Mr. William Harold Duttweiler Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William Harold Duttweiler, Jr., beloved husband, father, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, after a valiant fight with bladder cancer.

Born in Winston-Salem, NC, on July 4, 1948, Bill graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School and attended Brevard College before graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1970 with a degree in Drafting and Design Technology and later receiving a degree in Architectural Technology from the University of Memphis in 1971. He became a registered architect in 1986.

Following college, Bill started his successful professional career in Richmond beginning in the Facilities/Architectural Department at VCU after which he was employed at Ben R. Johns Jr., Architect; Thalhimer Brothers, Inc., Store Planning Department; Rawlings & Wilson, Architects; and Marcellus Wright Cox & Smith Architects. He retired as a Plan Reviewer for Powhatan County in 2011.

Retirement kept him very active participating in the following organizations: OSHER at the University of Richmond, Richmond Area Tool Society (RATS), Richmond Photography Meet-up, National Rifle Association Endowed Member, and the Nottoway Wildlife Association. Special interests included hiking, camping, photography, hunting/fishing, and woodworking.

Left to cherish his memory and legacy are his devoted wife of over 52 years, Brenda; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Gates King; as well as two nephews, Edward Sydney Gates, III (wife Tiffany), Edward’s daughter Connor (husband Matt and daughters Sydney and Hope); and Louis Girard Gates (wife Jenny) and their sons Hunter and Parker. He was loved and respected and will be dearly missed by many dear friends and extended family in Florida, North Carolina, and Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his only son Jonathan Scott Duttweiler who called him “Dr. Fix-It” because he will be remembered as the man to go to for solutions for everything from unique applications to timely repairs. In addition, he was predeceased by his parents, William Harold Duttweiler and Velda Mecum Duttweiler as well as his brothers-in-law, Edward Sydney Gates, Jr., and James King.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital and St. Mary’s Bon Secours Hospital as well as the caregivers at BrightStar Care, especially Irene, who showed so much unwavering care, compassion and love; Powerback Rehabilitation (Michael and Pam); Barbara Gates King (sister-in-law), and At Home Care & Hospice for their wonderful care and kindness during the final months of Bill’s life. The family is in deep appreciation and gratitude of the love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences from everyone who knew him and supported the family during his illness.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at Reveille United Methodist Church, 4200 Cary Street Road, on Monday, December 29, at 2 p.m. for all who want to attend to celebrate the life of this wonderful person, a “hard worker” and “special man with a kind soul.”

A private graveside service took place at Love’s United Methodist Church, Walkertown, NC on Thursday, May 15.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Bill’s memory may make contributions to Brevard College @ Alumni House, One Brevard College Drive, Brevard, NC 28712; the American Cancer Society; Reveille United Methodist Church; or a favorite charity of your choice.