Lewisburg-William J. “Bill” Talbott, 84, passed away suddenly Thursday morning, Mar. 12, 2020, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center.
Bill was born Jan. 18, 1936 in Monroe County, the son of the late Marshall D. and Gladys Early Talbott.
Bill grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Pickaway where he started running the dairy around the age of 15. On the side he would sell a few cars at the Jeep/Willys dealership in Union. He married his wife of almost 58 years, Dorothy Jean Shirey, and was promptly drafted into the Army, in which served in Europe until his father passed away and he was called home. When Bill came home he took a job at Greenbrier Motor Co. selling cars. This was only to be temporary until something better came along. However, Bill fell in love with the car business and he and Dorothy ultimately purchased Greenbrier Motors, where he would continue to work for the next 56 years and be the cornerstone of the business until he passed. The business and their employees truly were his and Dorothy’s life. Bill built on his accomplishments and became an unassuming business leader in the community. For years he was a deacon and an elder in the Ronceverte Presbyterian Church before becoming a member of the Lewisburg United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Beni Kedem Shrine. He served many years as a board member of the West Virginia Automobile and Truck Dealer Association and ultimately became President of the Association. He also served for many years on the board of directors of One Valley Bank and more recently served on the board of the Bank of Monroe. Bill got the most fulfillment from contributing to many community charitable organizations and was most proud of being able to help the youth of the area in their endeavors in 4-H and FFA.
Other than his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a brother, Marshall D. Talbott, Jr.
Surviving Bill are his wife, Dorothy Shirey Talbott and their children, David R. Talbott; his daughters Nicole, Kristyn, and Taylor; and Stephen S. Talbott, his wife Dede and their children Grant and Olivia; Bill’s children from a previous marriage Bill Talbott, his son Danny and Susan Williams and her daughter Brittany; as well as his sister, Virginia Walkup; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held for Bill on Monday, Mar. 16, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg where the Rev. Eugene Fullen officiated.
The family received friends at the funeral home before the service.
In lieu of flowers Bill would have wanted you to make memorial contributions to Greenbrier Humane Society, 151 Holliday Lane, Lewisburg, WV 24901 or Hospice Care, 1265 Maplewood Avenue, Lewisburg, WV 24901.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com