William Arthur Eggl

William “Bill” Arthur Eggl, 89, of Forest, Virginia went home to be with his savior, Jesus Christ on June 28, 2026. He was the son of the late Lyle William Eggl and Helen Elizabeth Hilt Eggl. Bill was born on July 6, 1936, in Toledo, Point Place, Ohio. He graduated from Macomber vocational high school in 1954 specializing in electric machines and controls. He then enlisted in the Navy and served from 1955 to 1963; four years active duty and four years reserve and was a Korean War veteran. He spent most of his active duty on the aircraft carrier USS Randolph in the Mediterranean Sea. He would always ask folks what they did for their senior trip and would say that he took a cruise and then showed a picture of his carrier. He wore a yellow shirt while on duty, which meant he was an aircraft director. He was so proud of his service in the Navy and would say even recently that he would do it all over again. He spoke about it frequently.

Bill met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Sweeney when he was 17 and she was 15. They were playing volleyball on opposite sides and she spiked the ball and hit him in the face. That got his attention! He was very impressed! They were eventually married on July 5, 1958. Sadly, she preceded him in death in 2010. It is so comforting to know he is reunited with his best friend.

Bill was finishing his active-duty time in the Navy when he and Shirley got married. He was stationed in Pensacola Florida. He was offered the opportunity to travel with the Blue Angels for a year but turned it down as he and Shirley were expecting their first child. Shirley and his family always came first.

After active duty, they moved back to Toledo, Ohio, where he was employed by Libbey- Owens Ford Glass Factory. He hated that job! After a couple years, he took a job in Columbus, Ohio with North American Rockwell, a military weaponry company. He worked with electrical engineers and eventually was key in manufacturing weaponry for the Vietnam War. He was a great problem solver and could figure out things the engineers couldn’t. He was a valuable asset.

It was at North American that he met his lifelong friend of more than 50 Years Jerry Strait. The two of them would keep you in stitches the way they’d prank one another and joke around back-and-forth. Oh, the stories!

During his time in Columbus, he became an avid Ohio State University football fan. A true buckeye! He’s still rooting for them in heaven today.

It was during his time in Columbus that Bill made the most important decision of his life. He became a believer in Jesus Christ, and the course of his life was forever changed.

In 1974, he moved his family to Mt. Dora, Florida. He took over his father’s Zenith TV sales and service store, Eggl’s Electronics in Tavares, Florida.

He became a member of First Baptist Church of Eustis, Florida, where he served as a deacon. He also joined the choir and eventually served as the choir president. Not bad for someone who couldn’t read a note of music.

He was a very giving person and service oriented. He’s been known to make mortgage payments for a friend who lost his job. He bought clothes for a young girl whose daddy had passed away so that she could compete in the “Junior Miss Pageant”. He served many workdays for neighbors and his church cutting grass or whatever was needed.

In 1999, Bill and Shirley moved from Florida to Forest, Virginia. Both their children were there as they had attended Liberty University, and their first grandchild was now on the scene. They became members of Grace Evangelical Free Church.

Bill became a member of the Scale Model Club as he was an avid model airplane builder, specializing in World War II aircraft and eventually sailing ships. This was his hobby since he was a boy and grew over the years. He was very detail oriented and had amazing dexterity. His models were beautiful and accurate down to the most minute detail. He would make several entries in hobby shows and won many awards.

He and his friend Brian Staples built a World War II submarine that is on display at the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. He also has a USS Constitution on display at 221 Tap & Table in Forest, Virginia. That restaurant was where he spent Friday nights with a wonderful group of friends, enjoying food, fellowship and his weekly two beers, maybe three. Many happy times were enjoyed and memories made.

Bill was known for his great sense of humor. He ALWAYS had something funny to say or a joke to tell. He was quick to think of a funny comeback. He kept everyone smiling and laughing. He was always the life of a party. Bill was very kind to those he came in contact with throughout his daily life. He was always complementary or sharing an encouraging word. He’d say, “it only takes a minute to be kind and make someone’s day.”

Bill is survived by his daughter, Kathy Germeroth (Phil) of Lynchburg, Virginia, his son, William “Bill” D. Eggl, now of Amberg, Germany, two granddaughters, Kaliann Germeroth of Jacksonville, Florida and Karalynn Germeroth of Lynchburg, Virginia, his brother-in-law, Daniel “Skip” Tucker of Ocala, Florida, nephew, Scott Tucker (Stefannie) of Orlando, Florida and a niece Krista Williams (Troy) of Orlando, Florida.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Shirley Ann Sweeney Eggl and his sister, Patricia Ann Eggl Tucker.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com