All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

William “Bill” Earl Vanscoy

William “Bill” Earl Vanscoy, 80, husband of Shelia Kay Blair Vanscoy, died peacefully on Monday, April 22, 2024, at his home in Manning, SC surrounded by his family.

Born July 3, 1943, in Wheeling, WV, he was a son of the late Raymond Jesse Vanscoy and the late Marilee Gain Vanscoy. He was a graduate of Ohio State University, a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War, a wildlife biologist, and former superintendent of the West Virginia State Wildlife Center. As a lifelong outdoorsman, he was a member of Ducks Unlimited and Mid Carolina Gun Club. Bill was a member of Manning United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years of Manning; two daughters, Dr. Lori Vanscoy (Dr. Snehal Patel) of Severna Park, MD and Lisa Besser (Johnny) of Blythewood; four grandchildren, Kayla & Tessa Patel and Emma & Henry Faulkenberry; four step grandchildren, Kinsey, John, Ben and Jake Besser; a sister, Janice Huss of Albany, GA; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Derek Faulkenberry; and a brother, Kenneth Vanscoy.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Manning United Methodist Church, 17 E. Rigby Street, Manning, SC 29102, with the Rev. David D. McManus, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 2 to 3 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Manning United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 68, Manning, SC 29102. 

Online condolences may be extended to the Vanscoy family at www.heavnerandcutright.com.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Stacy Irene Suder

Stacy Irene Suder, 77, of Buckhannon, known for her volunteerism, community service, and dedication as a homemaker and Baptist, passed away June 3, survived by her husband, large family, and many friends.

Marple named Tenney Award Winner in ceremony at baseball field

Buckhannon-Upshur High School senior Landon Marple, who led the Bucs in multiple offensive categories this season, received the 2025 John L. Tenney Memorial Baseball Award for his athleticism, leadership, and character.

Three Lady Buc lacrosse players earn All-State honors

Three Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs lacrosse players—Brianna Howes, Emma Stalnaker, and Mallory Moss—earned spots on the 2025 WVSLA Division I All-State Team after helping their team to a 5-6 season.

WVWC music alumni Loudin and Taylor return to lead band programs

West Virginia Wesleyan College has appointed alumni Eliza Taylor and Adam Loudin to lead its athletic bands and jazz ensembles, underscoring the institution’s ongoing commitment to the creative arts.

Ready, Set, Shred! Mountain bikers return for Upshur County Uprising this month

The Upshur County Uprising mountain bike race returns June 15 with new trail layouts, multiple skill categories, and food trucks, drawing riders and spectators from across the region to the Upshur County Trails near Buckhannon.

Upshur County couple arrested after children found living in filth, police say

An Upshur County couple was arrested and charged with felony child neglect after authorities discovered two young children living in a home filled with garbage, bloody animal feces, and hazardous unsanitary conditions.

James Clifford Wagner, II

James Clifford Wagner, II, 41, a truck driver for Buccaneer Enterprises, died June 1 and is survived by his father, son, siblings, grandmother, several relatives, and seven nieces and nephews.

Five Lady Bucs named to Big 10 All-Conference Softball Team

Five Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs softball players earned spots on the 2025 Big 10 All-Conference Team, with Madison Knabenshue and Kynnedy Marple named to the First Team and three others to the Second Team.
Festival Fridays

Swing into Summer: Festival Fridays returns with Rockin’ Red Sky Down and new Jawbone Park swings

Festival Fridays returns this summer with Red Sky Down headlining the opening event, a new city-built stage, over 25 vendors, diverse musical acts each week, and community activities organized by Create Buckhannon at Jawbone Park.

Tallmansville man arrested for allegedly selling meth to a confidential informant last fall

Christopher R. Taylor, also known as Chris Linger, was arrested for allegedly selling methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school.

Local percussionist Lila Wright to attend world-renowned Interlochen Arts Camp

Lila June Wright, a rising senior and percussionist from Buckhannon-Upshur High School, has been selected to attend the prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp this summer, studying alongside young artists from around the world.

‘One day at a time,’ Katie Morgan overcomes challenges to become outstanding senior at Wesleyan

Despite being totally blind and a first-generation college student, West Virginia Wesleyan College graduate Katie Morgan ’25 excelled academically and in campus service, earning multiple prestigious awards and graduating summa cum laude in psychology.