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William Gouldin Obituary
William Jennings Gouldin Jr. (Bill), 75, of Rockville, Virginia, passed away surrounded by family on June 19, 2024, in Henrico, VA. Bill was born on December 25, 1948, in Richmond, VA. Army veteran, committed scholar, and business practitioner, Bill was always looking to become a better leader and provider.
Recognized for his lifelong dedication to operating Strange's Florists, Greenhouses & Garden Centers alongside his brothers, wife, and children; Bill's enthusiasm for the business was always evident. Bill dedicated much of his time to the American Floral Endowment, Society of American Florists, Retail Merchants Association (now InUnison), Central Virginia Florist Association, Longwood University Corporate Advisory Board, and many other local Virginia organizations.
Preceded in death by his parents, William and Nancy (Crutchfield) Gouldin and youngest brother, Craig E. Gouldin. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Brenda Bowles Gouldin; children, William "Will" J Gouldin III; daughter, Margaret "Meg" E Gouldin; brothers, Cary T. Gouldin, Thomas M Gouldin (Greg); and sister, Jane G. Watkins (Tscharner). Bill is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews as well as his beloved dog, Rebel.
Private services will be held at a later date. If you wish to honor Bill's memory with flowers, please do so by sending your loved ones a floral arrangement from a local florist.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Gouldin
Merlyn and Dave Brown
September 22, 2024
Brenda, I am so very sorry to hear about Bill. I always ordered my Virginia delivery flowers from Stranges even living here in Texas for all these years. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Students, Faculty, and Staff of the College of Business & Economics at Long
August 14, 2024
Our deepest sympathy from the friends at the College of Business & Economics at Longwood University. All of us here at the CBE will miss Bill and his generosity. His life will always be a shining example to the community of friendship and giving back.
Karen Fountain
July 14, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. There are so many memories of learning and sharing ideas and of course, having fun within the floral family and community. I have fond memories of Bill with my parents, Fern and Larry, as I grew up in the industry. Please know you are in our prayers. And I believe there may be a few florist parties happening in Heaven as well. Karen (Denholm) and Allen Fountain
Mariane Herndon
July 13, 2024
Dear Brenda and family:
Condolences on the passing of your beloved Bill.
Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs & Breeders
Dale Flowers
July 13, 2024
I am so sorry to hear this news. Bill was a good friend within the florist business. We spent time over the years at FTD conventions, YOM meetings and Southern Retail. Gone too soon.
Prayers to the family.
Bob Moseley
July 13, 2024
Jane, we are so sorry about the loss of your brother Bill. I´m sure that you have many wonderful memories of him. Also, please take comfort that he is in better place ,God´s house forever. Blessings !
Bob and Ellen Moseley and your Bethel Baptist Church Family
Ilse Snoeks
July 13, 2024
Dear Mrs. Gouldin,
The Board of Governors of the Council of the VMFA wishes to extend its sympathy to you and your family upon the death of Mr. Gouldin.
He always was an unwavering supporter of the Fine Arts and Flowers exhibit at the VMFA, for which he generously donated all the flowers and his knowledge. He will be sorely missed by the Council and the VMFA.
May the love and support of family and friends be of comfort to you in your grief and may fond memories of a life very well lived bring you joy and give you strength.
Ilse Snoeks
Corresponding Secretary
The Council of VMFA
Sue Brush
July 12, 2024
So very sorry for your loss, Brenda, and sincere sympathies to the family and friends of yours. God bless all.
Pat Dillard
July 12, 2024
Brenda I just heard of your loss of Bill. So very sorry! My heart hurts for you and Will and Meg.
Bill Schodowski
July 12, 2024
Sorry to hear of Bill´s passing. Worked with him at the old FTD.
He was the smartest florist that I ever met.
Life´s not fair to take so young.
Rest in peace, Mr Gouldin.
Bill & Maggie Schodowski
Cathy (Flagg) Reid
July 8, 2024
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
High School, Florist& church
July 5, 2024
Brenda, I´m so sorry to hear this. I remember when you and Billy started going together when we were in Sunday School together at Westhill. Strange´s was my first job the summer between my Junior and Senior year. Billy would give me a ride when I didn´t have access to my Mama´s car. I loved that job. He was always willing to supply flowers to Lee Davis class events like reunions. Y´all lived in that little house on Studley when I lived in Swannanoa Estates. He was a great guy and I know you will miss him. Again, I am so sorry to you and your family.
Pat Johnson Breedlove
Nancy Hazelgrove Wicker
July 4, 2024
Betty & Family,
So sorry for your loss. Praying God's comfort and peace during this difficult time. My very first job was working for Bill's dad at Stranges when it was still a little shop on Dill Road. Bill and his family brought Stranges a long way and I know he must have been proud. "Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his saints."
Pat Oliver
July 4, 2024
Our Lee-Davis Class of 1966 has lost another one of our beloved classmates. I personally will miss his smiling face at our class luncheons and reunions. Brenda, I know the sadness of losing the love of your life. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers.
Howard Ostergren
July 4, 2024
So sad to hear that Bill is no longer with us. He was a great guy! May he rest in peace
Barbara Nelson Cartet
July 3, 2024
Brenda, so sorry to hear Bill passed away.
Barbara Jean "Nelson " Carter
Shirley Harper
July 3, 2024
Jane, please know that my thoughts are with you and your family at this time. While I didn´t know William, he must have been very nice because he was your brother. My deepest sympathies to all. Shirley
Stephen Story
July 3, 2024
I always enjoyed conversations about life with Bill. He will be missed by so many of us.
Mary Dalton
July 2, 2024
Brenda, I am sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Sandra Davis
July 2, 2024
He was and always has been an awesome MAN. He will be missed by many... Prayers for his family.
Jack Christian
July 2, 2024
Jane, I am so sorry about the loss of your brother Bill. I´m sure that you have many wonderful memories of him. Also, take comfort that he is in God´s hands forever. Jack Christian
Randy Reynolds
July 1, 2024
Bill served on the Longwood School of Business Board with me for several years. What a great guy! He will be sorely missed. He was the life of the party and a super contributor. May God Bless you and your family.
Randy Reynolds
Corrine Louden
June 30, 2024
Bill was an amazing friend and colleague on the Longwood CBE Corporate Board. He was kind and generous and always willing to help anyone out. He spent many years planning, researching, and engaging with students and faculty. He is a true legacy and will be missed greatly!
Carla Weller
June 30, 2024
I was lucky that my first job as a teenager was at Strange's Greenhouse on Broad. The Gouldin brothers taught me many lessons that I have carried with me. Thank you, Bill for allowing me to work in bookkeeping. That guided me to where I am today. My condolences to the entire family.
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