William M. Van O’Linda, Sr., age 73, died on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Bill was born on November 26, 1951 in Amsterdam, New York to the late Raymond W. and Shirley Van O’Linda. He was a graduate of Cave Spring High School in Roanoke, VA in 1970, received his Bachelor of Arts from Roanoke College in Salem, VA in 1974 and his Masters of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC in 1978. Bill married his college sweetheart, Barbara in 1974, whom he met at the first freshman mixer at Roanoke College. He was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Lutheran Church of America (now ELCA) in 1978. During his over 30 years in ordained ministry, Bill served in congregations in Largo, FL, Wytheville, VA, DeLand, FL, New Port Richey, FL, and Pompano Beach, FL. Bill and Barbara retired to Richmond, Virginia in 2008, and later moved to Southern Pines, NC in 2022. He will be remembered for his laughter, love of jokes and storytelling.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara Van O’Linda; three children, Christine Huffman (Nathan), William Van O’Linda, Jr. (Katie), and Matthew Van O’Linda (Cassandra); sister, Lois Glott (Frank); brother, Lee Van O’Linda; six grandchildren, Cora, Billy, Ada, John, Calvin and Ember; also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines, NC on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11:00 am. Inurnment will be at a later date at Riverview Cemetery in Richmond, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Global Refuge - P.O. Box 17467, Baltimore MD 21297-1467; or the Alzheimer’s Association- PO Box 96011 Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.