William R. “Bill” Gore, 88, of Roanoke passed away January 3, 2018.
Bill was a life-long resident of the Roanoke Valley and an active member of the community.
He was a charter member of the Lakeside Rinky-Dinks. Bill served his country, briefly in the US
Naval Reserves and for 28 years in the US Army and Army Reserves before retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel. He held many positions during his long tenure with the Roanoke Gas Company, working his way up from the service department to customer service management. Bill touched many lives through his membership and involvement in Kiwanis, American Legion Post 3, United Way, and Salem Baptist Church. His commitment to the Salem Christmas parade is legendary. Bill’s service to others and his
quick wit and wry smile will be remembered by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lou, and his brother Herschel.
He is survived by his son Ben, his sisters June Whitlow, Lois Francisco, and Margaret Swanson, and his brother Jim Gore, as well as his many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM, on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at John M Oakey & Son, Salem. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Salem Baptist Church. Rev. Everett Kier will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to United Way – Roanoke Valley Inc, Hopetree Family Services, Rescue Mission Ministries of Roanoke, or www.my.smiletrain.org. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.