Alvin Wesley “Pat” Kagey, 88, of Fincastle, Virginia departed a life he loved dearly on Thursday, March 16, 2023, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by Barbara, his cherished wife of 30 years, and his two daughters, Carol and Cindy, as he entered into the life promised and prepared for him.

Pat was born on November 5, 1934, to Ella Mae and Alvin Rudolf Kagey. He attended Virginia Tech as a member of the Corps of Cadets with a major in agriculture and was a proud life-long Hokie. He graduated from dental school at the University of Maryland, and after becoming a dentist, served as an officer in the United States Air Force. In 1964 he opened his own dental practice in Roanoke, Virginia and he served his patients and his community until his retirement in 2012.

He was an active and faithful member of Fincastle United Methodist Church and served on many boards and committees. He also was active in the Kiwanis Club and was a past president of the local club. He was a decades long member of the local dental society and served as a past president.

However, a life such as Pat’s cannot be captured in a list of activities and accomplishments, no matter how numerous. Pat loved many things, but most of all he loved his family: his wife Barbara, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his sister. He spoke often about his family that had gone before him and had a special place in his heart for his grandparents and their farm in Sperryville, Virginia where he spent many summers as a child. He was always proud of his children’s accomplishments, and those of his grandchildren, and loved reveling their every achievement. That love, and his love of the wonder of creation and his love of the creator, carried him through this life to the end.

Pat was gregarious and outgoing, and never met a stranger. He had many life-long friends, and it was difficult to go anywhere with him without him seeing numerous people who knew and respected him. A genuine southern storyteller with a quick sense of humor, he always had an anecdote or tale to fit every circumstance.

His friendly personality, and his ability to always see the good in every circumstance, made him a pleasure to be around. He never complained, instead finding the positive in everyday life and taking joy in the simple things. The view from the deck of his house, riding on his tractor, tending to his blueberries, and observing the birds at his feeders, were just some of the ordinary graces of his life.

Ultimately, Pat trusted in God, and expressed his hope in the resurrection and his belief that death was not the final word in our lives. His passing leaves a wound in many hearts that can never be healed totally, but it will be diminished by the thanksgiving and gratitude of those who knew and loved him.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; by his beloved daughter, Cheryl Kagey Wood (Greg); and by his niece, Penny Slattery (Mike).

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his sister, Patricia Atkins; his daughters, Carol Kagey Dorsey (Jeff), Cynthia Kay Kagey, Christy Forest (Todd), Christy Tedrow (Mark), and Jacque Atkins; as well as 11 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

The family invites all who wish to celebrate Pat’s life to Fincastle United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, for visitation, to be followed by a Service of Death and Resurrection at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Jeffrey L. Dorsey and the Rev. Kwangmin Shin officiating. Lunch will follow the service.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Fincastle United Methodist Church, 137 South Church Street, Fincastle, VA 24090.