In Memoriam: Roy Whetzel

On the 19th of July, 2013, Roy Whetzel passed away peacefully at Kindred Hospital in Richmond, VA. Born November 8th, 1938 in Prince William County, VA, he was the son of the late Samuel G. Whetzel, Jr. and Louise Foster Whetzel.

Beloved husband to Margaret of which they shared 30 wonderful years together; loving father of Roy Jr. (Natalie); Joy; Frankie (Theresa); Charlie (Kelli) and Anthony (Brandy); cherished grandfather of 15; great-grandfather of 4; and dear brother of Judy (Stony) Moore and Jeanie Whetzel. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all.

Roy was an avid storyteller who made his adventure come to life with vivid descriptions and hearty laughs. Stories of his youth as a farm boy to a typical young outdoorsman hunting and trapping, and times spent with family at the homestead. He spent many summers fishing salmon in the rivers and streams near Moosehead Lake with his friend Buck. Moments with his best friend Paul at his cottage on Keuka Lake; travels with his wife; times on his or Charlie’s boat and vacations with his family; all of these as well as the simplest moments in his life became colorful and many times humorous stories. Storytelling was one of his many gifts.

Roy, also known as “Pawpaw” was a hardworking man with a strong work ethic. He worked and retired from Columbia Gas of Virginia after 30+ years of service, and then became an independent contractor for 4 more years traveling thru VA, PA and NY.

In his retirement years, he loved spending time with his family and friends during holidays, parties, family trips and simple gatherings. He knew a little about everything. There wasn’t a tree, bug, or bird he couldn’t identify or a broken item he couldn’t fix. He always enjoyed planting his vegetable garden and loved to keep his yard cut short. He enjoyed fishing with his wife, sons and grandchildren, whether on a boat or off a pier. Breakfast with his buddies at McDonalds was something he didn’t like to miss and he never left home without his lucky coin in his pocket.

His porch is where he loved to sit and relax with his dog Roxy while watching the eagles soar and nature come to life. He would sit out there for hours, carrying on in conversation about anything and everything. He was a loving and caring man and we will forever miss that sparkle in those big blue eyes and that million dollar smile that could light up a room. Through us, his legacy will continue, for he will always be remembered.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 10001 Nokesville Road, Manassas. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 24th, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Todd Tennant officiating.

Interment will immediately follow in the Valley View Cemetery, Nokesville, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tribute Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, under the direction of Michael Post. Please sign the guestbook at www.bakerpostfh.com.