William Whorton

William B. Whorton, 71, of Glenns, VA departed this earthly life on Saturday, September 2, 2017 after a short battle with cancer. Many traveling Route 17 will remember him as “Bill the Barrel Guy”. He was predeceased by his father, Charlie Whorton and a step-son, Captain James C. Edge, U.S.M.C. He is survived by his wife, Janice; his 95 year old mother, Margaret, and his older brother Jim and two step-sons. William and Thomas Edge. Bill retired here with his wife in 2009 after closing his 35 year old retail pet store, “Pets’ N Things”, in Norfolk’s Southern Shopping Center. He was born in Oriental, NC and grew up in Portsmouth, VA. He attended William & Mary College, and served in the Navy from 1968-72 during the Vietnam War. Bill was an accomplished Civil War historian and re-enactor for 30 years. He was well known for building one-fifth scale replicas of the Ironclad Warships, the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia, which were featured in a PBS documentary on the “Battle of Hampton Roads”. He and his crew traveled to many events held in the South and Mid-Atlantic states with his Dahlgren Howitzer and warships to entertain the crowds with a re-enactment of that famous battle. He enjoyed meeting people of all ages and sharing his vast knowledge about our country’s history. He spent countless hours presenting living history programs at the Mariner’s Museum, as well as cannon demonstrations at many local events, such as “First Shots” and “Fort Nonsense”. Bill was an active member of Salem United Methodist Church in Gloucester. He was a faithful Christian, loving husband, devoted son and loyal friend and neighbor. He will be missed and remembered by all who knew him. Janice sends out special thanks to the numerous neighbors and friends who prayed and supported Bill and herself with their many acts of kindness. She also wishes to express her gratitude to Riverside Home Care and the Riverside Hospice Team who assisted with caring for Bill in their home. A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Salem United Methodist Church, 11408 Salem Church Road, Gloucester, VA. Arrangements by Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home, Saluda, VA.