George Haines Bergdoll, Sr.

George Haines Bergdoll, Sr., 82, of Appomattox, VA, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at his home. He was the husband of Carolyn Coleman Bergdoll who was the love of his life.
Born in Martinsville, VA, on December 13, 1942, he was the son of Rev. Richard Bergdoll and Nell Shawen Bergdoll.
After marriage George and Carolyn relocated respectively to Appomattox where they met in high school and became faithful members of Memorial Methodist Church. George and Carolyn’s love and affection for one another was apparent until the day he died. His happiest days were spending time with his beloved Carolyn.
He loved every moment of life and lived it to the fullest. George was strong in body and spirit, intelligent, curious, kind, thoughtful, careful, reasonable, and with a wonderful sense of humor. He got things done.
George was a good athlete. In high school he set a state record in track that took many years to break. He spent many summers working as a lifeguard, perfecting his swimming ability. During his first year at Randolph Macon College, he swam on the swim team and earned a swimming scholarship for his remaining years. When he moved to Virginia Beach the ocean beckoned and George became an expert surfer, enjoying that sport for a lifetime.
He graduated from Appomattox County High School, received his bachelor’s degree from Randolph Macon College, his law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law, and a PH.D. from University of Cambridge.
George worked in his political party throughout his life, frequently spending countless hours faithfully volunteering in support of many candidates over the years. George himself was elected to Virginia Beach City Council. This was during a time of racial divide for the city. The council was able to quell the disruption, restore peace, and build better harmony.
He also worked in the Methodist Church. He served on the council of his local churches using his legal skills as well as a delegate repeatedly to the Methodist Church Conferences.
He served his country in the US Air Force, stationed in Europe during the Vietnam War. During the Cold War, George was a fighter pilot serving in the Middle East. His time in the Air Force and the Air National Guard were probably the most precious of his life because of the camaraderie that he shared with the others. That military experience showed up in the way he fought death to the very end, telling his son-in-law he “was losing the fight”.
George was blessed with many friends. He never met a stranger and truly loved meeting and talking with people and sharing stories. He always had a joke to tell. George always tried to make someone else happy every day.
He had been a member of Campbell County Happy Hearts Club, Ruritan Club, Lions Club, Appomattox County Historical Society, The American Legion Post #0048 in Phoebus, VA, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Phi Alpha Delta Henry Chapter, American Air Museum in Britain, and chair of Appomattox County Veteran’s Outreach Committee. He was an honoree of the Smithsonian Institute and the Virginia Museum of Transportation Exhibit.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, George Haines Bergdoll, Jr., and Jonathan Bergdoll and wife, Carina, all of Virginia Beach, VA; a step-daughter, Kelley Hughes and husband, Peter, of Charlotte, NC; two granddaughters, Emily Bergdoll and Lea Bergdoll; five step-grandchildren, Meghan Wheeler, Michael Wheeler, Matthew Wheeler, Jack Hughes, and Dabney Hughes; a nephew, James Bergdoll, Jr., and wife, Jill; and a niece, Ruth Bergdoll.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Timothy S. Bergdoll and his brother, James Bergdoll, Sr., and wife, Hazel.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Memorial Methodist Church, 403 Court St, Appomattox, VA, officiated by Rev. Dr. Mark Allen. A private family burial will be held at Reedy Spring Baptist Church Cemetery, Spout Spring, VA.
The family will receive friends following the service in the Legacy Hall of Memorial Methodist Church.
Those wishing to make memorial donations please consider FIVE18 Family Services (formerly Patrick Henry Family Services), 1621 Enterprise Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24502 or Memorial Methodist Church, PO Box 9, Appomattox, VA 24522.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com.