William Claude (Bill) Siple, age 63, of 102 Dickson Place, Clifton Forge, Virginia, died Friday February 20, 2015 at his residence.

He was born October 10, 1951 in Bath County, Virginia, to Olin Paul Siple and the late Lydia Miller Siple.

He was employed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for 34 years as the facility manager at Gathright Dam.

He was a member of the Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a past member of the Alleghany Highlands Kiwanis Club, he served on the Board of the Alleghany County Recreation Department, and coached numerous area sports teams including T-Ball, Minor League, Little League, and Senior League Baseball, and Little League football.

Bill played football and baseball at both Ferrum Junior College and Bridgewater College, where he received his Bachelor's degree. He enjoyed the great outdoors especially hunting and loved the New York Yankees.

Bill was quite a historian and was often asked to speak for organizations. He was a collector of civil war items and locally found arrow heads. He loved spending time metal detecting and showing the many treasures he found and could spend hours looking through antique stores.

Reading non-fiction history books and watching documentaries were a favorite way for him to spend time. His collection of history books was extensive.

Bill loved his father and provided wonderful support to him when he entered the nursing home.

Highlights of his life were his children and granddaughter Lillian. He loved spending time with them and watching them grow. When his granddaughter was born, he was so proud and began his journey of love and devotion to her. She was truly the apple of his eye.

Another part of Bill's life was his work family. He cared so much for them and was always a positive influence in their lives trying to help them move up in their positions.

He loved spending time at Gathright Dam quietly observing the wildlife and making sure everyone was safe.

It is with great sadness that we lose this wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Our hearts are broken, he will be missed.

Bill is survived by his father Paul Siple and step-mother, Mary of Clifton Forge; his wife of 40 years, Brenda Siple, also of Clifton Forge; a son, William Paul "Billy" Siple of Roanoke; a daughter, Lauren Siple Bordens and fiance, Nick Budlong of Salem; granddaughter, Lillian McKemy Bordens; a sister, Beverly Ellis and husband, Jim of Stuarts Draft; a sister-in-law, Peggy Akers of Roanoke; two nieces, Leigh Ellis of Staunton and Sarah Ellis and husband, Josh of Norfolk; a nephew, Josh Akers and wife, Lauren of Roanoke; and a close friend, Tuffy Bush; and his beloved cats, Nacho and Mr. Fuzz.

In keeping with his wishes his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home with the Reverend Paul Brokaw and J.D. Williams officiating. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Taylor, Tuffy Bush, Bill Dressler, Robert McDowell, Eddie Smith, Timmy Flanagan, Anthony Lockridge, Kevin Knick and Willie Ramos.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 419, Clifton Forge, Va. 24422.