William McPheeters "Bill" McElroy, 86, of Fishersville, Virginia passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at English Meadows Assisted Living Fishersville with his wife by his side. Bill, also lovingly known as "Sweet William" was preceded in death by his parents, The Rev. Dr. Frank H. McElroy, Sr. and Mae Carpenter McElroy as well as his eldest son William M. McElroy II. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Dorothy Hunter McElroy, their daughter Lynne McElroy Wold (Chuck), son Russell Hunter McElroy (Danielle) and daughter-in-law Mary Owens McElroy. Bill's legacy continues through his seven grandchildren, Caitlin, Jill, Charlotte, Molly, Hunter, Jamie, Wesley and four great-grandchildren, Warren, William, Wyatt and Wade.

Bill was born in Opelika, Alabama and spent his childhood in Quitman, Georgia along with his eight siblings. He graduated from Quitman High School where he played E-flat upright tuba and was a frequent featured soloist in the concert band. While at Georgia Tech on the co-op plan, he was committed to paying for his education by driving for Sears & Roebuck graduating in 1961. He and his college sweetheart Dot were married the same year. He began working at Burlington Industries with the majority of his working career spent at DuPont in Old Hickory, TN and Waynesboro VA. He was a skilled auto mechanic throughout his life beginning at age of 12. One of his proudest accomplishments was rebuilding Dot's 1955 Chevrolet, which remains a family treasure.

After retirement, he and Dot remained in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. He became involved with The Gideons International and enjoyed distributing Bibles, particularly to 5th graders through Weekday Religious Education (WRE) and sharing his faith in Jesus through his gentle and kind demeanor. He enjoyed serving as a volunteer teacher at Love INC. As an active member of Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, Bill served as an elder, Sunday school teacher and was honored to be named Elder Emeritus.

Bill savored time spent with his large extended family sharing meals, laughter and stories of their lives. Retirement brought adventure as Bill and Dot delighted in their Airstream club and camping with their grandchildren. They traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada and made life-long friendships along the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on August 23rd, 2025 at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow at Spring Hall. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make donations in memory of Bill may be made to Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church: Mission Ministry, 30 Tinkling Spring Drive, Fishersville, VA 22939 or The Gideons International, East Augusta Camp, P.O. Box 715, Waynesboro, VA 22980 or a charity of your choice.

Prior to the Celebration of Life, the family will hold a private graveside service.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff at English Meadows and Legacy Hospice Fishersville.