On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Virgil L. Whetzel Jr. of 1089 Stewart Run, Morgantown, WV, commonly known as Virlynda Place or the Christmas House was placed in the arms of God.
Born on May 20, 1943, in Morgantown, W. Va. a son of the late Virgil L Whetzel, Sr. and Helen Lee Ringer.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Linda, also known as Fanny. A son, Michael Lee and wife Pam of Whispering Pines, N.C.; a daughter, Cathy Lyn Whetzel of Morgantown, W.Va.; brother, David Whetzel and wife Jo of Morgantown; brother-in-law, John Phillips, his grandchildren, Evan Whetzel and wife Colleen of N.C., Natasha McClean and husband Chase of Delaware, Laura, Sarah and Joshua Liming of Morgantown, Kelsey Whetzel of N.C., Kaylee and Jason McIntosh of N.C, Terry McKenzie and wife Robin of N.C., Kaitlin Finilli and husband Gabriel of N.C.; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Daliah, Blair, Brandy, Cruise, Jazon, Jace, Bentley and Ila.
In addition to his parents, Virgil is also preceded in death by his sister Judy Phillips.
Virgil served as a director on the Board at Westover Bank in 1990. A member of the Land Lords Association in Morgantown, attending Trinity Assembly of God Church in Fairmont under the leadership of Pastor and friend Ray Crabtree.
He worked as an Economist for the U.S. Dept of Agriculture, he did economic research for 19 years.
Virgil graduated from University High School. He then enrolled into WVU college of Agriculture and Forestry to study Agriculture Economics earning a B.S. degree. He enrolled in graduate school earning his M.S. Degree in Agriculture Economics. Upon graduation, Virgil accepted a position with the U.S. Dept of Agriculture Economics Research Service. His research was focused on the economic impact of federal water resource development projects in rural and agriculture economics in West Virginia and nationwide. He was enrolled at Colorado State University for two years to work on his P.H.D and employment with the U.S. Dept of Agriculture. Moving back to Morgantown, he opted out of a transfer to Washington D.C. , taking an early retirement. He then began to acquire and manage a sizeable rental business in Morgantown and returned to the farm.
Spending much of his early years with his grandparents on their dairy farm, he acquired a love for hard work and farm life. While delivering milk in glass bottles on a porch, at 13 years old, he met the girl he would someday marry, Linda Sears. He would continue to learn and love farm life even through his education and working years.
Moving back to WV, farm life presented the opportunity to restore a 1902 abandoned house on the farm, working together feverishly, they moved in filling it full of there love and God’s love.
As grandchildren came alone, Virgil found playhouses and other small buildings, turning into an area of their yard they named Pity Pat Village. It was a wonderful place for their grandchildren and friends to have parties and fun. When Christmas came around, Virgil decorated all of the little houses as well as their house to the hilt. During the month of December, it would be open to everyone to share the joy and God’s love and became known as “The Christmas House”. Virgil was delighted in telling stories and inviting people in. Virgil loved his God, his family, and the farm. He worked hard, was gracious, giving, kind, and fun. He will be forever missed at a depth that cannot be measured, as was our love.
Family and friends are invited to gather at McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont Rd. Westover, WV on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at McCulla Funeral Home on Sunday, May 25th, from 1 p.m. until the funeral service starts at 2 p.m. with Pastor Kevin Cain officiating. Following the service, Virgil will be interred on the farm at the Whetzel Family Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.McCulla.com
