William Robert Wolford

William Robert Wolford, age 82, of Danville, Virginia, passed away suddenly and peacefully on Dec. 25, 2024.

Son of the late Freedith and Carles Wolford, Bill was born in Huntington, West Virginia, on July 12, 1942. He graduated from Marshall University and was recruited to teach in Danville Public Schools (DPS) in 1964. He earned graduate degrees from Lynchburg University and Virginia Tech, and was a teacher, coach and vice principal at Robert E. Lee Junior High School, principal at Woodrow Wilson and Gibson Middle Schools, and assistant principal at George Washington High School. He retired as a DPS central office administrator in 2003.

Bill was a member and past-president of the Kiwanis Club of Danville, and he was a long-time member of West End Christian Church, and more recently West Main Baptist Church. For nearly 40 years he officiated youth and high school football and basketball in Virginia and North Carolina. He was a runner, a tennis player and golfer. He enjoyed yard work and birdwatching, and most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Bill is survived by Gaynelle Wolford, his wife of 59 years; daughters Wendy Lovell (Tom) of Lexington, VA; Kelly Johnston (David) of Crozet, VA; and grandchildren Owen and Taylor Lovell, and Talley, Emma and Leigh Johnston. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, Jan. 2 at West Main Baptist Church, 450 W. Main St., Danville, with Pastor Drew Herring officiating. A visitation will precede the service at 9:30 am in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can made to West Main Baptist Church, Danville Life Saving Crew, or Gretna Fire & Rescue.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memory Wall at www.townesfuneralhome.com The Wolford family has entrusted arrangements to Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main St., Danville, VA, 434-793-1211.