William George DuVall Jr.

William George DuVall, Jr. of East Arlington died in hospice care on Monday, September 25, surrounded by his wife, children, and pastor, at the age of 77, after a decades long battle with cancer.

Mr. DuVall was born on May 28, 1940 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Coraopolis, PA and attended Montour Joint High School, graduating in 1958 as a National Merit Scholar and class valedictorian. He went on to study at Westminster College in Wilmington, PA before joining the United States Air Force. While stationed in Greece with the USAF, he met and married Georgia Stavridou, with whom he had two children.

Bill was a generous and caring soul, a friend and mentor to so many, kind and friendly to everyone he met. He was renowned for his baking, and known to many as “The Cookie Man.” An avid vintage Volkswagen enthusiast, he was known to many others as “VW Bill,” and over the years volunteered his many restored classic VWs to countless parades, car shows, fundraisers, and other charitable events. He was a loving father and committed family man who loved to tell stories, and did not believe in quitting. Perseverance and commitment were guiding principles that he honored.

Upon returning to the United States following his service in the Air Force, he and his wife settled in to raise their family in Westerville, Ohio. There Bill joined CompuServe where he rose to Vice-President of Network Operations, and subsequently retired as the IT Director for the City of Westerville. After 40 years in Westerville, Bill and his wife relocated to Jacksonville, Florida in 2010 to be closer to family.

Mr. DuVall was a member of Highlands United Presbyterian Church in East Arlington. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Cleola DuVall, father, William George DuVall, Sr., and three grandchildren, Shannon Cabrey, William John Cabrey, and Christian Cabrey. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Georgia DuVall, his son, Eric DuVall, his daughter, Jennifer DuVall Cabrey, five granddaughters, Audrey DuVall, Grace Cabrey, Marian Cabrey, Faith Cabrey, Hope Cabrey, granddaughter-in-law Kelcey DuVall (Lynn), two grandsons, Jack DuVall, Adam Cabrey, daughter-in-law Lisa DuVall (Denman), son-in-law Brian Cabrey, and his brother, David DuVall.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Highlands United Presbyterian Church, 10900 McCormick Road. A light reception will follow in the church hall. Interment will be at the Jacksonville National Cemetery for family members only.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Highlands United Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St. Johns Bluff Road N. Jacksonville, FL 32225.