations, and most recently served on the board of the American Heart Association. He had a twenty-two year association with the Boy Scouts of America, serving many years as a scoutmaster and on the Executive Board of the Stonewall Jackson Area council, B.S.A. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was a drill instructor at Parris Island. Visitation will be Wednesday evening 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hill and Wood Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 27 at 11 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church on High Street in Charlottesville. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Jeffrey Fishwick, the Rev. Brian Vander Wel, and the Rev. Rodney Caulkins. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either American Heart Association, 3025 Berkmar Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901, or Christ Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 100 W. Jefferson St., Charlottesville, VA 22902, or Hospice of the Piedmont, 2200 Old Ivy Road, Suite 2, Charlottesville, VA 22903, or Stonewall Jackson Area Council Boy Scouts of America, P. O. Box 813, Waynesboro, VA 22980.