William "Billy" Mahone IV

William "Billy" Mahone IV, 78, of Roanoke, Va., died on Wednesday, September 28, 2005. Mr. Mahone was born in Petersburg, Virginia on December 2, 1926. He attended Virginia Military Institute, and, after serving in the United States Army in the Pacific Theater of World War II, he returned to graduate from the University of Virginia in 1950. After graduation, he taught English at Staunton Military Academy ending his time there as Assistant to the Head Master. In 1954 he married the beautiful Nancy Hopkins of Garland Orchards in Botetourt County. They moved from Staunton to Roanoke in 1958 where he held several positions before buying Valley Roofing, Inc. in 1978. He retired in 1991 to attend to his horse, Judge, and enjoy the company of his family and numerous friends. A lifelong lover of horses, Billy was inducted into the Jousting Hall of Fame and rode with the Bedford Hunt for many years. He was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club as well as a founding member of the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce Backbone Club in 1966. He was past President of the Virginia Association of Roofing Contractors and was a former Director of the National Roofing Association. He served on the Vestry of St. John's Episcopal Church in Roanoke and was past President of the Shenandoah Club. Billy also was a member of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Billy Mahone is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy H. Mahone; a daughter, Nan O. Mahone; and son, William Mahone V. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Dustin Grannis; a son-in-law, William R. Wellborn III; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie P. Mahone; two grandchildren, William Mahone VI and Anna C. Mahone. His legacy also includes many beloved godchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Billy Mahone qualifies as one of the true characters of this time. His literate stories of events and people from Southwest Virginia to Richmond and Tidewater are familiar to many reading this column and it is the family's hope that these stories continue with his humor, personal insight and wisdom. Billy Mahone was a true Southern gentleman of the old school whose charm, wit and compassion touched all around him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to his favorite charity, The Boys' Home, 306 Boy's Home Rd., Covington, Va. 24426. Following a family graveside service in Fincastle, Va., a memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Roanoke, Va. on Saturday, October 1, 2005 at 12 noon. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.