William Henry Honore

WILLIAM H. HONORE, SR. “BILL” of Falls Church, Virginia, passed away on October 2, 2024 peacefully at 9:15 AM surrounded by his family.

Born on April 15, 1931 in Taylorville, IL, Bill was the son of Henry and Justilla Roberts Honore. His first wife, Lois Elliot Honore of New Berlin, IL, preceded him in death. He married Joan Bell Cox from Reston, VA, June 18, 1999. He is survived by his brother Ray of Gainesville, VA, a son William Jr, of Bluemont, VA, and a daughter, Julie of Knoxville, TN, stepsons Carl Bell of Norfolk, VA, and Michael Bell of Richmond, VA, and stepdaughter Liz Schiavone of Herndon, VA. His two sisters Jeannine Nelson of Macon, MO, and Rita Sanges of Springfield, IL, preceded him in death. He is survived by 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Bill graduated from St. Mary’s grade school in Taylorville, IL, and Edinburg High School in Edinburgh, IL. He also attended schools in Virginia Beach, VA, and Baylis & Liberty, IL. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Illinois and a Master’s degree in Land Economics from the Pennsylvania State University.

Thirty years of government service began as a trainee in the USDA Soil Conservation Service in Illinois leading to becoming a Farm Planner in Hillsboro, IL. After receiving an MS degree, Bill continued his government service with the US Department of the Interior in the regional office of the newly established Bureau of Outdoor Recreation in Philadelphia, PA, where he assisted the Mid-Atlantic and New England states prepare statewide plans for outdoor recreation to become eligible for federal assistance for parks and recreation. He was transferred to the Washington office where he worked on the Nationwide Plan for Outdoor Recreation and co-authored From Sea to Shining Sea a treatise on environmental and recreational concerns of the time. He finished his career with the Federal government working with the National Park Service as Assistant Division Chief. He chaired the first National Waterfront Action Group and the Washington Area Waterfront Action Group leading to substantial clean-up and development of the Potomac as well as other rivers across the country. He also served as the chairman of the committee which first made aware the damage being done to our National Parks from vehicle traffic leading to the reduction of use of private autos in the heavily used parks in favor of public transportation. Between studies, Bill worked as a Product Planner in the Tractor and Implement Division of the Ford Motor Company in Birmingham, MI.

After receiving an ROTC Commission, Bill served two years on active duty with the Army Security Agency at Ft. Devens, MA, during the Korean War. He served 28 additional years in the Army Reserve with the 338th Infantry regiment in Springfield, IL, the 958th Engineering Company in Jacksonville, IL, in the 85th Division in Illinois and Michigan, 491st Combat Engineer Battalion in State College, PA, the 304th Civil Affairs Group in Philadelphia, PA, and finally as Adjutant General of the 352nd Civil Affairs Command in Riverdale, MD. He was a graduate of the Civil Affairs School and the Command and General Staff College and retired with the rank of Colonel.

After retirement, Bill and his wife Lois enjoyed travel, visiting relatives and exploring local scenic areas. Following Lois’ death and marrying Joan, Bill renewed his interest in ballroom dancing, having been an instructor with Arthur Murray Studios before entering graduate school. Together, he and Joan honed their dancing skills, enjoyed their combined families, travelled and gardened at their home in Falls Church, VA.

He was a member of the National Association of Federal Employees, the Retired Officers’ Association, the University of Illinois and the Pennsylvania State University Alumni Associations. Joan and Bill were active in the George Mason University Center for the Arts, Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts, the Fairfax Elks Lodge, and the Fairfax and Arlington County Senior Centers.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society.