Wiley Leroy Goetz

Wiley Leroy Goetz (Roy) passed away on February 2, 2025, at the age of 92. He was the only child of Helen Dozier Goetz and Leroy James Goetz, born on February 28, 1932, in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated from Maury High School in Norfolk and attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI, now Va. Tech).

Roy was proud to have had the opportunity to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, stationed in Panama. After the Army, he spent 35 years in a variety of positions at what was then called the Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO) in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. He loved to reminisce about those fun-filled days. Roy was also an active member of the Rotary Club of Hampton Roads, being voted Rotarian of the Year in 1986-87. He also enjoyed many hours of working with his various model train layouts over the years.

Traveling was a big part of Roy’s life – spontaneous trips to Nags Head, the mountains, or Williamsburg. He and his wife Jane enjoyed many adventures – lots of cruising, train trips, and experiencing many far-away places like Australia, New Zealand, several Pacific Islands, the Panama Canal (twice!), and even the Amazon River, as well as many Caribbean Islands and Bermuda. 

Roy married Betty Jane Niewoehner in Virginia Beach on December 1, 1984, at 11:39 a.m. They moved to Lynchburg in 2005. He loved a good sunset! Often, when the afternoon sun began to set and cast orange upon any clouds floating by, he would call out to Jane, “Come and look! We’re going to have ‘a sky’!”

He is survived by his always helpful, devoted, loving, and tolerant wife of 40 years, Janie, and his three sons, Steve (Sherie) of Carrollton, VA, Mike (Catherine) of Forest, VA, and Greg (Jannine) of Yorktown, VA and their families.

He patiently awaits the time when he will again be with all his loved ones and friends.

Per his request, there will be no service.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.