William Allen Rule Jr.

William “Bill” Allen Rule, Jr., 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 17, 2023 at his home in Monterey. 

Bill was born December 18, 1929 to William Allen and Lois (Rader) Rule and raised in Clifton Forge with siblings Mavis, James, and Katherine.  He graduated from Clifton Forge High School and VPISU (VA Tech) with a degree in Engineering. At VA Tech he was a member of The German Club and stayed involved with the group for decades. Bill remained an avid Hokie fan throughout his life.  He served in the US Army during the Korean War.  Mr. Rule owned several businesses in Clifton Forge and served as the Mayor before starting Rule Volkswagen in Staunton in 1965. Rule VW/Honda/RV was sold in 2010 after 45 years. He also owned Honda/Nissan of Covington.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol Pace Rule; three of his four children, Jann Shenk and husband, Larry, Sally Rule-Gwinn, and James “Jimmy” Rule.  Also surviving are five grandchildren: Jonathan Shenk, Jill Midgett and husband, Jimmy, Katie Shenk, Sara Erwin and husband, Ben, and Taylor Gwinn and husband, Aaron; as well as, ten great-grandchildren, Jacob and Hailey Johnson, Parker and Logan Shenk, Gray Midgett, Henry and Hazel Loring-Shenk, Rose and Lillian Erwin, and Kailu Garcia-Gwinn.

Mr. Rule was predeceased by his son, William “Billy,” in 2008.

Special thanks to Carol’s children, Cheryl Mackian, Jim Pace, and David Pace for their love and support, as well as great friends of Monterey, Janice Warner, Mickey Finn, Linda Tawney, Cappy Hull, Rev. Andre Crummett, and JoAnn Hull.  The care provided by Hospice Intrepid is forever appreciated!

A simple memorial service is planned for 11 a.m., Friday, March 31, 2023 at Blue Grass United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Highland County Humane Society, PO Box 458, Monterey, Va. 24465 or to the Office of Donor Relations (0336) German Club at Virginia Tech, 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, Va. 24061.