William “Billy” S. Plogger, 94, of Lexington passed away Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at his home surrounded by family.

Born on Aug. 12, 1930, in Lexington, he was a son of Hershey R. Plogger and Pearl Hall Plogger. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie K. Plogger; three brothers, Raymond “Junior” Plogger (Margie E.), Graham Plogger (Betty), and Oscar “Jack” Plogger; sister Goldie Ward (Billy); son-in-law Jimmy Hickman; and a good friend, George Craft.

Billy was a 37-year service worker for Columbia Gas, receiving accolades such as an honorary degree for W&L from the fraternities.  He was always on call, and would willingly help anyone.  His greatest memory of his time with Columbia Gas was working side by side his brother, Graham Plogger.  They were known as Lexington’s own “Billy-Graham.”

Regardless of his long hard-working hours at Columbia Gas, he and Graham proudly served as volunteers for the Lexington Fire Department, where he served as first assistant chief. In his free time, he loved to keep his yard manicured and work in his shop.  He could fix just about anything, and he had a real talent for woodworking.  His collection of handmade wooden toys includes trucks, excavators, cranes and trains. In the ‘80s, he and Marjorie enjoyed creating folk art, and hosting open house craft shows during the holidays, and having a booth at the local community festivals.

He was a lifetime member of the Lauderdale A. R. Presbyterian Church, where his father H.R. Plogger was a charter member. Billy served as a deacon, and was one of the “go-to men” whenever something needed to be done.  Even after he retired, people would say, “Call Billy, he’ll know what to do.”He was even known to be a shepherd in the Christmas program and a pretty good dishwasher following meals in the fellowship hall.

Billy was a man of few words, but what he said, he meant. He worked hard to give his family everything they needed and a lot of what they wanted.  He loved his six grandchildren and his seven great-grandchildren. The kids loved to hear GranGran say, “O, Boy!” when he was excited about something.

He is survived by his two children, Vickie Hickman of Lexington and Mark Plogger (Maryann) of Staunton; his grandchildren, Cara H. Kinker (Thomas) and Laura Beth Walsh (Chris) all of Midlothian, Megan Plogger of Ocala, Fla., Ryan Plogger of New York, Krista Plogger of Richmond, and Jordan Plogger of Rhode Island; as well as his great-grandchildren, Davis, Grant, Anderson, Ansley Kate and Lochlan Walsh, Brady and Harper Kinker; and a devoted friend, Ralph Householder of Lexington.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 10:30 a.m. in the Oak Grove (Stonewall Jackson) Cemetery in Lexington, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the LauderdaleA.R.P. Church by the Rev. Benjamin W. Dowling III.

Memorials may be made to the Rockbridge Christmas Basket, Lexington Fire and Rescue Department, or Carol’s Coats (LauderdaleARP Church).

The family would like to offer our gratitude to the wonderful people at Connections Plus Healthcare and Hospice, as well as the Carilion medical team. 

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.