Obituary of John Williamson McGavock IV

John Williamson McGavock IV (Bill), 92, of Roanoke, VA, passed away peacefully and suddenly at home on March 4, 2023. Bill was born September 25, 1930, in Lick Run, Botetourt County, VA. He attended Augusta Military Academy and later graduated from Eagle Rock High School, where he played basketball and football. Bill then joined the army and served for 2 years. When he returned, he spent 40 years in the garment industry working in NC, VA, and SC. After moving back to VA, he reconnected with family and friends. Bill also kept in touch with many longtime friends in NC, making annual trips to hunt with his hunting club.

Bill’s passions included farming, gardening, hunting, and fishing. His love of farming and all outdoor activities began at a young age, spending time at his grandparent’s home on the James River. Bill was an avid sports enthusiast, killing his last deer at age 91. He was a kind and generous person, and never met a stranger.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, J. W. McGavock III and Lucille Kenny McGavock Layne; his wife of 53 years, Jacqueline Walker McGavock of Elizabethtown, NC; his brother, Ed McGavock of Prescott, AZ; and sister in law, Lynn Sullender Brooks of High Point, NC.

Bill is survived by his wife of 14 years, Georgia Sullender Oliver McGavock of Roanoke, VA; children, Stephanie & Ben Stewart of Willard, NC (grandchildren: Stacey & Jonathan, Katy & Joey, Chris & Kristina; great grandchildren: Reed & Lacey), Billy & Phoebe McGavock of Elizabethtown, NC, and Michael & Sharon McGavock of Elizabethtown, NC (grandchildren: Matthew & Will); brothers, James & Louise McGavock of Staunton, VA, Robertson (Bob) & Edna McGavock of Hixon, TN, Kelly & LaVonne McGavock of Gulfport, MS, and Don & Carolyn McGavock of Parksley, VA; sisters and brother in law, Betty & Ellwood Cosgrove of Coudersport, PA, and Mary Ann Layne of Lake Placid, FL; sisters in law, Sue McGavock in Prescott, AZ, and Evelyn Shelor of Roanoke, VA; brother in law, Ed Brooks of High Point, NC; stepsons and daughter in law, Mark & Kara Oliver of Lynchburg, VA, and Blair Oliver of New Kent, VA; five grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family would like to thank Bill’s doctors and nurses at the Salem VA Medical Center, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and Centerwell Home Health Care.

Graveside services will be held at Bladen Memorial Gardens (Hwy 242, Elizabethtown, NC) at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 18, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or Trinity Methodist Church, Elizabethtown, NC.