William George

Converse, Jr.

Heaven got just a little livelier on November 13 when our beloved Bill “Coach Con” Converse left this world at the far too young age of 66, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Over the past several years, Bill fought a fierce battle with what was eventually diagnosed as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative brain disorder. While the disease stole his physical strength and his memories, it could never erase the beautiful life he built or the impact he had on everyone who knew him.

Long before his diagnosis, Bill, who was born on November 5, 1960, was known as a person who never met a stranger, loved a good steak dinner and a cold beer, coached football and track, attended NASCAR races and was a huge Jimmie Johnson fan, was a frustrated lifelong Commanders fan, and, when challenged about his questionable ADHD behaviors, always claimed to be “mentally naked” if he hadn’t taken his medication. He grew up in Falls Church, Virginia, graduated from Falls Church High School, and later graduated from Radford University. After a few career changes, he found his niche teaching Social Studies at Waynesboro High School for two years and at Fort Defiance High School for 38 years, where he retired in June of 2026. Bill found so much fulfillment on the football field and on the track as he worked with thousands of athletes over the years. However, his family was always his greatest joy, and his wife, children, and four grandsons filled his life with so much happiness.

Whether he was enthusiastically entertaining guests, ballooning over France and Italy, visiting Williamsburg, attending sporting events for his grandchildren, enjoying the beaches in the Outer Banks, coaching athletes, or entertaining his students with his crazy antics, Bill lived life fully. Even as his world grew smaller due to the constraints of PSP, he continued to find happiness in the presence of loved ones, lifelong friends, and the kindness of caregivers. The family would like to acknowledge the amazing care he received from the staff at Brookdale in Staunton, who loved him and spoiled him rotten, and the support he received from Legacy Hospice, which made his end-of-life experience so much more bearable. In addition, the many visitors he received after he became unable to get out in the community were greatly appreciated and gave Bill so much comfort.

Bill is survived by a family who will miss him fiercely, including his wife, Janice, who he married on December 19, 1997 at the Carter-Coffman Christmas Tree farm; his son, Ryan (Julia); his daughter, Michelle Elliott (Brandon); his stepdaughters, Amy Dove and Laura Calise (Anthony); his grandsons, who lovingly called him “Poppop”: Riley Kent, Connor Calise, Greyson Calise, and Bennett Calise; and by the mother of his children, Theresa Garrison, who readily offered comfort and support to Janice as Bill’s disease robbed him of his zest for life. He is also survived by his brother, Ray Converse, and his wife, Mary, and their children, Cary and Lara (Anthony Moreno), as well as his wife’s family: David Smith, Scott Smith (Karen), Beth Smith, and Danny Jaques, nieces Amanda and Vanessa (CJ), and nephews Garrett and Tyler.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Converse, his wife’s parents, Francis and Joan Smith, and his sister-in-law, Barbara Jaques.

Family and friends are invited to stop by to celebrate his life and share memories on November 19 from 4-8 p.m. at the Imagine Center at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 417 Salem Church Road, Mount Sidney, where he was welcomed and worshipped for the past 22 years. It was Bill’s wish to have those who loved him celebrate his legacy by wearing Hawaiian shirts or bright colors, and to think of him as he was before this cruel disease took over his body. Refreshments will be provided.

To honor Bill's memory and help others facing this rare disease, the family requests that, instead of flowers, donations be made to CurePSP, 325 Hudson Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10013, to support vital research to help find a cure for rare neurodegenerative disorders.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton, is handling his arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net