Last week, a community leader and public servant passed away after battling T-cell Lymphoma for nine years. William “Billy” Obenchain Jr. died two years after he retired as a Roanoke Fire-EMS Battalion Chief. His viewing was held on Sunday and members of the community lined up throughout the funeral home to pay their respects.
Part of the Battalion Chief’s coat was framed, his helmet on a pedestal and his axe and turnout gear on display. William “Billy” Obenchain Jr. was a Roanoke firefighter for 25 years and a local leader on Vinton’s town council for 15 years.
"His work on town council here in Vinton- he truly loved the town of Vinton, and he wanted to see the town of Vinton prosper,” said Gary Houff, a life-long friend and Roanoke County Battalion Chief.
Obenchain was a family man who made his community part of his extended family.
"Billy developed the Angel Tree back years ago before you saw them in the malls and everywhere else. Back then, it wasn't as popular as it is now. If there were still angels on the tree, Billy would take all the names off and go do the shopping to make sure the kids had something for Christmas,” said Houff.
Houff said Billy began as a firefighter in Vinton and Salem before moving to his dream destination of Roanoke City. He trained other firefighters state-wide.
"He just loved training,” Houff said.
Billy would even risk his own life to help others. Houff told us one story from about 30 years ago.
"There were two small children who fell through the ice, and Billy was able to get one out. Unfortunately he wasn't able to get the second one out, and that really bothered him,” he remembered.
Billy’s brotherhood with other firefighters remained a true bond even after he retired in 2007.
"It was tough on them, and it was tough for everybody because he's battled this cancer for ten years and he's fought it so courageously."
After his death, Billy wants others to send donations for T-cell Lymphoma research.
"Even in his passing he's still going to be helping other people,” Houff said.
The funeral will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Vinton Baptist Church.
You can send the donations to:
Duke CTCL Fund
C/O Dr. Elise Olsen
Duke University Medical Center
Box 3294
Durham, NC 27710
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