Holbach, William Howard

Virginia Tech Hokies know the motto ut prosim means “that I may serve.” Bill Holbach didn’t earn his degree from Virginia Tech, but as a 37-year employee of the university, he fully embraced the philosophy. He lived a life of service—before and after his career at Virginia Tech.

Bill served his country. As an Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam, he earned the Bronze Star and other recognition as part of a group of men he never forgot—The Black Cats, the 282nd Assault Helicopter Company. Several men became his lifelong friends. At numerous Black Cat reunions over the years, there was a recurrent theme of brotherhood and pride in service to their country. And Bill’s military service didn’t end with his discharge. He served six additional years with units of the Maryland and Virginia National Guard where he took special pride in missions rescuing victims of fire and flood.

Bill served his friends. At Lynchburg College, now known as The University of Lynchburg, Bill was a Resident Advisor and Chairman of the Men’s Dorm Association. Again, he made dear and lifelong friends. Some of those friends remember Bill as the “have-truck-will-travel” guy. He was always willing to help, always ready to serve.

Bill served Virginia Tech. Coming to Virginia Tech in 1980 as a CPA, Bill began his long and dedicated career at the university as a member of the Internal Audit Department, later working in Computing Services. For his final twenty years at the university, Bill headed a lab providing assistive technology to faculty, staff, and students, as well as leading community outreach programs. In 2017, the year of his retirement, Bill received the university’s Sally Bohland Award for Exceptional Leadership in Access and Inclusion.

Above all, Bill Holbach served his family with boundless love. He was a devoted son, husband, and father and was beloved by aunts, uncles, nieces, and cousins. And Bill inspired them by his determination and creativity in fighting a thirty-year-long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Bill was pre-deceased by his parents Albert and Betty Holbach, older brother Alan Holbach, foster brothers Rick and Ray, and infant children Kathryn, William, and Elizabeth. Left to cherish Bill’s memory are his wife and college sweetheart Anne Tatum Holbach, his son and joy in life Timothy Holbach, sister-in-law Bonnie Holbach; brothers Jim Holbach and wife Francie, and Tom Holbach with wife Debbie; sisters Mary Beth Lee and husband Bob; and Sharon (Holbach) Stapf with husband David; as well as many other loving members of his large extended family.

The family would like to thank the staff of Heritage Hall in Blacksburg, especially nurses Debbie, Linda, and Angie, along with CNAs Shirley and Tina. They are also forever grateful for the staff members of Carilion Hospice, especially Belinda, Pollyanne, and Hannah.

A service of interment with military honors will be held in the coming weeks at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia. A celebration of life will take place later. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s memory to Virginia Tech, The University of Lynchburg, or an organization of your choice.

Rest in peace, Bill Holbach. You served us well.