William D. Lidell

William David Lidell (Bill), 82, of Dumfries, VA passed away suddenly at his home on July 21st, 2023 after trying, unsuccessfully, to talk his way out of it. Bill was raised in Tottenville, Staten Island NY and was one of 6 children. He started working at the age of 13 for Ernie’s Grocery Store and “Soda Emporium”. He graduated from Tottenville High School at the top of his class in 1958 and soon after, joined the US Air Force where he became a canine handler for the Air Police. His service took him to Greenland and Morocco which planted the seed for his love of travel. After being honorably discharged he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Marion Russell. Their son Bill and daughter Bonnie were born soon after. Bill and his brothers, (Jim and Bob), began AVCOA, an audio visual business based out of Rutherford, NJ. The three brothers traveled the world together having enough adventures to tell a million stories, a million different ways. After his divorce from Marion, Bill moved to Greenwich Village, where he met his second wife, Joan Worms. They soon moved to Cambria, California where the Pacific Ocean and pine trees won his heart. The couple started their own business, Lidell’s Twentyfingers, making and selling handmade wooden toys and whirligigs. His passion for creating whirligigs grew and he renamed his business Pacific Windworks. Bill and Joan soon celebrated the birth of their daughter Janine. His dream for the business was put on hold after his wife was tragically paralyzed in an auto accident and he spent the next 13 years as her primary caregiver, juggling the demands of parenthood, traveling for audio visual work and creating new whirligig designs, all while pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Art History. Joan passed away in 1993. At his daughter Janine’s urging, Bill went to his 50th high school reunion where he reunited with his date from Junior Prom, Barbara Stinemire. Bill and Barbara were married on Valentine’s Day the following year (2009) and he gained another son, Jay McDiarmid of Fairbanks Alaska. Bill and Barbara made their home in Dumfries VA but spent much of their time seeing the world together. They discovered they shared a love of Kauai, Hawaii and spent much of their time there. This is where Bill began his collection of Hawaiian shirts, which Barbara says is now extensive. Bill will be remembered for many things including his wonderful whirligigs. They’ve gotten bigger and bolder over the years and have been featured in several articles. His 9-11 Memorial whirligig won best in show at the Paso Robles Folk Art Show and has been shown at folk art shows in Virginia and at the Hilton Performing Art Center Art Gallery. Those who knew him will remember him for his friendly, funny nature, his gift of making everyone he met a friend and the ability to talk on any subject. A stellar whistler, an avid reader, music lover and an ability to write ridiculous songs on the fly, Bill was as well rounded as they come. He'll also be remembered for sharing his love of sports, including passing his love of the ever-challenged New York Mets on to his son and his grandsons. He would be happy to know that his beloved 2001 green Toyota Tacoma, with the roll down windows, will live on with his grandsons, Bill and Cory, in New Jersey. His love of art was known by all and shared by his daughter Bonnie. They spent hours talking about his whirligig designs and her pottery. Bill was a proud father of 4, grandfather of 5, great grandfather of 4 and would share his family's accomplishments with friends whenever possible. Bill was a member and former Vice President and President of chapter 1270 of National Active and Retired Federal Employees, as well as a Deacon of Parkwood Baptist Church. Bill is survived by his devoted wife and adventure buddy Barbara, his four loving children, William Lidell (Linda), Bonnie (Lidell) Richter (Tim), Janine Lidell (Katherine), Jay McDiarmid, grandchildren, Nicole, Billy, Cory, Joey and Ryan and his great grandchildren, sisters Vivian (Lidell) Woll and Nora Lidell. He was predeceased by his brothers, Robert (Sonia), James (Beth) and his baby sister Stephanie Lidell. Viewing will be Friday, July 28th from 11am-1pm at Miller Funeral home, 3200 Golansky Boulevard, in Woodbridge VA. Church service will be Saturday July 29th at 11am at Parkwood Baptist Church at 8726 Braddock Rd in Annandale, VA. Military burial is on Monday at 11:30 at Quantico National Cemetery. Our family will be celebrating and honoring the life of Bill Lidell, a really great guy. Don’t be surprised to find him dressed in a Hawaiian shirt. If you have one, please wear it along with family and friends. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Research or Parkwood Baptist Church.

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William D. Lidell

July 21, 2023