William Jesse Damon

William Jesse Damon (Bill), went home to heaven on October 9, 2023. He was born April 1, 1933, to Robert Harris Damon and Christine Weatherall Damon in Amarillo, Texas. He was predeceased by his parents; and a daughter-in-law, Gloria Klase Damon. He leaves Roberta McBride Damon, his wife of 65 years; and two sons, Mark Elliot Damon and Kenneth Paul Damon (Elaine) to honor his memory. His legacy includes his grandchildren, Melissa Rebecca Damon, Joshua Paul Damon, and Jeannie Roberta Damon. He leaves a brother, Robert Wray Damon (Wanda), of Amarillo, along with their children and grandchildren.
Bill grew up in Amarillo, Texas, where he made his profession of his faith. He was graduated from Baylor University where he was a member of the marching band. While he was in college, he felt called to ministry. He did his post-graduate work at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He earned both a master's degree and a doctorate in religious education and church administration.
Soon after graduation in 1958, Bill married Roberta McBride. They worked together in churches in Oklahoma and Texas where Bill served on staff. In 1965, the Damons were appointed as missionaries to South Brazil. Bill was already fluent in Spanish, so learning Portuguese in language school was pure pleasure for him. He was often mistaken for Brazilian because of his language skills. Bill's major work in Brazil was spent teaching in the Bible Institute in the city of Curitiba in the state of Parana. While there, the Bible Institute was upgraded to the Baptist Theological Seminary of Parana.
One of the great joys of his time in missionary service was being a part of the team which planned the centennial celebration of Baptist work in Brazil. Billy Graham preached in a filled to capacity Maracanã Stadium in Rio-the largest soccer stadium in the world. Dr. Kenneth Cooper, the father of aerobic fitness, worked with the Brazilian soccer team when Pele was at his prime. As part of the celebration, Dr. Cooper gave testimony to his faith on Copacabana Beach. He participated in "The Run of the Century". Bill's job was to see that streets in Rio were closed so the hundreds of participants could run, proclaiming Baptist presence in Brazil. Bill was delighted to be a part of that endeavor.
Bill left Brazil to work in the home office of the International Mission Board in Richmond. There he was responsible for missionary candidates going to Brazil and the Caribbean. After his retirement from the IMB, Bill served on staff at Chester Baptist Church in Chester, for seventeen years. Bill was loved and appreciated for his organizational and technical skills and his willingness to help others. He was a sweet singer of solos. Wherever he served, he was always in the tenor section of the choir.
On October 9, 2023, Bill's heart stopped, but the love he had for his Lord, his family, and God's people maintains a steady beat.
The family would like to express thanks to Crater Community Hospice, Care Advantage, the loving people of Chester Baptist Church, and the pastoral staff and friends of First Baptist Church of Richmond.
A service of remembrance will be held at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, 3050 W. Hundred Road, Chester, VA, on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 1:30pm, a public visitation will be held one hour prior. Interment will be private.
Memorial gifts may be given to Chester Baptist Church, 1743 School Street, Chester, VA 23831 or First Baptist Church of Richmond, VA, 2709 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220.