William James “Bill” Garvin went to heaven Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Morgantown.
He was born September 21, 1933, to William James and Lillian Garvin.
Bill is survived by two children, Kent Garvin (Rebecca), Staci Garvin Kisner; grandchildren, Jared Garvin, Chad Kisner, and Cortney Kisner; great-grandchildren, Kaeson Kisner and Eliza Kisner; and a long line of nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his beautiful, loving wife of 65 years, Sharon McCoy Garvin; sister, Doris Whetzel; brother, Scott Garvin; and nephews, John McCall and James Whetzel.
Bill served in the West Virginia 201st National Guard and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served on the Honor Guard and Drill Team. He had the honor of being a member of President Eisenhower’s Color Guard.
During Bill’s business career, he was president of the Charleston Jaycees and vice president of the West Virginia Jaycees. In 1965, he received the Outstanding Jaycee of the Year award.
After becoming a member of the faculty at Bethany College, Bill returned to Morgantown in 1974 to operate his in-laws’ business. He then became active in EMS in Monongalia County, serving as vice president and interim director, followed by the position as director. During his tenure, the EMS team was recognized as one of the best in West Virginia.
Bill was one of the first EMTs in West Virginia and a charter member of the EMS Administrators Association and the EMS Coalition.
Bill was a firefighter all his life and took great pride in this service.
In 1984, he joined the Star City Volunteer Fire Department as an active fireman, serving terms as lieutenant, president, and was chairman of the board at the time he retired December 31, 2018.
Bill retired from Jan-Care Ambulance as North Central supervisor in 1999, at which time he came back out of retirement and formed Bill’s Bail Bonds. He decided to keep that career until he retired, for the final time as member / manager December 31, 2018.
Friends and family will be received in The Foundry Church, 432 High Street, Morgantown, from 10 until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 22, with Pastor Justin Myers.
Please make memorials to Star City Volunteer Fire Department, c/o William Garvin Educational Scholarship Fund for Fire and EMS Personnel, 3380 University Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26505.
Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation arrangements.
Send condolences at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
