William Paul Graybeal

Meadowview, VA- William Paul “Bill” Graybeal became an angel of the Lord on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. The Lord graced us with the gift of his presence for 77 years and 5 days. He was a faithful servant of God and touched the lives of so many throughout southwestern Virginia and western North Carolina, making our world a better place by sharing God’s love. Born in McDowell Co, West Virginia on December 28, 1937, Bill was the elder son of Paul Thompson Graybeal and Margaret Sexton Graybeal (both deceased). He was a graduate of Virginia/Carolina High School; a building which literally was built across the state line between Virginia and North Carolina. He received his BA degree in Psychology from Emory and Henry College, attended Duke University Pastor’s School for Seminary and later earned his MS of Science degree in School Administration from Radford University. Bill served for five years as pastor of several Methodist churches in the Holston Conference. He was a faithful member of Lebanon United Methodist Church and served in many capacities including Sunday School teacher and Chairman of the Administrative Council. “Mr. Graybeal” was a well-respected educator, teacher and administrator touching the lives of thousands of children in Smyth Co, VA for 37 years. He taught 7th grade at both Riverside and Chilhowie Elementary Schools. Then, Bill served as Assistant Principal and Principal at Marion Intermediate School, as well as overseeing the Marion area school buses, routes and drivers. Serving as President of the General William Campbell Chapter of the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR), Bill was also a member of the chapter color guard, as well as a member of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association (OVTA). A patriot of the Muster Grounds in Abingdon, VA, he portrayed the role of Reverend Charles Cummings (the “fighting parson”) who carried his gun to church with him and propped it in the corner while he preached to his congregation. Parson Cummings ministered to the patriots in Abingdon before they left to fight the Battle of King’s Mountain in 1780, which “turned the tide of the Revolutionary War” according to Thomas Jefferson. Bill especially loved teaching area children about the history of the region. He participated in numerous area parades, dedications, wreath laying’s and historical reenactments; firing his Flintlock Musket in salute. Most days he could be found on his beloved farm, tending to his cattle. Growing up on a farm, he had an appreciation for all living things and seeing his animals grow and flourish. His father instilled in him the work ethic that helped him succeed throughout his life. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 54 ½ years, Carol Miller Graybeal; adoring daughter, Dawn Graybeal Williams and husband Thomas J. Williams of Weaverville, NC; two treasured grandchildren, Ethan Jacob and Erin Nicole Williams; dear brother, Robert Lee “Bob” Graybeal and wife Emily of Mt. Pleasant, SC; many cousins, numerous friends, former co-workers, and compatriots. The family would like to thank all their wonderful friends for the visits, phone calls, food and support throughout his illness and send a special thank you to the Bristol Regional Medical health care workers who cared for him as well. An evening celebration of life service will be held at Emory and Henry Chapel in Emory, VA, at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2015, with the Reverend Paul T. Griffith officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday prior to the service from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the chapel. Burial will be held at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon, VA, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. An arrival time of 10:15 a.m. is requested for the burial service. Memorial contributions may be made to Emory and Henry College, Office of Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 950, Emory, VA 24327-9905. Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Graybeal and his family are in the care of Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (273-623-2700).