William Ferrell Vess, Jr.

It

is with great sadness to announce the sudden passing of William Ferrell Vess, Jr. on September 13, 2021. Bill was on his usual morning walk at the Inn at Little Washington Gardens when he suffered a heart attack. He loved walking around the Inn, sitting on the bench near the fountain, and observing all of the activities as he eagerly watched Paddy O’s Cafe being built. He will be fondly remembered by The James Fletcher Massie, Jr. Family , his friends and landlords on Meadow Grove Farm, where he lived for 33 years. He will be greatly missed by his friend, Nancy Clatterbuck, as well as many other friends that he made over the years.

Bill was born in Richmond, Virginia on November 28, 1940, the only child of William and Carmein Vess. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and Hampden-Sydney College. Bill’s business career begin in Akron, Ohio, as an insurance adjuster, and concluded as a Marketing Representative with First American Title in Fairfax.

Bill’s early passion was bridge, having learned the game by watching his mother play, and he became a Life Master at an early age.He was a keen supporter of ACC sports, especially the University of Maryland. He was a member of The Terrapin Club, and attended many football and basketball games. He was also an enthusiastic Baltimore Ravens fan, and a former season ticket holder.. Bill enjoyed live theatre and was a generous supporter of the arts. Bill loved to attend plays with clients and friends, especially the Signature Theatre in Arlington. Bill loved good food, and he completed the daily crossword puzzles in four different newspapers.

Bill made friends wherever he went, becoming like family with many of his lifelong friends. No one was a stranger to Bill. He was kind, generous, thoughtful, had a big heart, and he embraced life and it’s joys and challenges with determination. Interment will be private at Westhampton Memorial Park in Richmond. Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Massie Farm on Sunday October 17