John Waggoner

John (Andy) Andrew Waggoner Sr., 98, of Commonwealth Stratford House died on March 24, 2019. He was born in Richwood, West Virginia on May 11, 1920, the son of Carrie Lou Waggoner and Alvin Waggoner. Andy was raised on a farm in West Milford, West Virginia. His college years were interrupted by World War II. He served in the United States Navy as a pilot in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska where he flew the Lockheed Ventura. Andy saw eighteen months of combat flying against the Japanese. Andy was thankful to return home and marry his high school sweetheart, Ruth Virginia Lee, on June 7, 1946. They celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in 2018. After leaving the navy with the rank of Lieutenant, he completed his college degree in Business Administration at the University of West Virginia in 1947.  Andy’s interest in construction led to his career in building supplies. He and Ruth moved several times in the early years of their marriage before settling in Danville, Virginia in 1956. He was employed at Danville Lumber and Manufacturing Company and later became the owner. Andy was a member of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church where he served on the board. He was an active member of the Danville Rotary Club and he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He is a past member of the Danville Golf Club and played golf well into his eighties. He enjoyed flying his entire life and had a surprise flight on his 97th birthday. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, John Andrew Waggoner Jr. and his wife Phyllis of Midlothian, Virginia and daughter, Rebecca (Becky) Waggoner Glass and husband Mark of Cary, North Carolina; three grandchildren, John Russell Waggoner of Richmond, Virginia, Carrie Lind Waggoner of Arlington, VA and Stephen Andrew Glass and his wife Katherine (Kati) Marie Glass of New Castle, Colorado and one niece, Marilyn Lee Glowa. He also leaves behind a very special schnauzer, Toby, of Stratford House. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 30 at 2 p.m. at Mount Vernon United Methodist church. The family will receive friends at 1 pm at the church. Interment will follow the service at Highland Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Mount Vernon Methodist Church, 107 West Main Street, Danville, VA 24541 or to the Danville Life Saving Crew, 202 Christopher Lane, Danville, VA 24541 or to your favorite charity. The family would like to express thanks to Andy’s wonderful caregivers this past year.