William Cousins

William Royal “Bill” Cousins, 97, passed away Friday morning, March 17, 2017 in Riverside Health Care and Rehabilitation Center.      He was born in the Whitmell Community of Pittsylvania County, VA on February 15, 1920, a son of the late Francis Royal Cousins and Martha Ellen “Nell” Woodall Cousins.      On September 24, 1949 he married the former Helen Poteat who survives.      Bill was a Veteran of World War II and served in the United States Army Corp of Engineers.  Following the service he joined his dad in the grocery business, Cousins Cash Market or the corner of Lee Street and Holbrook Avenue, and at the time of his retirement was the owner.      He was an active member of Lee Street Baptist Church (now College Park Baptist Church) where he taught Sunday School for 28 years, was a former Chairman of the Board of Deacons and former Chairman of the church Board of Trustees.  Bill enjoyed playing golf and playing pool at the Senior Citizens Center.      He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen P. Cousins; a daughter, Carol Cousins Dalton (Walter); a granddaughter, Martha Dalton; nephew, Jack Cousins, Jr. (Ginger); and two nieces, Joan Schwartz and Freda Burton.       In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by a sister, Jane Cousins Drake; two brothers, Jack Cousins and Fred Cousins.      Memorial services will be held Sunday, March 19th at 3 pm at Townes Memorial Chapel with the Reverend Dr. CAM McIntire and the Reverend Archer McIntire officiating.      The family will receive friends at the funeral home an hour prior to the service and at other times will be at the residence, 116 Westmore Drive.      Memorials may be made to College Park Baptist Church, 1104 South Main Street, Danville, VA 24541