Robert "Bill" William DePuy Jr.

Though his departure came without warning, the warmth he brought into every room he entered – and every life he touched – will endure far beyond his years.

Bill was born on July 14th, 1940 to the late Geraldine DePuy and Robert William “Bob” DePuy. He served three years in the United States Army as an Intelligence Specialist before earning a degree in Political Science from American University in Washington, D.C. He went on to build a distinguished career in insurance, retiring as a Claims Manager at CNA Insurance Company.

Growing up as an only child, Bill understood from an early age what it meant to seek connection and create belonging. Rather than leaving him guarded or self-contained, that experience shaped in him a remarkable capacity to build family out of friendship. The people he encountered along the way – neighbors, colleagues, fellow golfers, singing partners and other sports fans – became, in every meaningful sense, his own.

To know Bill was to know a man who lived with great joy and great generosity. On the golf course, he was in his element, whether practicing his putting or simply enjoying a Sunday morning round with friends, golf was his favorite pastime, and fellow players will remember the laughter and camaraderie he brought to every round. Music was another of his great loves, as a member of several barbershop singing groups over the years, he found in song a perfect outlet for his warmth and his love of togetherness.

Sports ran through his veins and Washington D. C. teams through his heart. A lifelong and passionate fan, he cheered for the Commanders, the Nationals, the Capitals, and the Wizards with a loyalty that never wavered, through the triumphant seasons and the difficult ones alike.

Bill’s commitment to service continued long into retirement. As an active volunteer at the local food Pantry in Fishersville, he was dedicated to helping those in need, giving his time as freely there as he did everywhere else. He was a faithful member of both Fishersville United Methodist Church and Arbor Hill Church of the Brethren, communities that reflect the values he lived every day.

Bill was the kind of man who made friends wherever he went, not through effort but simply through being himself. Outgoing and genuinely interested in people, he had the rare gift of making everyone he met feel as though they were the most important person in the room. Strangers became acquaintances, and acquaintances became lifelong friends. His generosity was legendary among those who knew him well. Whether it was his time, his effort, or simply his presence, Bill gave without condition or expectation of return. He truly embodied the belief that a life well lived is one spent making the lives of others a little easier, a little brighter and a lot more full.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, “Mimi” DePuy, his children Nicole and husband Kieran of London, England, Tracy and husband John of Holly Springs, NC, Tammi and husband Ricky of Virginia Beach, VA, Brian and wife Rachel of Bend, OR and Tara and husband John of Staunton, VA; his grandchildren, Faith, Grace, Elijah, Sophia, Eloise, Jake, Connor, Phoenix and Orion; his great-grandchildren Addie and Elias; and a large and beloved community of friends who were, in every sense that mattered, family.

Although the suddenness of his passing has left a void that words cannot adequately fill, the family takes comfort in knowing that he went as he lived, without prolonged suffering, and at the end of a life richly and meaningfully led. He was 85 years old, and he made every one of them count.

There are no services scheduled at this time.