William (Bill) W. Stetson, Jr. left us in the early morning of January 29, 2025.
He will be remembered dearly by many people: His wife, his family, his friends, his co-workers at New York Life and all “his kids” from his years at Read Mountain Middle School and Lord Botetourt High School where he enjoyed a second career as a substitute teacher. He became a fixture in the hallways as he discovered that teaching was truly his calling. Many students learned Science, Social Studies, and Algebra essentials set to his original songs and raps, much to his granddaughter, Meredith’s, embarrassment.
When he wasn’t found in the halls of school, he could be found on the golf course. Through the years, he enjoyed many golf trips with his close friends, friends that ranged from age 15 to 90! Bill was an “ace” golfer (just ask him) and shared that passion with his son-in-law, Steve, and his grandson, Matthew. Even though he waited a long time to get his first hole in one (with a driver), he held bragging rights to an even rarer feat: the coveted double eagle.
Ask anyone to describe Bill, and almost unanimously one of the most common traits was his intelligence. However, when his sister, always fondly known as Twinkie, made a surprise trip to Roanoke and had his staff announce her by her given name, he nearly dismissed her because he didn’t even recognize her by that name!
As a Navy brat, Bill moved frequently throughout life so as a young adult, he treasured his friends and always made it a priority to stay in touch. While he held dear his many friendships from his years at New York Life, as well as his fellow golfers, he also maintained his friendship with his Bowdoin College roommate, Brian. After retirement, his circle of close friends only grew as he added many of the staff and teachers from Read Mountain and Lord Botetourt. There were many after-school gatherings at Don Ho’s where you could often find him onstage belting out some Elvis (in costume) songs or Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” which was truly a reflection of how he lived his life.
Left to treasure his memory are his wife, Peggy Musselman; daughter, Andrea Stetson (Steve Bailey); son, Bill Stetson III; step-daughter, Kathy Morck; sister, Twinkie Rogers (Walt Rogers); his grandchildren, Matthew Sweeney (Madeline Sweeney), Meredith Craven (Brian Craven); step-grandchildren, Robert Morck (Kelly Morck), Bill Morck, Thomas Garrett (Rebecca Garrett), Stephanie Syprzak (Adam Syprzak); three great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Friends are invited to join in a Celebration of Life to share memories and stories at Don Ho’s in Hollins on February 15, 2025 from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. There will be a memorial golf tournament and celebration to follow in the Spring at Blue Hills Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local animal rescue or shelter of your choice or Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke.
