William Roy Devor, 94, of Bluefield, VA., passed away peacefully at home on Thursday,
April 30, 2026.
Born on April 2, 1932, in Bishop, VA., and a lifelong resident of Bluefield, Va., he was the son of
the late Roy and Eva Walker Devor. Bill, as he was called by family and friends, proudly served
his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War Era, stationed first in
California, then at the Nagoya Air Base in Nagoya, Japan from 1952-1954, and afterwards
stationed at Laredo Air Force Base in Laredo, Texas, being honorably discharged in 1956.  Upon
returning to Bluefield he joined the National Guard, served 20 years and retired in 1976.
Bill was a godly man, whose deep Christian faith in God was ever present in his daily life and
prayers. In his later years he faithfully witnessed to many people, leading them to the teachings
of the bible.  His favorite bible verses were Luke 11:2-4, Psalm 23:1-6 and John 3:16. He was a
former member of the Bluefield Virginia Church of God but in his last years attended and
became a member of the Tip Top Church of God in North Tazewell, VA. Bill loved his church
family and even though he was legally blind, he held the bible in his heart from memory.
Bill retired from the Tazewell County School System after 25 years. As a young man and into his
forties, he worked at various places prior to retiring from the school system, including Bluefield
Casket, Bluefield Monument, Fairmont Foods, Nehi Bottling, Bailey Lumber (formerly Seyler
Lumber) and driver for Ossit Church Furniture, to name a few. He enjoyed watching game
shows and old TV movies, especially westerns. Bill enjoyed telling stories (a few were tall ones)
of his youth through adulthood of spending time in the woods looking for morels, picking
berries or apples, hunting game in the mountains, gardening, his time in the service, raising a
family, listening to old hymns, Hank Williams, the Grand Ole Opry and making sure church was
a priority. Bill had an amazing memory and when you asked him about some person or place,
even if it was 50 years ago or more, he could recall it in an instant. Remembering names were
his greatest asset throughout his life. He could tell you the names of people he grew up with,
neighbors he once knew, former co-workers and family or friends who had passed, recently or
long ago.
Dad, you were truly loved and will be greatly missed, but we know you are now rejoicing with
our Lord and Savior.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Patricia Brinkley
Devor, brothers Pierce E. Devor and Delmas W. Devor, daughter Bonnie Proffitt, granddaughter
Stephanie Proffitt Haley, son-in-law Kenny Durham, nephew Brian Waddle and former wife,
Charlotte G. Devor, mother of his children.
Survivors include, his son, William (Rusty) Devor, who has been his constant caregiver, his
daughters, Frances Devor Durham and Christina Devor Neal (Jack) of Swansboro, NC., sister,
Wanda Waddle of Galax, VA., and son-in-law, Ronnie Proffit of Bluefield, VA.
Additional survivors are his granddaughter, Brandy Price; great-grandchildren, Kiowa Clarida,
Will Clarida III, Brooke Haley and Jacob Haley (Bryana Davis). Great great-grandson, Easton
Haley, great great-granddaughters Ivory Knight, Kayana Haley and Alayna Haley. Nieces Lori
Waddle and Julie Orr. Close cousin, Norma Walker and family friend Michael Saunders. Also,
special friends, Jim and Wanda Coe, N.B. Mangus, Kenneth Powell, and Wolfgang Zeisig.
Special thanks to Legacy Hospice, Lisa and Susan, who contributed to his care.
The family will receive family and friends at Dudley Funeral Home, Bluefield, VA., Saturday, May
2, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Pastors Jim and Wanda Coe will be officiating the service at
2:00 pm. A service of committal will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Luther Street, Bluefield, VA.
Military grave rites will be conducted by Mercer County Guard.
Serving as pallbearers will be Walter Kied, Bill Agee, Austin Brown and Barry Carbaugh.
Honorary pallbearers are N.B. Mangus and Wolfgang Zeisig.
Memorial contributions in Mr. Devor's name may be made to Tip Top Church of God, 2930 Tip
Top Road, North Tazewell, VA 24608.
Take me home, Lord, oh, take me home,
Over the hillside, and over the sea,
To the soft grass of the valley,
Where Your grace Shall set me free.