Lieutenant Commander William Ray Aliff, United States Navy (retired), passed away peacefully at his home in Christiansburg on July 14, 2026, at the age of 90. William was born Mar. 29, 1936, in Rocky Gap, Virginia, to the late Oady Lafayette Aliff and Esther Concannon Aliff. William lived a life defined by honor, resilience, duty, and an unwavering, sacrificial love for his Lord and his family. Above all his achievements, the most important thing in William’s life was his faith and his family. He was a strong Christian man whose life was deeply anchored in his faith. William was an earnest student of the Word, devoted his time to diligent Scripture study, finding great wisdom and strength in God’s promises. Most importantly, William pointed his family to his Savior, Jesus Christ, leading them by his faithful example.
He was a devoted husband and father who loved his family sacrificially. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Freda Martin Aliff, and his four children: daughter Kathryn Elaine Stephens (B.J. Stephens), son Michael William Aliff, daughter Robin Kay Aliff Wilson (Brian Wilson), and son Jonathan David Aliff. He was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren: Stephen Thomas, Heather Stanley, Jennifer Thomas, Jordan Stephens, Amanda Pastella, Micheal Aliff, Lauren Wilson, Luke Wilson, Emma Brumfield, Abigail Wilson, Anna Wilson, Grace Wilson, Faith Wilson and Hope Wilson. His legacy further extends to his 15 cherished great-grandchildren: Ella Thomas, Eli Thomas, Jackson Thomas, Reed Stanley, Mya Hopson, Maddox Hayes, Noah Sills, Gracynn Sills, Layne Pastella, Harper Pastella, Bryar Pastella, Oakley Aliff, Willow Aliff, Arlo Wilson, and Sophia Wilson; and his great-great-grandchild, Ryker MacKinlee Sills. William proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 23 years as a corpsman serving on the USS Skate SSN 578. Through hard work, leadership and integrity, he rose through the ranks to retire as Lieutenant Commander Medical Service Corps. After his military retirement William chose to go back to college and attended Emory and Henry College and later Virginia Tech where he earned his Master of Arts degree in English continuing to fuel his lifelong passion of learning. William completed his professional career serving as the hospital administrator for the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech for 13 years. In retirement, William and wife of 69 years, Freda, were able to enjoy life together and live life to the fullest in their two favorite places, their 30-acre farm in Meadowview, Va., and in the salty air of Myrtle Beach, S.C. It was here they were able to experience the fruit of their labor; their family, grandchildren, gardens and pets. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 12 p.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with the Rabbi Hines Pegram officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery.
