This year was the start of Mr. Quarles’ second year of service on the School Board. Last month he was elected Vice-Chair of the School Board. He previously served eight years on the Goochland County Board of Supervisors representing District 2 and prior to that six years on the Goochland County Planning Commission.
In recognition and appreciation for Mr. Quarles’s service, County Administrator Kenneth A. Young, ordered the Goochland flag to remain at half-staff in his honor at all county facilities through sunset on Friday, February 12, 2021.
“Mr. Quarles has served the people of Goochland County in many ways over many years. This service most often included raising up the lives of children and supporting quality education for all”, said Mrs. Karen Horn, Chair of the Goochland School Board. “He used a gentle voice in this work and he was always a gentleman. As each board member shared with me, he was also a great listener. We will truly miss collaborating with William on our shared commitment to educating the next generation”.
“William Quarles was a dedicated advocate for all Goochland citizens.” said Board of Supervisors Chairman John Lumpkins. “My family personally experienced his enthusiastic dedication to lifting up and encouraging students in our schools. He generously gave of himself over the years including serving on the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, and most recently on our School Board. He will be greatly missed.”
Mr. Quarles grew up in Louisa and Goochland counties, graduated from Goochland High School in 1970 and from Virginia Union University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and biology. He previously taught school in Louisa and Richmond before going to work at Dominion Power. He worked for 30 years at Dominion Power’s (Dominion Energy) North Anna Nuclear Power Station as a member of the chemistry and management team.
Mr. Quarles had a passion for education, history, and Goochland County. He was a co-founder and previously served as Vice Chairman of the Goochland Education Foundation. During his time as supervisor, he prepared an explanation of the heraldry in the Gooch crest that appears in the Goochland County seal.
He joined the Board of Supervisors in January 2004 and was reelected to a second term in 2007. Mr. Quarles served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors three times in 2008, 2010, and 2011 and Vice-Chairman in 2007. Prior to serving on the Board of Supervisors, Mr. Quarles served on the Planning Commission from 1998 to 2003 including two times as Chairman. He was instrumental in the county compensating citizens for serving on boards and commissions to increase citizen participation in their community. Mr. Quarles was a champion for public safety, serving on the Board when the county transitioned from a volunteer fire rescue department to a combination career and volunteer department. In addition, Mr. Quarles served on the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board as a representative for the Virginia Association of Counties.
He will forever be remembered for his relentless passion, service, and dedication to Goochland County. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons William and Christopher; and many grandchildren.
