The Rev. William Donald Ambrose, 77, of Hayes, sang his last earthly song and entered into his heavenly home June 8, 2014.
Donald was a native of Gloucester, graduated from Gloucester High School in 1955, and RPI, now VCU, with a Bachelor’s of Music Education; then from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in church music.
Donald was Music Director at Gloucester High School from 1959-1962 and founder of the first Gloucester High School Marching Band. He began his career in ministry, serving at Oakwood Memorial Baptist and Calvary Methodist churches, both in Richmond; Calvary Baptist, Lexington, Ky.; Valley Station Baptist, Valley Station, Ky.; Parkview Baptist Church, Newport News, for 21 years; Providence Baptist where he was the Minister of Music, Youth and Children, and Associate Pastor for 20+ years; and choir director at Newington Baptist Church for a number of years after his retirement. He taught and led singing at the nursing homes in which he was still actively involved at the time of his death. Donald sang with the Virginia Baptist Male Chorale and The Centurymen (100 SBC Ministers of Music), sharing the gospel through music all over the world. He served as Moderator of Peninsula Baptist Association. He organized and led trips to the Holy Land and other countries abroad.
Donald was an accomplished pianist and organist and loved to play the autoharp. He gave piano lessons and directed choirs with the young and old. He enhanced thousands of worship services with his music, his choirs and musical productions. For 45+ years he directed the Living Singing Christmas Tree at Providence and before that at Parkview. He also helped other local churches start Living Trees of their own.
Donald was a spiritual shepherd and church leader. He was a Christian gentleman with a wonderful smile and a humble soul. To the hungry, he offered food. To the sick, he offered company. To the lost, he offered the hope of Jesus. If you were to define “pastor” Donald fit that definition. Donald was a prayerful man who had a great love for His Lord, his family and his people. He will be remembered as a shepherd who loved his flock, admired his fellow clergy and selflessly poured himself out for the good of his church. Rev. Donald Ambrose is a true example of what it means to be a Christ-like servant leader.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Woodrow and Rosa Walker Ambrose.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife and love of his life, Margie Ambrose; his children, Carla Stanley and husband Rick, Tammie Spivey and husband Kevin, Tal Ambrose and wife Emily, Bobby Stokes, Del Stokes and wife Janet, and Rhonda Pappas and husband Pete; brothers, Freddie Ambrose and wife Barbara Jean, and Billy Ambrose and wife Dianne and sister, Teresa Hogge and husband Edwin; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.
A service to Celebrate the Life of the Rev. Donald Ambrose conducted by the Rev. Dr. Richard Croxton and the Rev. Dr. Ray Goude Sr. will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2014, at Providence Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family received friends Wednesday, June 11, 2014, from 6-8 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church.
In Donald’s memory contributions may be given to Providence Baptist Church Building Fund and/or Cemetery Fund, 3501 Providence Road, Hayes, Va. 23072.
Arrangements by Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point.