CHESAPEAKE-William “Bill” Preston Barley, 86, of the Deep Creek Community, wenthome to be with his Lord on June 30, 2015. Born in Buchanan, Va.,on January 24, 1929, he was preceded in death by his parents, Olin V.and Ann Camper Barley, and his wife of 64 years, Merle CulpepperBarley. Bill was a 1947 graduate of Harrisonburg High School anda 1951 graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory of Music. He was banddirector for 30 years in North Hampton County, the City of Hampton, andretired from the City of Portsmouth Schools. He was a long timemember of Deep Creek Baptist Church, choir director there for severalyears, and a member of the Ed Cuthriell Bible Class. Duringschool vacations and upon retirement, Bill worked the family farm onwhat is now known as Culpepper Landing.
He is survived by two sons, William Vernon Barley and wife Sarah, andJames Preston Barley; three grandsons, Preston Ross Barley and partnerAndrea Quidley, Waylon Vernon Barley and wife Carrie, and James BrettBarley and wife Casey; two great-granddaughters, Laya and Malia; onegreat-grandson Masen, all of Buxton; sister, Beverly Ann Cronebaugh andhusband Charles of Apopka, Fla.; sister-in-law, Betty Sue Spencer andhusband Harvey of Deep Creek; and several nieces and nephews. Thefamily wishes to acknowledge Debbie and Paul Wing of Great Bridge, Mr.and Mrs. Gene Langley, Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Lankford, and Lorraine Davisof Deep Creek for their unwavering love, help, and support. Aspecial thank you to Kathleen O’Brien, our God-sent hospice nurse fromKindred at Home.
Bill held his family as close as his faith and was a part-time residentof Avon and Buxton for over 40 years. He and Merle attended andsupported the Cape Hatteras Baptist Church and were avid supporters andmembers of the Cape Hatteras High School Booster Club. They attendedcountless sporting events in which their grandchildrenparticipated. He especially loved spending time with his familyon the island.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 3, at 12 noon at DeepCreek Baptist Church, 250 Mill Creek Pkwy., Chesapeake. Familywill receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Culpepper Family Cemetery, 3300 block of OldMill Road, Chesapeake. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations maybe made to Hope Haven Children’s Home, 3000 North Landing Road,Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Sturtevant Funeral Home,Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel is handling arrangements. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
