James "Bill" William Siler

James William Siler Jr, Callaway, VA passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the age of 81. Bill or “Billy” to the family, was born in Botetourt County where he graduated from Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville in 1960. Bill then entered the US Navy, where he served both active and reserves until he retired as a Chief Petty Officer aboard the US Constitution, Boston Harbor. MA in 1986.

While serving in the Navy in Boston, MA in 1963, Bill met Mary Patricia (Anderson) Siler and they were married that year. They lived a full life together beginning in San Diego, CA, then returning to the Roanoke area in the mid/late 60’s and moving back to MA in 1969 and eventually settling in Plymouth. Bill worked for Boston Edison/Entergy for 30 years, finishing his career at Pilgrim Station, Plymouth, MA.

Along the way they had three children, James W Siler III (Rancho Mirage, CA), Linda (Siler) Villegas (Callaway, VA) and Mary Catherine Siler (Mashpee, MA). At Pat’s request, they moved back to the Roanoke area for retirement and settled in Callaway in the early 2000’s. Bill lost Pat, the love of his life, in 2020. Bill is also survived by daughter-in-law Lori Basch Siler, granddaughter Shaindala Paige Basch and son-in-law Luis Villegas Torres.

Bill’s family was a large one! James W Siler Sr and Laura (Evans) Siler raised 10 children in a small area farmhouse in Blue Ridge, VA. Bill is pre-deceased by siblings Mary Ruth Gallimore, Phyllis Chisom, Darlene Meador, Bruce Siler and Estelle Guilliams. Bill leaves behind siblings Dewey Siler, Jeanette Kemble, Sara Griffith and Betty Kidd. He also leaves behind two beloved sisters-in-law, Karen (Anderson) Clark and Priscilla (Anderson) Flynn, both of MA. There are far too many Silers and Andersons to name here but Billy loved them all! 

 Since before Pat’s passing, Maria Elena Garcia Sandoval, came into their lives and gave them care and help around the home. Since Pat’s passing, Maria has been a blessing to Bill, helping with all aspects of daily life. In recent times, Leticia Gonzalez Torres, also stepped in to partner with Maria to care for Bill. The entire Siler/Anderson family is so grateful for their loving care of Bill.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tin Can Sailors at: https://www.destroyers.org/donate/.

Funeral mass will be conducted 12:00 PM Friday, June 28, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Rev. Santos Ramirez Chicas officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Callaway Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home.

 Arrangements will be announced by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 62 Virginia Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount VA 24151 as soon as they are confirmed.