Willis H. Via, Jr, 78 of Martinsville, VA departed this life and entered in his eternal rest on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Martinsville Health and Rehab Center. The son of the late Willis H. Via, Sr. and the late Vergie “Peepsie” Penn, was born in Martinsville, VA on January 18, 1942.

Billy as he was known, was a member of the Saint Paul High Street Baptist Church where he was a Deacon. He was also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. Willis worked at Southside High School in Pittsylvania County and retired from the Martinsville City School System with 35 years of service.

He received his BA from Kentucky State University and his MA from the University of Virginia. He was placed in the Kentucky State University hall of fame in 2009 for being a 4-year starting quarterback. Brother Via also turned down an offer from the Dallas Cowboys to be the 1st black quarterback in the NFL, to serve as an educator.

In addition to their parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce W. Via. Willis leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Lisa Y. Bowens of Martinsville, VA; three sons, Randall A. “Shannon” Via, Timothy Witcher, and Rodney White all of Martinsville, VA; one sister, Deidre J “Roger” Scales of Martinsville, VA; several grandchildren, Juelyan Via of Athens, GA, Gracelynn Via of Roanoke, VA, Kierra White of Greensboro, NC, Gerrod White of Denver, CO, Jacob Simpson, Jairus Simpson and Jaida Simpson all of Martinsville, VA; his Fraternity Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., and a host of other relatives and friends.