William “Bill” R. Rodgers, 80

Bill Rodgers died peacefully Sunday night, January 8, 2023 surrounded by family following a sudden medical emergency. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sally Rodgers; daughters, Amy Van Dorp (Buddy) and Susan Aylor (Wes); grandchildren, Will Van Dorp, Katie Van Dorp, Lanie Van Dorp, Allyson Aylor and Mary Lynn Aylor; sisters, Claire Blake (Jerry) and Joyce Rodgers; niece and nephew, Wendy Olichweir (Matt) and Mike Blake (Heather); sister-in-law Edie Robinson and nephews Andy (Beth) and Tom.

Bill was born in Glens Falls, New York but grew up in Westfield, New Jersey and graduated from Westfield High School. He received a degree in Political Science from Muskingum University. Bill was a veteran of the Vietnam war, graduating from Officer Candidate School and distinguishing himself as Press officer while working in the Casemate Museum on Fort Monroe, in Virginia. He worked for Equitable Life Assurance Society for 15 years. Bill then owned and operated Valley Power Products in Roanoke for 45 years.

Bill was devoted to his family, running his business with his wife Sally. He loved old cars, old tractors, football and NASCAR. He was a gifted mechanic who rebuilt his first car before he had his driver’s license. He has counseled people all over the world on how to repair and care for their small tractor engines through his business Valley Power Products. Bill operated his business with care and integrity.  He was a longtime member of Windsor Hills United Methodist Church in Roanoke.

A family celebration of his life will be held later in the year. If you would like to honor Bill’s memory, please donate to Angels of Assisi (angelsofassis.org).