Wilmer Lee Tignor
August 24, 1934 - May 23, 2025
In Loving Memory of a Faithful Servant of God and Cherished Family Man, Wilmer Lee Tignor. With grateful hearts for a life well lived, we announce the passing of a devoted Christian gentleman, Wilmer "Will" L. Tignor, who went home to be with the Lord while residing peacefully on Locust Grove farm in Mechanicsville, VA. Born on August 24, 1934, in Elmont, VA, Will lived a life marked by deep faith and abundant love for his family and community. He was a man who walked humbly with God, shared his love for the Lord, and lived out his beliefs each day.
He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Louise Cooper Tignor, who remained faithfully by his side to the end. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy A. Tignor. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Jacqueline Maxwell Chisholm, with whom he built a life filled with love and children. A proud and loving father, he leaves behind three children, Patricia T. Valenzuela, Barbara T. Sly (Michael), and Michael A. Tignor (Tammy). He was blessed with a large and loving family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren by birth and by marriage, all of whom he cherished as gifts from God. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren, Laura Case, Garrison Case, Jillian (nee Sly) Vargo, Grayson Sly, Colin Tignor, Cassidy Tignor, Robert Cooper, Amber C. Pitts, Joshua Friedman, and Samuel Friedman; and great-grandchildren, Afton Hamby, Waylon Case, Avery Pitts, Forrest Pitts, Silas Pitts, Owen Cooper, and Ivy Cooper. Will was one of seven siblings. He is survived by his sisters, Laverne Fetty and Janie May, and was preceded in death by his brothers, Lloyd, Franklin, W. Alvin, and Carroll Wayne Tignor.
A tireless worker with an entrepreneurial spirit, Will founded Mechanical Power in the early 1970's and led the company with dedication, integrity, and excellence. Beyond business, he had a lifelong love for bluegrass music and played bass guitar in two bands he formed: The Bluegrass Deacons and The Short Haul Bluegrass Band. Known for his quick wit and captivating storytelling, Will could light up any room, whether he was recounting a tale from his youth or sharing a funny story with family. He was deeply committed to service, both in the church and in daily life. He served as a deacon at Taylorsville Baptist Church and taught Sunday School there and later in his life taught at Cool Spring Baptist Church. Whether helping a neighbor, a stranger, working on never ending projects or tending to his garden, he gave of himself freely and joyfully.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Taylorsville Baptist Church in Doswell, VA. Arrangements are being handled by Nelsen Funeral Home, Ashland, VA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations to
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization dear to his generous heart. The family would like to give a special thanks to Bristol Hospice for their care of Will. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate a long life lived in faithful service to God and others. His example of humility, love, and steadfast faith will remain a guiding light to all who knew him.
Nelsen Funeral Home - Reid Chapel

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jun. 4, 2025.