William Monroe English, 77, passed away March 23, 2025, at the home of his daughter Donna in Suffolk after a brave fight with cancer.  He was born the son of Garris and Dorothy (Grubb) English, in Hampton, where he would live the remainder of his life.  He married Susan Elliott on October 4, 1968, then in 1969, on his 21st birthday, he was drafted by the U.S. Army for service in Vietnam.

William was a hard worker and loved the outdoors.  For over a decade he plied the waters of Southeast Virginia working for the Virginia Marine Resource Commission.  He and Susan then founded Wayside Garden Center in 1984 where they built memories for their family and the community for over 17 years.  After selling Wayside, William spent the next 17 years working with his cousin William Grubb on Millstone Farm which gave him ample opportunities for hard work in the forested hills of New Kent County.  He enjoyed gardening, fishing, assembling models, and watching old movies.  He cherished spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandson.

William is survived by his wife Susan of 56 years; daughter, Donna English (Richard Wilcox); grandchildren Adrienne Stadler(Chris), Logan Withrow, Jacob Wilcox and Rachel Wilcox; great-grandson River; sister Gayle Cozzens(Dennis); and two aunts, Marjorie Charles and Jean Melton.  Preceding him in death were his parents, and son, Christopher Bryan, who died as an infant.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 31 at 1:30pm with visitation an hour before at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia, with Rev Dr. Richard Wilcox officiating.  Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park in Hampton.