William Linton Stables, Jr. Obituary (1945 - 2017)

William Linton Stables Jr., 71 Harrisonburg, VA William Linton Stables Jr. passed away at his home on March 1, 2017. Mr. Stables was born on September 19, 1945 in Portsmouth, VA to the late William L. Stables and Louise Mitchell Foster Stables. He grew up in Lynchburg. He was married to Margaret Howe Stables. He was preceded in death by his son Jeff Stables. He is survived by his son Mark Stables and wife Lynn from Staunton, granddaughters Bella and Eva; daughter-in-law Becca Stables of Bridgewater, grandsons Luke, Levi and Ian; and companion Mary Lu Lewis; brothers Lou Stables and wife Beverly of Charlotte NC; Ted Stables and wife Linda of Raleigh NC; nieces and nephew. He graduated from Brookville High School in Lynchburg where he loved playing football. In his senior year his team won the district championship for the first time in the school's history. He was co-captain of his team and was named to the District All-Star Team and All State second team. Recently being on the planning committee for his 50th reunion, he reconnected with many high school friends, which brought him great pleasure. He graduated from Bridgewater College, class of '67, where he also enjoyed playing football. He was on the Honor Council, was President of his sophomore class and Student Body President his junior year. After graduation, he taught school for four years in Baltimore and Broadway, VA. He then attended and graduated from South Texas College of Law in Houston. He was an attorney in Harrisonburg for forty years. He was in general practice, which included criminal defense work. The latter years of his practice were devoted mostly to bankruptcy cases. He was active in scouting as a boy and continued as a counselor and advisor into adulthood. Bill had jobs from a young age. He delivered newspapers as a boy. He drove a milk truck delivering milk during the summers during his high school and college years. He worked on campus during college. He worked as a life guard the summer after he graduated and had a second job bagging groceries during his first year teaching in Baltimore. He was active in Jaycees, PTA and youth sports, Ruritan, and Mossy Creek Presbyterian Church for many years. He also helped start a chapter of Habitat for Humanity in this area. Bill enjoyed woodworking projects. Having majored in and taught history, he had a special interest in the Civil War era. He delved into genealogy, particularly exploring the family roots in Yorkshire, England. But throughout the years, nothing brought him greater pleasure than sharing sports and activities with his sons. Several years before his retirement, with much trepidation, Bill entered the Dancing with Karen dance studio to learn ballroom dancing. He insisted that he didn't stop shaking for two years. But he became a faithful and successful dancer and teacher who shared his love of dance and his expertise with many others. Dance and the local dance community became an important part of his life. After accepting with a calm strength a diagnosis of acute myelofibrosis in mid-January, Bill said, "Not everyone gets to write the last chapter of their life". What that meant to him was visiting with, emailing, phoning as many friends and family members as he could. He appreciated all the visits, letters and emails he received and wished he had had the time and strength to see more friends. Bill was a humble man of integrity and faithfulness. He never had an interest in pursuing money, power or position. Friends and family meant the world to him. His family would like to thank the caring people of the local medical community and particularly Legacy Hospice and his nurse Jill. We are indebted to all the family members and friends who provided round-the-clock support to make home care possible. There will be a memorial service on Sunday, March 12 at 2:00 p.m. and a gathering of family and friends immediately following in the social hall at 2:45 p.m. at Lebanon Church of the Brethren, 1168 Lebanon Church Rd. Mt. Sidney, VA. Everyone is invited to attend either or both events. Bill received many blood infusions during his illness. If you feel comfortable donating blood, we would appreciate you donating in his memory. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mcmullenfh.com. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.