Charles William Cashman III

Charles William Cashman III, also known as Billy, Bill, and most importantly Papa, met Jesus face-to-face on May 13, 2026. Pastor Bill was born in Norfolk and grew up in Virginia Beach. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucy Bourdon Cashman; his father, Charles Cashman Jr.; his sister, Barbara Cashman Duff; and his grandson, Austin Cashman.

Bill graduated from Cox High School in 1969, from Lees McRae College in 1971, from Wake Forrest University in 1973, and from Southwestern Seminary in 1976. He served in several churches part-time and began his first full-time position as senior pastor at Dunn’s Mountain Baptist Church in Salisbury, North Carolina (1976-1979). From there, he went to Brookwood Baptist Church in Burlington, North Carolina (1979-1983), and then to York River Baptist Church in 1983, serving for 34 years. York River Baptist merged with Liberty Live Church in 2016 where Bill continued to serve until he fully retired in 2017 due to health issues.

Bill was an avid hunter, fisherman, and loved being outdoors. He also loved sports: football, baseball, wrestling, and NASCAR.

Above all, the most important legacy he leaves is his love for Jesus Christ and preaching the gospel. He shared his testimony with anyone and all with the goal of leading people to a loving Savior; to assure people of Jesus‘s love for them, and then to disciple them into a loving relationship with Christ. This included his doctors and nurses— his hospital ministry—and he was always kind to those who took care of him.

Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Perkins Cashman; his children, Barbara Christine Walton (Clint Jr.), Katie Cashman McGinley (Sean) and Charles Stephen Cashman (Sarah); his grandchildren, Jordan, Chase, Alyssa, Molly, Blake, Caleb, Emma and Judah; and his great-grandson, Jack. Bill dearly loved his family, and they were blessed to have surrounded him in his final days and hours at VCU— talking, praying, singing, sharing scripture and worshiping— holding him and loving him and receiving his love.

There are many examples from the Bible that Bill instilled in his family. He taught us to forgive quickly, and he showed us by example. As one daughter said, “There isn’t a word to describe the love, loyalty, trust, admiration, and sincere respect I feel for my precious Daddy, pastor, best friend, mentor, Father to my husband and Papa to my sons! As of late, I now realize how special he is to so many of you! The one thing he taught me above all else is to try to put the Lord Jesus first in all I do; to minister to those that need God‘s love! He didn’t just say it—I had the privilege and honor as his daughter to watch him live it! I’m so proud I got to have him as my Dad!”

Added to this, our other daughter also said, “Daddy always loved me unconditionally. He was a living example of a Godly husband and father, and it is why I now have a husband who treats me so well.” Our son added, “He is my real live hero.” We will forever love and remember this precious, loving, generous man, and servant of God.

Visitation will be held at Liberty Live Church - York River, 8201 Croaker Rd, Williamsburg, Virginia on May 23, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location on at 2:00 PM. A Committal Service will take place at Providence Baptist Church, 1319 Virgilina Rd, Roxboro, North Carolina on May 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

Officiating the services are: Rev. Mike Curry, Rev. John Dickerson, Dr. Grant Ethridge, and Rev. Steve Cashman.

Memorial Contributions in Pastor Bill’s memory can be made to Light Ministries, Mike Curry, PO Box 21038, Hot Springs National Park, AK 71903-1038 (www.mikecurry.com).