William Riley Satterfield Jr.
William Riley Satterfield Jr. passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, at the Peyton Hospice House, surrounded by his loving wife and two daughters.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Riley Satterfield Sr. and Mary Smith Satterfield, and brother who passed shortly after birth.
Born on May 4, 1944, in Philadelphia, PA, Bill moved with his family to Lewisburg, WV, at the age of two. He began his education at Lewisburg Elementary School, before enrolling at Greenbrier Military School, where he completed his high school education. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Bill began his career with the insurance company Chubb & Son in New York City, where he worked, until he was called to serve his country in the United States Army. He was stationed in Fulda, Germany, until 1967, when he returned to Lewisburg, following the death of his father. At that time, he took over the family business, Greenbrier Insurance Agency, which he successfully owned and managed for 42 years.
His leadership in the insurance industry was evident early on. He was an organizer of the Young Agents of West Virginia and later elected President of the Independent Insurance Agents of West Virginia in 1982. Around 1983, he was named “Insurer of the Year” in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field. He also proudly served as West Virginia’s representative to the State National Board of the Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA), advocating for agents at both the state and national levels.
In addition to his work in insurance, Bill also served on the Board of Directors of First National Bank, Daywood foundation, and Davis Stuart. He was a tireless member of the rotary foundation and selected as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a generous giver to the community volunteering countless hours and giving to multiple organizations.
Bill was raised in Old Stone Presbyterian Church, where he became a faithful member. He was a youth leader, adult Sunday school teacher, Deacon, Elder, and Elder Emeritus. He was an avid TarHeel fan who enjoyed playing golf, attending his grandchildren’s activities, having lunch with friends, spending winters in Florida, and enjoyed time relaxing at his cabin on the river.
Surviving are his devoted wife of 57 years, Betsey Gallagher Satterfield; daughters, Polly Smith (Mark) and Elizabeth Totten (Michael); and grandchildren, Riley (Te’yha), Julia, Lauren (Adam), Sam, Paige, Taylor, and Tyler (Amanda).
Bill will always be remembered for his humor, kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family and friends.
Funeral services for Bill will be Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Old Stone Presbyterian Church in Lewisburg with Rev. Julie Olt officiating, interment will follow at the Rosewood Cemetery in Lewisburg.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Those wishing may make a contribution in Bill’s memory to Old Stone Presbyterian Church or Davis Stuart School.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements.
