Nye, William Paul

William Paul Nye, 74, of Floyd, Va., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, April 26, 2018. A native of Forestville, Conn., he studied at Tufts University and The New School, and taught sociology at Middlebury College in Vermont before moving to the Roanoke area to become chair of the sociology department at Hollins University, where he taught for 36 years. With humor and intellect, Dr. Nye strove to raise consciousness and inspire a sense of social justice in his students. He was also a talented saxophonist, playing in various bands from his Tufts University group “The Barnstormers” to “The Bill Nye Quartet.”

He is survived by his wife, Judy DeWitt Nye; his sister, Geraldine Pedrini; his children, Jason Nye (Kathleen), Leith Nye (Krista), Coleman Nye, Anna Robertson and Will Robertson (Michiko); six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers, James and Richard Nye; and his brother-in-law, Richard Pedrini.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2018, at the Jessie Ball duPont Chapel at Hollins University in Roanoke, Va., followed by a reception in the Botetourt Reading Room.

By way of remembrance, donations may be made to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke. Arrangements by Oakey’s South Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.oakeys.com.