William “Bill” Arbogast, age 85, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2016, at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Virginia, following a four month battle with lung cancer.
Born August 22, 1930, at Green Bank, he was the only boy among five sisters. After working on several farms, nestled in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia during his youth, Bill developed a passion for gardening that continued throughout his life. He loved to grow fruits and vegetables and share his bounty with others.
Bill was drafted into the Marine Corps in 1951, and served for one tour. Upon leaving the military, he married Phyllis McClung, his loving wife of 63 years. Together they raised two daughters and a son in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area. He worked most of his life in the grocery business. For the past 10 years, he worked as a school crossing guard for the City of Hampton, Virginia, until his illness forced him to retire. He built relationships with many of the children he helped safely cross the streets to and from Phoenix Elementary School and Eaton Fundamental School. He always gave a friendly wave to the drivers who regularly crossed his path.
He loved football and starred on the Green Bank High School football team. He was a loyal Washington Redskins fan, and enjoyed attending William and Mary football games with his son-in-law.
Bill treasured the time he spent with his family, and particularly enjoyed watching his two granddaughters grow up. He also loved to make people laugh, and was an active member of the Warwick Methodist Church where he served as an usher and enjoyed fellowship with his church family.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; two daughters, Debbie Russell, and husband, Ron, of Newport News, Virginia, and Kim Wu, and husband, Garrett, of Chantilly, Virginia; a son, Steve Arbogast, of Newport News, Virginia; two granddaughters, Rachel and Katie; and two sisters, Doris Dilley, of Charleston, and Mary Galford, of Green Bank.
Funeral service was July 27 at Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church. Interment was private.
Memorials may be made to the Lung Cancer Alliance, 1700 K Street NW #600, Washington, D.C. 20006.
