John Taylor Willse

John Taylor Willse, 74, of Lynchburg passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at his residence. He was the husband of the late Molly Jo Willse. Born in Warsaw, NY, January 10, 1944, he was the son of the late Edwin and Kathryn Willse. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson College in New York, a Master’s in Science and Physics from Lynchburg College and a Masters in Engineering Administration from George Washington University. He retired from Areva after 43 years of service where he worked as a nuclear physicist. Early in life, he was a competitive snow skier and he also loved sailing. Later in life, he continued enjoying time on the water with family and friends at Leesville Lake. After retiring, he volunteered his time with Meals on Wheels and doing taxes for the elderly. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Kay Smallwood. He is survived by four children, Johnna Barksdale of Lynchburg, Christy Slaughter and her husband Joe of Bethesda, MD, Brooke Gaddy and her husband Terry of Evington and John T. Willse, Jr. and his wife Tana of Greensboro, NC; one sister, Marcy Fuchs; two brothers, Charles Willse and Ed Willse; 12 grandchildren, Evan Barksdale and wife Brooke, Darian Barksdale, Melina Barksdale, Emilio slaughter, Taylor Slaughter, Antony slaughter, Travis Gaddy, and wife Stacie, Tyler Gaddy and wife Amy, Aubrie Gaddy, Alden Gaddy, Jada Willse and Ella Willse and four great grandchildren, Macy, Kerry, Karlie and Savanah. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m at Whitten Timberlake Chapel. A graveside service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Greenwood Cemetery in Bedford. The family requests memorial contributions be made to either Meals on Wheels, 605 Clay St, Lynchburg, VA 24504 or to the American Red Cross.