William B. "Bill" Vermillion12/26/1942

December 26, 1942 - June 28, 2017

William B. “Bill” Vermillion, age 74, of Asheville, NC passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at Misson’s St. Joseph Hospital. He was born December 26, 1942 in Bristol, VA to the late Champ C. and Dorothy P. Vermillion. Bill was a graduate of Virginia High School, attended The College of William and Mary and graduated from The University of Mississippi with a degree in history. Upon graduation, Bill became involved with the family’s furniture store, Southern Furniture. He has worked as a manager for several other furniture stores in Alabama and North Carolina. After a serious illness, Bill became involved with the family farm raising cattle. After, retiring, he did this full time, saying, “If I’d had known how much I’d enjoy raising cattle, I’d have done this sooner.” Those were truly some of his happiest times and memories. Bill was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Bristol, VA. He was a 47 year Mason of the Shelby Lodge, served in the U.S. Navy and was an avid fan of SEC/Ole Miss football. He was a lifelong Democrat. He enjoyed traveling to Ireland, France, Austria, Hungary and the Caribbean over the years. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Suzanne Turner Vermillion; one son, Jon Vermillion and wife, Leslie of Hendersonville, NC; sister, Penny V. Bruce and husband, Robert of Bristol, VA; niece, Caroline E. Bruce; grandsons, Cameron and Collin Kindley of Hendersonville, NC. The family would like to give a special thanks to Cancer Care of WNC and Mission’s St. Joseph Hospital for making this journey easier. The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, July 1, 2017 in Akard Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Shelby Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 Noon – 1:00 P.M., Saturday prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Foundation or First Baptist Church of Bristol, 1 Virginia St., Bristol, VA 24201 Condolences and memories may be left for the family at akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, (423) 989-4800 is serving the Vermillion family.