William Richard Ondell, Sr.

William R. “Bill” Ondell, Sr., 73, of Thaxton, VA passed away on November 13, 2021, at his residence. He was born in Dayton, OH, on June 12, 1948. He is the son of the late Earl W. Ondell, Sr. and Marjorie Helen Martin Ondell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Earl W. Ondell Jr.

Bill served his country in the United States Army with the 1st Calvary, 3rd Infantry Division during Vietnam. He was a member of AMVETS and served as the National District 2 Commander having covered 7 states. He in past years loved bowling with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling to national tournaments and was also very proud of having bowled a 300. Bill was very involved in the Williamson Rd. Rec. Club and an avid NASCAR fan. He worked for the Roanoke Times as a pressman for many years and worked for the Buffalo Evening News, and the Courier Express.

Bill is survived by his two children, Jennifer DiGregorio and her husband, Anthony of Wilmington, NC and his son, William R. Ondell, Jr. of Jacksonville, NC; 8 grandchildren, Jessica Martin, Chelsea DiGregorio, Anthony DiGregorio, II., Ciara Ondell, William Ondell, Kaylan Dudley Henschel, Dylan Ondell and Megan Ondell; three great-grandchildren, Hope Ondell, Bretton Martin and Tucker Martin; one sister, Cheri Sinicki and husband, Michael; his girlfriend, Elaine Young; ex-wife and mother of his children, Judy McLaughlin; special friends and caregivers, Jeni Albrecht and her husband, Bob, Christina Warren and Carl DeHaven; Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and many other friends.

A funeral service and celebration of Bill’s life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Monday, November 22, 2021. The family will receive the friends from 4:00 until 6:00pm on Sunday, November 21, 2021, Burial will follow the service in Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery with military honors. To send condolences online please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.