William Edward Matheny PHD

William Edward Matheny, Ph.D., 88, of Lynchburg passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at his home in Lynchburg, VA. Predeceased in 2010 by his wife of 49 years, Mirle, he is survived by his four children, John Mark Matheny of San Francisco, CA, Joanna Magdalene Matheny of Fayetteville, NC, James Michael Matheny and his wife Marta of Paoli, PA and Joel Matthew Matheny of Erlanger, KY; one brother Jim Matheny and his wife Annette of Roanoke, VA; and seven grandchildren. William was also preceded in death by his sister, Melinda, and his brother Gallais "Gale".

Born December 23, 1932, in Sterling, IL, he was the son of the late Gallais E. Matheny and the late Ygouda Feiler Matheny.

William had a distinguished and honorable military career as an enlisted Marine and Korean War combat veteran, and later as a Navy Lieutenant in the Carribean during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

William went on to serve as a missionary in Peru with his wife, Mirle, for 17 years, before coming to Liberty University in 1978 to teach in the School of Religion. He returned to South America in 1985 to teach at the Baptist Theological Seminary of Ecuador in Quito. He returned to Liberty in 1987 to teach in the history department and specialize in courses on Latin American history and modern Europe. He retired from Liberty in 2011.

The family would especially like to thank the wonderful crew at Generation Solutions that provided their father with outstanding care and compassion: Christine, Esther, Joyce, Donna and Josephine.

Graveside services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fisher House foundation at Fisherhouse.org.

To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.

Whitten Timberlake Chapel is serving the family, (434) 239-0331.