William Robert Follin

William Robert Follin, known to those who loved him as Billy, was ushered home to an amazing heavenly garden on September 24, 2026.

His beloved wife, Jackie, was by his side at their home in Naples, Florida. 

Billy was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on November 24, 1945 to William Walter and Deta Caroline McConnell Follin. He grew up in Falls Church, Virginia and graduated from George C. Marshall High in 1964. He received a BSBA degree from Old Dominion University in 1969 where he was a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity. 

Billy had a gift for creating beauty wherever he went. His greatest joy was creating sacred spaces—in a garden, a home, or at work. He had an artist’s eye and a gardener’s heart, and he could see the possibility in a space long before anyone else did. 

His garden was especially close to his heart. On any given day, you could find Billy at a nursery, gathering plants and flowers with the enthusiasm of someone who had just discovered a treasure. His children have countless stories of having to stop at a garden center during their travels. For Billy, there was always room in the car for one more plant—somehow there just had to be. 

Even during his final weeks, Billy could occasionally be found perusing his garden, taking it all in and overseeing Jackie’s care of his beloved handiwork. It was a fitting place for him; surrounded by the beauty he had spent so much of his life creating. 

Billy’s creativity came alive especially at Christmas. At home, he created the most magical Christmas trees and villages, decorating with a love and reverence that honored his Lord and Savior. He also took great joy in decorating his parents’ Christmas tree and their home on the hill. His beautiful creations became part of a cherished tradition, enjoyed and eagerly anticipated by many generations of friends and family. 

With his artistic eye and flair, Billy won numerous awards for his Christmas paintings on the picture window of his childhood home. His artistic gift was also evident in the wall mural in the lobby of George C. Marshall High, showing highlights in the life of General George C. Marshall. 

Billy also had a wonderful sense of humor and talent for making ordinary family memories unforgettable. He loved visiting Colonial Williamsburg so much that he renamed it “Billsburg”. His children did not always share his enthusiasm—particularly when Billy woke them at the crack of dawn to have breakfast at the Chickahominy House. Billy’s idea of the best breakfast EVER! 

His faith was woven into the fabric of his life. His spirituality was fostered at an early age by his Great Aunt Blanche, whose influence remained with him throughout his life. That faith gave Billy strength and sustained him through his 71-year battle with juvenile diabetes. He faced the challenges of that lifelong illness with remarkable grace, courage and perseverance. 

Billy’s faith also found expression in the way he served others. When asked to officiate his niece’s wedding, he was honored to become an officiant and perform the ceremony—a role he embraced with the same sincerity and joy he brought to so many things in his life. 

Billy leaves behind a legacy of faith, creativity, humor and love. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 33 years, Jackie; his beloved children Nicole, Devon, Noah and Sullivan Follin; his sister, Deta Follin-Pyle (Jimmy); brother Gregory Follin (Mary); nephews Justin and Sean Follin, Josh Pyle (Whitney); niece Brianne Labman (Brandon) and great-nieces and nephews, Layla, Deacon, Hadley and Cassius Pyle; Brecken, Brooks, Brynn, and Brennan Labman and Sadie Follin. Billy was predeceased by his brother Ronnie Follin. 

Billy will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will remember him not only for the beautiful things he created, but for the joy he found in creating them. They will remember the gardens, the Christmas trees, the painted windows, the Civil War stories, the early-morning breakfasts, and, of course, the inevitable garden-center stop. 

Most of all, they will remember a man whose faith guided him, whose imagination brought beauty into the lives of others, and whose love for his family was evident in all he did. 

And perhaps, somewhere beyond this life, Billy has already found the perfect garden—although knowing Billy, he has probably added just one more plant. 

Viewing and funeral services will be held at Advent Funeral & Cremation Services, 7211 U.S. 29, Falls Church, VA on October 5, 2026 at 1:00 pm. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) at the link below in honor of Billy. https://share.google/LURVmFmGW5kciwTod 

If you wish to send your gift by mail, please send it to: Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF, PO Box 5042 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042