Staunton: Cancer claims Billy Rule, 47

STAUNTON — Taken decades too soon, William "Billy" Allen Rule III passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at the University of Virginia Medical Center from complications of CNS lymphoma.

Born July 7, 1960, in Clifton Forge, he was raised in Staunton and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1978. Billy continued in his father's footsteps as president and owner of Rule Volkswagen/Honda.

Billy is survived by parents, Joan Rule and William Rule Jr.; brother, Jimmy Rule; sisters, Sally Rule-Gwinn and Jann Shenk; brother-in-law, Larry Shenk; nephew, Jonathan Shenk; nieces, Jill Midgett, Katie Shenk and Sara and Taylor Gwinn; great-nephews, Jacob Johnson, Logan and Parker Shenk and Gray Midgett; great-niece, Hailey Johnson; and devoted girlfriend, Tonya Brown. He was proud of his role as father to Jenni Lockhart and Missy Wittig, daughters of Kathy Rule, and grandfather to Zakk and Ali Wittig.

Fun-loving, hardworking and consummate Hokie fanatic, Billy enthusiastically supported and sponsored local sports teams and events. He volunteered on the Staunton-Augusta Fire Department for many years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman; he served on the board of directors of Bear Loop Hunt Club, as his grandfather and great-uncle had done before him.

Billy would say that there is no better place to live or better friends, customers and neighbors to have than in this valley. He considered himself very lucky, and many were privileged to have known and loved him.

A memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2008, at Memorial Baptist Church at 224 Taylor St. in Staunton.

There will be no public viewing.

In lieu of flowers, suggested donations can be made to the Brain Tumor Foundation, Attn: Gift, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 1200, New York, NY 10019 or to Virginia Tech Foundation Inc., University Development 0336, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net.