William Mitchell Sullivan

William Mitchell Sullivan

May 10, 1944 - March 23, 2025

Will was called to be with the Lord after a brief illness. He has joined several of his housemates in heaven.. He left behind many friends and people he called family.

Will greeted everyone he met with a handshake or raise the roof and a smile that brightened everyone's day. His touch was as light as a feather. His hands were so soft and gentle. Will spoke with few words. His eyes and facial expressions did most of the talking as well as his body language. He loved drinking coffee, Dr. Pepper and eating sweet things such as ice cream and cake.

Will loved to go for rides. If one didn't know him, they'd think he was terrified as he held onto the arm rests as if for dear life. However, if you reached your hand towards his, he would let go and hold your hand for a minute, do "raise the roof" and go back to holding on for "dear life" with a smile on his face. He also loved listening to music, especially country music and gospel. A good western with gun fights and pretty ladies were also favorites of his.

He appreciated everyone helping him with dressing the way he liked. As he got older, he had a harder time getting dressed. He preferred a long sleeve, button down shirt with a collar and he wanted the cuffs folded over. He insisted on a belt, always. No elastic waist for him unless it was his pajamas. His shirt must be neatly tucked in, and he wanted a hat. If he didn't have a hat or belt, he would find one, with or without help and smile big when he got them on.

Those close to Will know that he held a few things close that were worth more than gold to him. His red wooden block, his hat and a tattered hairbrush. The hairbrush stayed hidden in the pocket of the bag on his walker. The red block was in his pocket and the hat was on his head. At night, he slept with that red block and his hat in the bed next to his hip, under the covers, where he knew it was safe. If those things were not in the bed with him, he would be up and find them in the dark, after he thought staff were asleep.

Will worked for many years at Lynchburg Sheltered Industries. After COVID, he started attending Encircle Day support and he loved that as well. There were many friends made at his day programs.

Will leaves behind his housemates who were like his brothers. He also leaves behind Group Home staff, Day support staff and others whom he considered family.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday April 3, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg Va., A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service.

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