Bill Chafin passed from this world Aug. 25, 2019, at the age of 81, in Angier, North Carolina. He began life in Washington, D. C., on May 16, 1938, but lived most of his life in Montgomery County, Virginia. He attended Riner Elementary School and graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1957.
He joined the US Navy in 1961. After basic training, he served on board the USS Ingersoll out of San Diego, California. It was there that he met the love of his life, Donna Ihde, on a blind date. They married in October of 1963.
In November 1964, Bill was discharged from the Navy and moved with his wife and daughter, Lisa, to Christiansburg, Virginia. While in Christiansburg, he worked for the Highway Department. His son, Lonnie, was born in 1967.
After the aunt and uncle who raised him, Lonnie and Elsie Chafin, passed way in 1968, Bill and Donna moved back to San Diego. There he began working in appliance repair with Montgomery Ward.
Wanting to open his own business, the family moved back to Christiansburg and opened Chafin Appliance in 1977. During this successful period, he became involved with the Kiwanis Club, becoming President in 1991, and local civic government, working on the Economic Development Commission of Montgomery County, the Christiansburg Town Council and Christiansburg Chamber of Commerce. It was also during this time that Bill and Donna built their dream home on Atkinson Road in Christiansburg.
Other accolades or associations of note are Kiwanian of the Year (1988 and 2005), President of the Demon Booster Club (1982), Lifetime Member of the American Legion, Chairman of the Small Stores Committee for the USS Ingersoll Vets, Red Carpet Service Award from Maytag Corporation, and the Magic Chef Dealer Council.
In 1987, Bill and Donna sold Chafin Appliance and Bill went to work for the Maytag Corporation as a Service Trainer. It was during his tenure with Maytag that the couple moved briefly to Cleveland, Tennessee, only to return to the house they loved in Christiansburg a few years later. Bill retired from Maytag in 2001.
During his retirement, Bill enjoyed many activities, especially bowling and traveling with his wife. Besides visiting his children in Chicago and North Carolina, he went to the Ingersoll Vets reunion yearly in many parts of the country. He was quite proud of having visited every state of the United States, including an Alaska cruise in 2013 to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
One of Bill’s other interests was carpentry, having built many pieces of furniture for his home and family. He also enjoyed building many of the shelves and tables used at the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program (MCEAP) where both he and Donna volunteered frequently.
In February of 2018, Bill and Donna downsized from the Atkinson Road house and moved to North Carolina to be closer to Lisa. In August 2018, they moved into their new home in Angier, North Carolina, which reminded him of the Christiansburg of his youth.
Plagued with ongoing health issues, Bill left this world on Aug. 25, 2019, having lived a full and satisfying life.
He leaves behind a loving wife of almost 56 years, Donna, and two children, Lisa of Fuquay Varina, NC, and Lonnie of Chicago, IL. Grandchildren: Alex Harriman and wife Jenny of Dublin VA, Eva Willets of Concord, NC, and Aaron Willets of Fuquay Varina, NC. Siblings: Bob and wife Wilma Chafin of Greensboro, NC, Gilbert and wife Doris Chafin of Christiansburg, VA, Deanna and husband Gary Mallory of Radford, VA, and George and wife Loraine Chafin of Christiansburg, VA. Brothers and sisters-in-law, all in southern California: Allen Ihde, Steven and wife Clara Ihde (now in Arizona), Brad Ihde and Terrilyn Cincotta, Beverly and husband Mark Zekan, and Phil and wife Christina Ihde. Bill also leaves behind several nieces and nephews with spouses and children.
Also left behind is the Lester clan who feel very much like family to Bill, Donna, Lisa, and Lonnie. They are Susan and Henry Henderson, Mary and Tom McFarland, Mindy and Doug Ward, and Darry and Judy Lester.
Loved ones that have gone before him are sister Doris and her husband Don Oliver, half-brother Jack Chafin, the aunt and uncle who raised him, Lonnie and Elsie Chafin, his parents Talfred and Anne Chafin, and special friends Douglas and Ruth Lester.
Many people will remember Bill for his humor and hard work. His word was his bond and he never began any endeavor lightly. He served his county and community with a servant’s heart. He was a dedicated friend to all he met and always made them laugh, even when he was beating them in cribbage! He will be missed by all.
Visitation was held on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, from 5-8 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be conducted today, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, at 10 a.m. in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Paul Song officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Christiansburg Kiwanis Club.
