William R. "Bill" Yagle November 16, 1936 – August 17, 2026

William R. "Bill" Yagle, 89, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Bill was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Robert A. and Gerda H. Yagle. He graduated from West Virginia University and went on to serve four years in the U.S. Army. In 1963, he moved to Salem, Virginia, where he continued his service in the Army Reserve while building a life, a career, and a family that meant everything to him.

Bill began his career with the Virginia Department of Forestry before co-founding Hamlet and Yagle Forestry Consultants. In 1976, he started Yagle Nursery, which grew to include a Christmas tree farm — a business and a passion that reflected his deep love of the land and the outdoors.

Outside of work, Bill was happiest outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, swimming, and gardening, and he had a soft spot for animals of every kind, rescuing and caring for numerous dogs over the years who became cherished members of the family. But nothing in his life compared to the joy his grandchildren brought him. From the moment they were born, they were the center of his world — he lit up talking about them, and in his eyes, they could do no wrong. His grandchildren, Sean and Morgan, also helped out at the nursery over the years, giving him even more time to share his passion with the people he loved most.

Bill also had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit that kept those around him laughing. Whether he was teasing family at the dinner table or spinning a good story, he had a gift for finding the funny side of life, and his laughter is something his family will always remember.

Bill was a long-time member of Salem Presbyterian Church.

Bill is survived by his wife, Ruth (Cooper) Yagle of Salem, Virginia, to whom he was married for nearly 69 years. He is also survived by his daughters, Linda Martin (Gordon) and Lisa Yagle (Matt Gart), both of Salem, Virginia; his brother, Karl Yagle (Pam) of Morgantown, West Virginia; his brother-in-law, Wayne Graham of Omaha, Nebraska; his grandchildren, Sean Gart (Radhika Parekh) and Morgan Schillo (Sharkey); his great-grandsons, Emmett Schillo, Owen Schillo, and Samir Gart; and nieces Jennifer Mauer and Carolyn Yagle, and nephew Jeff Graham, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. and Gerda H. Yagle; his sister-in-law, Weasie Graham; and his great-grandson, Callen William Schillo.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Karis Care Services, especially Skylar, Jessica, Jacara, and Renee, and all who cared for Bill with such compassion. They are also deeply grateful to Good Samaritan Hospice House and its kind and thoughtful staff, especially in-home nurse Amy, hospice house nurse Kirsten, and the many aides, chaplains, nurses, and social workers who supported the family through this journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke, Angels of Assisi, the Wildlife Center of Virginia, Salem Presbyterian Church, or a charity of one's choice.

Bill will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love of the outdoors, his devotion to his family, and the joy he found in the simplest of things — a day of fishing, a garden in bloom, a rescued dog curled at his feet, or a story about his grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will carry on through the family he cherished so deeply.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.