Virgil Villers, Jr

Virgil Villers, Jr. passed from this life on September 7, 2024. Blessed with a wild, beautiful, authentic, creative, fierce, unfettered spirit he not only heard the music of life, he danced to it every day. He left us a loving and beloved human being.

Awarded the terminal degree of Master of Fine Arts from Kent State University, he taught art and the art of life for over thirty years to thousands of ever grateful students. Sculpture, however, was his compelling passion. A highly successful artist for more than 50 years of national renown, his legacy appears in at least eleven different states and several countries. 

If not working in his studio, you could find Virgil cruising in a sports car, hitting the slopes, playing in the pool with The Beach Boys blasting, adventuring on his four-wheeler, or talking someone into playing a game with him. A self-proclaimed "water baby", Virgil could be found jet skiing full throttle, shades on with the biggest smile on his face. There's a reason his family nicknamed him "The Energizer Bunny." His love for animals was deep and reciprocated; they were drawn to him and not just because he fed them table scraps. Virgil loved live music, always had a sketch book in hand, and forged his own path regardless of where he went. He was a fierce protector, lover of nature, and worked hard but played harder.

A Man for All Seasons, he was the complete package and held the racing heart of the forever young. Virgil's life was full, and he lit up a room. He loved to be outside: hiking, biking, and even rollerblading. Virgil made everything an adventure, from traveling to new places to asking his waitress to sing when frequenting his favorite restaurant. He lived and loved large--almost as large as the stories he told. As fun loving as he was, he was also a steadfast presence in the lives of those he loved; he always showed up.

We will miss you, husband, brother, father, friend, but we will never forget you nor the joy, fun, and love you brought into this world. 

The son of Virgil and Mildred Villers, he is survived by his wife and best friend for 44 years, Judy (Breit), his children, Zak (Mary), Amy (Ron), and Tessa, (Cory), his grandchildren, Ronnie, Bethany, Ben, Grace, Emily, Iyla, Sage, and Iggy, great grandchildren, brothers Jack (Rose), Jerry, (Shelley), brother-in-law, Tony; and many, many devoted nieces, nephews and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Dwayne and Helen, and sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Shad. 

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, September 30 at Gather at the Lakes, 4315 Manchester Road, New Franklin, Unit B. Visitation is from 3:30 – 5:00pm. Memorial service begins at 5 with dinner to follow. Please come--nothing would delight him more. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association at ALS.org. Condolences and special memories of Virgil with his family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com (330) 875-5770