John Taylor Willse, 74, of Lynchburg, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at his residence. He was the husband of the late Molly Jo Willse. Born in Warsaw, N.Y. on January 10, 1944, he was the son of the late Edwin and Kathryn Willse. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson College in New York, a Masters in Science and Physics from Lynchburg College and a Masters in Engineering Administration from George Washington University. He retired from Areva after 43 years of service where he worked as a nuclear physicist. Early in life, he was a competitive snow skier and he also loved sailing. Later in life, he continued enjoying time on the water with family and friends at Leesville Lake. After retiring, he volunteered his time with Meals on Wheels and doing taxes for the elderly. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Kay Smallwood. He is survived by four children, Johnna Barksdale of Lynchburg, Christy Slaughter and her husband, Joe of Bethesda, Md., Brooke Gaddy and her husband, Terry of Evington, and John T. Willse, Jr. and his wife, Tana of Greensboro, N.C.; one sister, Marcy Fuchs; two brothers, Charles Willse and Ed Willse; 12 grandchildren, Evan Barksdale and wife, Brooke, Darian Barksdale, Melina Barksdale, Emilio Slaughter, Taylor Slaughter, Antony Slaughter, Travis Gaddy, and wife, Stacie, Tyler Gaddy and wife, Amy, Aubrie Gaddy, Alden Gaddy, Jada Willse, and Ella Willse; and four great grandchildren, Macy, Kerry, Karlie, and Savanah. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 14, 2018, from 12:30 until 2 p.m at Whitten Timberlake Chapel. A graveside service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Greenwood Cemetery in Bedford with Pastor Matt Laskey officiating. The family requests memorial contributions be made to either Meals on Wheels, 605 Clay St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, or to the American Red Cross. Whitten Timberlake Chapel is serving the family. To send condolences online, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.