KILMARNOCK—Wesley Thomas Worsham, 93, died peacefully at home on February 10, 2026. He was respected and admired by so many throughout his nine decades. He was an entrepreneur and philanthropist but will be remembered most as a loving and caring man who lived by his motto, Be Yourself.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Carlson Worsham; a son, A. Wayne Worsham (Sara); a daughter, Angela W. Quick (Louis); a granddaughter, Megan Q. Trible; a grandson, Zachary D. Quick (Kaitlin); three great-grandchildren, Connor and Daniel Trible and Claire Estelle Quick.
He is also survived by Janet’s daughters, Stephanie Stahl (Scott) and Melanie Bonner (Luc); and her grandchildren, Madeline and Macy Stahl, Oliver and Elliot Hill; and Luc’s sons, Cameron and Mitchell Leblanc, all of whom Wes loved as his own. He was their beloved “Grandy.” Wes’ sweet and loyal dog, Charlie, died shortly before his death.
He was the son of Willis Cleveland Worsham and Estelle Utley Worsham, and was the youngest of 11 children. He grew up on a small tobacco farm in Powhatan and learned about hard work and responsibility at a young age. He left his small county high school and volunteered for the United States Army on his 17th birthday with the required paperwork signed by his father. By his 18th birthday, he was on the front lines in Korea, a proud soldier in the 25th Division, 35th Infantry Regiment. Starting at the Pusan Perimeter, he experienced combat throughout Korea. Eventually, he received a battlefield commission and became a platoon leader in 1950. He survived numerous hardships, which intensified when he was wounded and captured as a prisoner of war. After being rescued, he recovered in Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., before going home.
He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, among other medals, for his service. His military experience shaped much of the rest of his life. After the war he was part of the Virginia National Guard for six years. He was fiercely patriotic, honored the American flag with a passion and was loyal to his fellow veterans. He made it a priority to hire veterans when he was in business, helped some with a place to live and eagerly provided warm coats for homeless veterans.
Wes was among the group of 40 veterans who formed the Korean War Veterans Association, which had as its primary goal the establishment of a Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. After years of red tape and significant fundraising, they succeeded in their mission. The memorial was dedicated on July 27, 1995, the 42nd anniversary of the end of the Korean War.
He was kind, generous, loyal and always a gentleman. While he came from humble beginnings and little formal education, he was a self-made success.
Wes was a well-known businessman in Hanover County and surrounding areas. He was prominent in the fire protection sprinkler industry, sometimes referred to as “the grandfather of sprinklers” in Virginia. He founded several sprinkler companies, starting with Worsham Sprinkler. He opened Mechanicsville Auto Parts and invested in real estate.
When he wasn’t working, you could find him on his boat, at his hunting lodge, or cheering on the Virginia Tech football team.
Wes’ favorite pastime from childhood was fishing, which continued into his adulthood. He hosted an annual spring shad planking event on the banks of the Pamunkey River at his farm, Smith Ferry Farm. He became a licensed charter boat captain during one of his “retirements.” He also enjoyed duck and goose hunting on his property near his self-built hunting lodge.
Wes was well known at Virginia Tech. The Virginia Tech football program considered him a faithful benefactor. Wes was proud to have the football field at Lane Stadium named Worsham Field to honor him for his contributions to Hokie football. The field was dedicated in 1992.
As the Richmond Times Dispatch wrote at the time, “He is among the school’s most beloved and generous donors.”
His many service projects and associations include: The American Legion, Lifetime Member; 25th Infantry Division Association, Lifetime Member; Korean War Veterans Association, Founding Member; Military Order of the Purple Heart, Lifetime Member; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lifetime Member; Virginia Tech Foundation, Lifetime Member, Board of Directors; Virginia Tech Athletic Fund, Board of Directors; Ut Prosim Society, President’s Circle; Ducks Unlimited, Sponsor in Perpetuity; Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Board Member.
Wes relied on the devotion and support of his wife, Janet, whom he adored during their more than 50 years together. He was proud of what he was able to accomplish in life as “a country boy with little polish.” He was willing to help others if he could. He had quick wit and many interesting life stories to tell.
He was a good man.
Wes’ celebration of life was held Tuesday, February 17, at Currie Funeral Home, 116 East Church Street, Kilmarnock, officiated by Pastor Ben Fleet from Riverview, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).
