REEDVILLE—William Andrew Deihl Sr. was called to his eternal home by his Lord and Savior at age 88 on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
William passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and caregivers that he loved so much and who loved him.
William was the son of George Allen and Alice Luttrell Deihl born on August 24, 1931. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Charles D. Deihl and Joseph A. Deihl.
William was born and raised in Reedville, where he remained a resident throughout his adult life. He graduated from Reedville High School at age 16 then began his first job pulling nets on a fishboat. He also worked in the grocery business before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1952. He served his country two years as sergeant and was honorably discharged as a Korean War veteran.
After coming home from the war, he continued working in the grocery business filling orders for the fishboats, he delivered newspapers and met the love of his life, Polly.
William and Polly were married in 1956 and shortly thereafter he began his career with the U.S. Postal Service as a rural carrier. He soon was promoted to a postal clerk position in the post office. In 1972, William was named the Reedville Postmaster while at the same time he became the owner of People’s Sundry Drug Store in Reedville. This was a family-operated business where the locals enjoyed homemade sandwiches, milkshakes and sundaes while shopping for general merchandise and medical supplies. The drug store was a popular place for William and Polly’s boys and their friends in the community to play pinball machines and read comic books. William retired from the USPS in 1986 with over 30 years of service in the federal government.
William was a lifelong member of Tibitha Church of God where he faithfully served the Lord. Throughout his years of service, he used his God-given talents as the song leader, choir member, soloist and piano player. He also served on the board of trustees for the church.
As a leader in the Reedville community, William worked with a team of charter members to organize the first rescue squad in 1963. This is now known as The Northumberland County Rescue Squad and William served as the first captain for four years. He also served the community as the treasurer of the Reedville Streetlight Association. William’s servanthood was evident by his dedication and passion to serve the Lord, his country and his community.
Over the years, William enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid coin collector and had an elaborate stamp collection from his postal career. He enjoyed traveling with his family and he never met a stranger. He was famous for striking up a conversation and telling a good joke to everyone he met.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 63 years, Pauline Terry Deihl. They were blessed with two sons, William Andrew Deihl Jr. of Los Angeles, Calif., and Walter Allen Deihl and wife, Crystal, of Spotsylvania; one grandson, William Andrew Deihl III of Tucson, Ariz,; and one granddaughter, Margo D. Nicholas and husband, Daniel, of Lynchburg.
The Deihl family would especially like to thank the staff at The Virginia Cancer Institute, The Visiting Angels, The Hospice of Virginia Care Team and William’s special caregiver, Ada Eskridge, for their tender loving care, support and encouragement during his courageous battle.
A Home-Going Celebration service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 15, at Tibitha Church of God in Reedville with Rev. Bobby Dunn and Rev. David Smith officiating. Prior to the service, the family received friends from 9-11 a.m. Interment followed at Roseland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in William’s honor to Tibitha Church of God or the Northumberland County Rescue Squad. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.curriefuneral.com.
