On Saturday, June 9, 2018, Grover Thomas “Tom” Villers finished his Christian race of which he began at the age of 13. Tom was born January 23, 1927, the son of Eli Spencer and Rosa Mae (Leasure) Villers. On June 14, 1947 he married the love of his life, Doris Rose Thomas, and celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2017. To their union was born two children, Grover Thomas Villers, Jr. (who lived only six hours) and Rose Marie (Villers) Snyder. In 1979, Rose married Victor Arden Snyder and to their union was born one son, Zachary Arden Snyder (Tom’s pride and joy). Tom also has a granddaughter-in-law, Kari, and two great-grandsons, Davis and Alec, who loved their “Opa” dearly. Zachary and his family reside in Elkhart, IN where he is a pastor at Goshen Zion Assembly Church of God.
Tom is survived by his loved wife Doris, daughter Rose (Victor) of Metz, grandson Zachary Snyder (Kari) and great-grandsons Davis and Alec, all of Elkhart, IN. Also surviving are his sister Erma (James) Prather of Galax, VA, brother James (Peggy) Villers of Washington, PA, and sister-in-law, Joyce F. Thomas of Farmington, WV. He also leaves several nieces and nephews behind (all of which he loved dearly), a great-nephew, Eli Thomas Shenal of Mannington, WV that he and Doris loved, a special “adopted grandson” Timothy White of Bolivar, OH, and an “adopted son” Bill Coon of Carolina, WV.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Eli Spencer and Rosa Mae Villers, brothers, Harry and Raymond, and sisters Opal, Edna, Ethel, Goldie, and Marie.
Tom was retired from Eastern Associated Coal, having spent most of his mining years at Joanne Coal at Rachel, WV, and was a proud member of the United Mine Workers Association since 1953. He was a Veteran of World War II and was stationed in Frankfort, Germany. While there he proudly served as a member of the infantry band where he entertained the troops with his God-given guitar playing. After his service to the country of which he loved, he returned home and continued in his love for music by serving and glorifying Christ as the church guitarist at Metz, WV Church of God of Prophecy for 64 years and Idamay, WV Zion Assembly Church of God for 12 years until he was placed into a nursing facility due to health decline. Tom was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy from 1940 until 2005 and then reaffirmed his covenant with Zion Assembly Church of God. He also served as an ordained deacon in both churches since 1960 and an adult Sunday School teacher for over 30 years.
Tom will be greatly missed by his loved ones. He leaves behind a great example of holiness living, one of which any Christian could emulate, since he dedicated himself to walking according to God’s Word. He personified a southern gentleman and always provided a smile or word of encouragement to shine the light of Jesus Christ.
A Special Thanks to Tygart Center and Amedysis Hospice for their unwavering support and care.
Family and friends may call at Masters Funeral Home in Mannington, WV on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 from 2-7:00pm with funeral services being held that evening at 7:00pm with Pastor JJ Davis, Pastor Tom Brown, Pastor Bill Coon and Presiding Bishop Wade H. Phillips officiating. Committal services will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018 beginning at 11:00am at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, WV with Full Military Rites being accorded by the United States Army and the Marion County Veterans Council. Family and friends are being asked to meet at the funeral home parking lot at 9:30am to prepare to leave in precession to the cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mastersfuneralhomewv.com
Condolences
What a wonderful man with such a rich legacy, I am praying comfort of Holy Spirit through this time. But I know the joy you have in your heart that you will see him again.
What a happy home coming he must be enjoying! I wasn't well acquainted with Tom, but he made a wonderful and lasting impression on me.
Rose you and your family are in my prayers. He fought a good fight he kept the faith. His rewards are many.
Rose, Zac & Family. We are truly sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful man. A great example of love and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the coming days.
Uncle Tom will be truly missed. He holds a special place in our family and in our hearts. Love to you all.
A man of love and kindness, one who lived a Christ like lifestyle. Was proud to call him a friend and Godfather to our children
( Jonathan David & Tabitha Ruth ).
Sorry for your loss. He was a great person and represented Christ in all that he did. Prayers for the family.
Mr. Villars was a very dear and sweet man of God. He was a soldier in God's army. He made a positive impression in my life. A very humble man. May our Lord comfort all of you during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences. Love in Christ, Stephanie Parker-Smith
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Marion County Senior Citizens.
From the moment I met Tom sitting on his swing swinging the day his daughter Rose took me to meet him in order to be a caregiver for a few days was an absolute wonderful day I have never met a man and felt so welcomed he had a heart of gold and always smiled and made me feel more than welcome to being his home I know Rose a long with Zack and the rest of the family's hearts are breaking but Tom was a good Christian man and he is in heaven and they will all be seeing him again someday he is rejoicing with his long-lost family in the arms of our savior until we all get to see him again may his flight to the heavenly father the amazing as I'm sure it is rest in peace Tom it was a pleasure knowing you
Rose
I am so sorry for the loss of your Father. My thoughts are with you.
Tom said he was at my Father's deathbed approximately May 1944. I met Tom and Doris a few years ago on the Brick Road. They advised us to turn on the brick road and a lady was coming to her mailbox. I asked do you know Tom and Doris and she said I am Doris. We had a couple hours that we talked and enjoyed ourselves. They asked my wife and I to spend the night but we had already made plans. A visit to Bonnie(Baker)and her husband Bob Wilson. I believe it was in 2008. We went on --to never see them again although we did speak a few times on the phone. He was surely a Great Man.
Love and prayers to the family. I loved Tom like a grandpa. I looking forward to our family visit with him and his wife. Later in Toms life I was able to be a caretaker of him. Loved him even more because of the beautiful relationship he had with the Lord. He was true example of what it is to be a christian. Love you all.
Mr. Billers was a great soul. Always a smile no matter how is wAs feeling. Never complained. Always would say, I am fine. He often would call me his girl. I was his nurse for six years. He prayed with me many times. He was a dear patient and friend. Very dear to my heart. I could see from the very first few days of taking care of Mr. Villers, why his family loved him so very much! What a precious man in Gods eyes , in his families eyes, and in this nurses eyes. You know, I have taken care of many patients, but there was a specialness about Mr. Villers, then I found out what the key was one day! GOD! I will never forget our talks and him quoting the word to me , when I needed it the most! My the Lord, wrap his loving arms around every family member, give them peace, love and the joy knowing that this special gem is shouting and praising God right now. Let this be a time of celebration, not a time of sorrow. Remember all the good times, remember one day you will be reunited! Praise God
Rose and Vic , As I like to call him Grover,will be sadly missed, I will continue to take care of his beloved!! Am very sorry for your loss.
Tom was one of the nicest person I've meet. Sorry for your loss. Prayers for all.
Jack & Leona Lemley
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Rose and Vic, sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Our sincere sympathies are with your family in the loss of this great man. Also reminded of that great REUNION on the other side when all God’s children will gather around the Throne! Y’all are in our prayers