Obituary of William Ray Markwood

William Ray (Bill) Markwood, 81, died, Wednesday,January 8, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 58 years, Joyce (Reamy) Markwood; daughter Vicki Lynn (Markwood) Campbell and her husband Raymond Arnold Campbell, grandchildren William Brennen Spencer and his wife Beccie (Bryan) Spencer and Elizabeth Grace Spencer, daughter Jill Suzanne Markwood and her life partner Dennis Lee Phillips, daughter Jodie Anne (Markwood) Martin and husband James Steven Martin, brother James Edward Markwood and his wife Eileen; and many close friends. Born April 30, 1932 and raised in Lancaster, Ohio, he was the son of Merl and Lucille (Justus) Markwood. After graduating from Lancaster High School in 1951, he served his country as a Marine from 1952 to 1955. Bill met his wife, Joyce in Washington DC while studying at Capital Radio Engineering Institute. They were married February 25, 1956 at Francis Ashbury Methodist Church, Washington DC. Bill and Joyce settled back in Lancaster, Ohio to raise their family and he was employed by Diamond Power, a division of Babcock and Wilcox where he traveled the world. He moved his family to Lynchburg, VA in 1977 to work at Babcock and Wilcox (Framatome / AREVA), where he was employed as a Field Service Specialist until his retirement in 1997. He was a member of the Lancaster Jaycees, the Marine Corp League, The Order of United Commercial Travelers of America, Loyal Order of Moose Lynchburg, The American Legion post 16. Bill was a huge NASCAR fan and traveled to many races with his friends and family. He was a member of the Heritage United Methodist Church of Lynchburg. The family would like to thank Patric, Mona, and Stephany from Generation Solutions and Gwen, Ruth, and Jen from Gentle Shepherd Hospice for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gleaning for the World, P.O. Box 645, Concord, VA 24538 or Heritage United Methodist Church, 582 Leesville Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 13, 2014, at Diuguid Waterlick Chapel, with the Rev. Will Montgomery officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2-4 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Virginia Memorial Park. Diuguid Funeral Service & Crematory-Waterlick Chapel,434- 237-2722, is serving the family.