William E. “Bill” Milby Sr., 85, also affectionately known as “Bootsie” and “Gramps,” left for his eternal home on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Born on April 29, 1938, to the late William and Louise Milby, Bill was born and raised in Stormont, Virginia, where he graduated from Middlesex High School. Bill loved his high school days where he excelled both as an athlete and academically as well as romantically when he met the love of his life, the late Anne Wake Milby.
After high school, he then went to Duke University followed by the United States Marine Corps, and later the University of Richmond where he was awarded his Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Business Association degrees.
Bootsie was the consummate Southern gentleman. Always the best dressed man in the room, with a beautiful strength of character, including generosity, integrity, loyalty and kindness. He always put others first and could be counted on to do the right thing, the right way. He actively volunteered, was a voracious reader and never, ever missed an Indy 500. Bill adored his family as well as Duke basketball, tending to his birds, taking nature walks and snacking on jellybeans (a gift he received each Christmas from his cherished grandsons).
Professionally, Bill started his career in a small loan office in Fredericksburg and retired in 2003 as executive vice president and director from the National Bank of Fredericksburg, where many coworkers became close friends. One of the most rewarding challenges of his career was the 13 years he spent teaching business courses at Germanna Community College. Although the majority of his life was spent in Virginia, he traveled extensively, seeing many amazing countries and embracing their culture. But he never lost his love for Virginia.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Anne W. Milby; and brother, Warren J. Milby.
He is survived by his younger sister, Eloise Milby Shaver; two children, William E. Milby, Jr. (Judy) and Mary Milby; two grandsons, Trey and Lukas; and many loving nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.
A graveside service and burial is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29 at Clarksbury United Methodist Church Cemetery. All are welcome.
Bootsie had a reverence for God and most of all, possessed a servant’s heart. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you give as generously as you’re able to a charity that touches your heart in his memory.
