"To the Overbey families: Just wanted to say that Bill was a special and important person in my life over the years here in Morgantown. In the 1970s and early 80s, Bill was my supervisor and friend at NETL (METC) and it was a real joy working with him in the natural gas and oil division. He was the ideal mentor with a creative research mind that had vision and commitment - it was exciting to be part of his 'cutting edge' team. I have many wonderful memories of him - I will miss him and his positive spirit in energy research and more importantly in life. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time - Sincerely, Charlie and Jan Byrer"
In loving memory of
William Kenneth "Bill" Overbey
September 26, 1933 - September 25, 2016
William Kenneth "Bill" Overbey, of Morgantown, passed away late Sunday evening, September 25, 2016 at his residence in Morgantown following an extended illness, a little more than an hour before what would've been his 83rd birthday.He was born September 26, 1933 in War, WV , a son of the late William Kenneth and Ruth Ann Cline Overbey. Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Sandra Morton Overbey; three children, Cintara "Cindy" Dawn Rice and her husband John of Morgantown, Grant Adrian Overbey and his wife Lisa of Matthews, NC, and Shawn Patrick Overbey and his wife Jackie of Cleveland, OH; three step-children, Lisa George and her husband William Haden of Basalt, CO, Heather Gail George of Portland, OR, and Megan Huether and her husband Russell of Glenwood Springs, CO; and seven grandchildren, Jason William Rice, Justin Lewis Rice and his wife Rachel, Jacob Anthony Rice, Lauren Ashley Overbey, Sarah Adair Overbey, Ruby Haden and Pierce Huether. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Overbey.Bill graduated from Big Creek District High School and enrolled at West Virginia University in 1951 near the end of the Korean Conflict. He spent three years in the United States Army, before returning to further his studies at WVU.His Geology career took him through employment with the West Virginia Economic and Geological Survey, the US Bureau of Mines, Petroleum Development Corporation, BDM Engineering Corporation and the Morgantown Energy and Technology Center. He retired in 1997, however continued to do consulting work. During his time with METC, he received four patents for different processes in oil and gas drilling. His most important patent was for drilling horizontal wells for oil and gas recovery. He drilled the first three horizontal wells in Devonian Shale while employed with BDM Engineering, under contract to METC.Friends may join the family in honoring Bill's life and legacy at Smith Funeral & Cremation Care, 108 Holland Ave., Morgantown on Thursday, September 29th from 6-8 PM. On Friday, September 30th, Mr. Overbey will be moved to Suncrest United Methodist Church, 479 Van Voorhis Rd., Morgantown, where he will lay in repose from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM with Reverend Tim W. Halloran officiating. He will be laid to rest at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, Westover.In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill's memory may be made to either Suncrest United Methodist Church, 479 Van Voorhis Rd., Morgantown, WV 26505, or to Hospice Care Corporation, 3363 University Ave., Morgantown, WV 26505.To send personal condolences and other symbolic gestures, please visit www.smithfuneralandcremationcare.com.
Tributes
"Our hearts and prayers are with you. What a beautiful tribute to an amazing husband, father, grandfather ...We know that his presence will be greatly missed. We pray that the loving memories you carry in each of your hearts will comfort you in the days to come. God bless, Love in Christ Jesus, Clif, Sherry, Jirdan and Jennufer Anderson, Columbia, SC"
"Hi Bill, Thanks for all the fun we had. I will pray for you and yours. Jim"
"So sorry to hear about brother Bill's passing. He inspired so many of our Lambda Chi Alpha brothers. He exemplified true brotherhood and spirit and will be missed."
"In memory of a man who inspired many of our Lambda Chi Alpha brothers. He will surely be missed. As he returned to the source of his creation, may perpetual Light shine upon him and may he be granted eternal rest in that place that God prepared for him."
"Kristina T Bassinger sent a floral arrangement."
"Sandy - Scott and I are so very sorry to hear of Bill's death. We're thinking of all of you. Erin Brewster and Scott Kaminski"
"So very sorry for your lost. Bill will be greatly missed by all. My prayers are with the family"