William J. (Bill) Talbott, 84, of Lewisburg, West Virginia passed away suddenly Thursday morning, March 12, 2020 at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center.

Bill was born January 18, 1936 in Monroe County, the son of the late Marshall D. and Gladys Early Talbott.

Bill grew up on his family's dairy farm in Pickaway where he started running the dairy around the age of 15. On the side, he would sell a few cars at the Jeep/Willys dealership in Union.

He married his wife of almost 58 years, Dorothy Jean Shirey, and was promptly drafted into the Army, in which he served in Europe until his father passed away and he was called home. When Bill came home, he took a job at Greenbrier Motor Co. selling cars. This was only to be temporary until something better came along. However, Bill fell in love with the car business and he and Dorothy ultimately purchased Greenbrier Motors, where he would continue to work for the next 56 years and be the cornerstone of the business until he passed. The business and their employees truly were his and Dorothy's life.

Bill built on his accomplishments and became an unassuming business leader in the community. For years he was a deacon and an elder in the Ronceverte Presbyterian Church before becoming a member of the Lewisburg United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Beni Kedem Shrine. He served many years as a board member of the West Virginia Automobile and Truck Dealer Association and ultimately became President of the Association. He also served for many years on the board of directors of One Valley Bank and more recently served on the board of the Bank of Monroe.

Bill got the most fulfillment from contributing to many community charitable organizations and was most proud of being able to help the youth of the area in their endeavors in 4-H and FFA.

Other than his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a brother, Marshall D. Talbott, Jr.

Surviving Bill are his wife, Dorothy Talbott and their children, David R. Talbott; his daughters, Nicole, Kristyn, and Taylor; and Stephen S. Talbott and his wife, Dede and their children, Grant and Olivia; Bill's children from a previous marriage, Bill Talbott, his son, Danny and Susan Williams and her daughter, Brittany, as well as his sister Virginia Walkup and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held for Bill on Monday, March 16, 2020 at Wallace and Wallace in Lewisburg at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Eugene Fullen officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers Bill would have wanted you to make memorial contributions to Greenbrier Humane Society, 151 Holliday Lane, Lewisburg, WV 24901 or Hospice Care, 1265 Maplewood Ave., Lewisburg, WV 24901.

The Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.