William Sibley III, M.D. (S ’62)

November 18, 1930 – June 2, 2023

William L. Sibley III of Roanoke, Va., was born on November 18, 1930, and passed into God’s hands on Friday, June 2, 2023.

William was born to Ara R. Anthony Sibley and William Langley Sibley Sr. at the start of the Great Depression. The family traveled much as his father completed his medical and surgical training. They settled in Roanoke with his father joining the Lewis-Gale Clinic as a surgeon.

Young William (Bill) graduated from Jefferson High School in 1948, then went to the University of Virginia where he obtained his BA and MD degrees completing his education in 1956.

A rotating internship took place in Seattle, Washington followed by military service in the United States Air Force as a flight surgeon. He then went to a fellowship in surgery at the Mayo Clinic completing his training at Woods Veterans Administration for additional training in vascular and thoracic surgery.

He returned to Roanoke in 1964 joining his father at Lewis-Gale Clinic doing general, thoracic, and vascular surgery. He was a personal physician who spent time with patients and sacrificially gave time, heart, and emotions to each day. He was not one who wanted to disappear into retirement and so swapped his white coat for a tool belt and boots to work as a volunteer for Habitat of Roanoke and a member of the Builders Club. He continued with them until 2015 and helped build and renovate many homes during those years for individuals who would otherwise not have a home. He states to all retiring individuals that Habitat of Roanoke is an excellent way to stay active and is a pleasing, rewarding, and satisfying way to give back to the community. As he went through the years, William increasingly was a stronger member of Saint Andrews Catholic Church, forming friendships with the priests and within the congregation.

He was preceded in death by his parents; immediate aunts and uncles; and the mother of his four sons, Laurel Ann Berg.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 43 years, Ruth Sibley, who shared the adventure of his life in heart and spirit; his sons, William L. Sibley IV and wife, Judy, David A. Sibley and wife, Denise, Randolph S. Sibley, and Stuart C. Sibley and wife, Kathy; daughter, Lynn Arbogast and husband, Terry; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Life is short for all of us, and we learn the importance of giving and loving from this wonderful man. We realize how few are the years in which we live. Intentionally serve your family and the world around you. May you find a Christian faith and church to embrace as a foundation on which to live.

We, the survivors, will remember our husband, father, and grandfather with gratitude and a deep love for each other that will be his heritage binding us together.

A Memorial Mass will be conducted at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church in Roanoke.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church, 631 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA 24016 or to Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.Oakeys.com.

Arrangements by Oakey’s Funeral Service – South Chapel, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131.