Absher, William (Bill) Jessie

William (Bill) Jessie Absher, 90, of Blacksburg, died Monday, April 4, 2011, at his home. He was born in Lunenburg County, on September 29, 1920, to the late William Avery and Dallas Cook Absher and was also preceded in death by ten brothers and sisters and his wife, Belva Jean Dickerson. Bill was a member of the Blacksburg United Methodist Church, a Veteran of the United States Army serving in World War II, and a member of the Blacksburg Host Lions Club. He was a 4-H leader in the Blacksburg Mountain 4H Club and also worked at the Blue Grass Market and managed the Blacksburg Lumber Company before starting his own business which was Absher Paint and Hardware Store. Bill actively supported the Inter Faith Food Pantry. The family wishes to express their thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Barbara A. and Archie Phlegar, of Blacksburg; son and daughter-in-law, Curtis and Kaye Absher, of Nicholasville, Ky.; sisters-in-law, Evelyn D. McPherson, of Blacksburg, Margaret D. and husband, Leroy Foster, of Winston Salem, N.C.; grandchildren, Karen and Neal Vines, Anita Jean and Dale Beyer, Mindy and Craig McCulley, Beth and Ricardo Gomez, David and Cindy Absher; 12 great-grandchildren; Bill was also blessed with five step grandchildren, Archie Jr. Charlie, Beth, Jason and Seth; 13 stepgreat-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and three dedicated caregivers, Mary Bentley, Lodis Sickey, and Janice Vanhoozier. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, April 7, 2011, at 11 a.m. in the Blacksburg United Methodist Church with the Rev. Reggie Tuck and the Rev. Herbert Hobbs officiating. Interment will follow in the Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg. Flowers will be appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Blacksburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 931, Blacksburg, VA 24063 or Bill’s childhood church, McDonald Mill United Methodist Church, c/o Palmer Lee Price, 3661 Catawba Rd., Blacksburg, VA 24060. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at the McCoy Funeral Home.