Memorial Service
First Christian Church
1900 Goat Creek Rd.
Kerrville, TX  78028
Saturday, July 23, 2022
11:00 AM
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Virgil Justice III

May 17, 1951 - June 27, 2022


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H. Virgil Justice III, of Kerrville, passed away on June 27th, 2022. He was born on May 17th, 1951 in West Columbia, Texas to H.V. Justice, Jr. and Bernice Wilke Justice. Virgil attended the University of Texas in Austin and graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Economics. He married Janet Winston Justice, his high school sweetheart, on January 26th, 1973. They had two sons, H. Virgil Justice, IV and Mark Andrew Justice.

His first job, after graduating from college, was as an Underwriter with Northwestern National Insurance Co. in Austin, Texas, subsequently he worked for a few other insurance companies, in various other positions including marketing, claims, and division manager. This experience allowed him to enter into an agreement and ultimately acquire the Stell-Jeter insurance agency in Kerrville in 1979; after which the family officially relocated here. He continued his career, building it into First Insurance Agency of the Hill Country, and eventually opened a satellite office in Comfort, Texas in 2006. In 1983, family friend, Amy Bowen, joined on as well, working with Virgil in the business, up until her retirement in 2020. In 2007, his youngest son, Mark, joined the agency as a partner, after graduating from college. Mark became a partner when the then partner, Jim Stehling, retired in 2010 and went on to become President in 2020. Since then, Virgil semi-retired, working three days a week in the Comfort office location, up until his passing recently. During his career, he held several insurance licenses and earned many distinguished accreditations, including a licensed Risk Manager, a certified Property and Casualty Underwriter and Certified Insurance Counselor for almost 40 years.

Virgil's passion was acting and singing which led to lots of roles in plays at the Point Theater and Playhouse 2000. He was one of the instrumental figures in the formation of Playhouse 2000, when it officially opened it's doors in 1998. He won numerous awards (Pointe Awards) and gained lifelong friendships. He loved to tell stories about "characters" he had met over the years and would imitate their voices, which was spot on! He loved fishing, bird hunting, traveling, and playing the saxophone and clarinet. He began playing saxophone in his Junior High band and was still currently playing both instruments in a local band. He was a member of the Sentimental Journey Orchestra, and then the Lone Star Swing Orchestra, and more recently, the Polk-a-matics of Fredericksburg, Texas. Virgil sang in church choirs over the years, and during his early years would sing at weddings. Before moving to Kerrville, he was singing in a Barber Shop Quartet, at Pioneer Town in Wimberly, Texas. He was very active in civic organizations and non-profits in the community over the years including: Kiwanis, The Texas State Arts and Crafts Fair board, past property chairman and member of the Salvation Army board, past Hill Country Youth Ranch board member, member of both the Kerrville and Comfort Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Kerrville Area Community Trust (now the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country), the U.T. Texas Exes local chapter, Habitat for Humanity board member, served on the Hill Country Arts Foundation board as President, and currently was President of the Distribution Committee of the Heart of Texas Community Foundation. Virgil was a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge. Virgil was also appointed to the Texas Judicial Council Committee, where he served from 2011-2014. He was very active in his local church, having been an Elder, served on the Pastor Search Committee (twice), and taught Sunday School regularly.

Virgil is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Janet Justice; son, Virgil Justice IV and wife Jackie of Plano, Texas and son, Mark Justice of Kerrville. He has two beloved granddaughters, Hallie Morgan Justice of Plano and Abigail Elizabeth Justice of Kerrville; cousins, Polly Wilke of Eveningshade, Arkansas and Christina Wilke Horelica of East Bernard, Texas; cousin, Joseph Lee Pilliod and wife Priscilla of McKinney, Texas; brother-in-law, Gary Winston and wife Cindy Debold of Lago Vista, Texas; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, H.V. Justice, Jr. and mother, Bernice Wilke Justice of LaGrange, Texas; uncles, Marvin Wilke of Houston, Texas and Marshal Wilke of Dallas, Texas; and a great uncle, Enno Wehrmeister of Ledbetter, Texas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Christian Church on July 23rd, 2022 at 11:00 am where all are welcomed to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following, in his name: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, First Christian Church, The Point Theater, or Playhouse 2000; or the charity of your choice.


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26 Condolence(s)
Rick and Mauri Norris
Kerrville, TX
Friday, September 30, 2022

We send heartfelt sympathies on the passing of Virgil. He was a fixture at Tierra Linda Ranch for many years. His presence and expertise will be greatly missed. I hope you will be comforted by the many great memories you have of sharing your life together. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Rick Burgess
Fredericksburg, TX
Monday, July 25, 2022

Condolences to all the family. I’ve known Virgil for a long time. First met him when his son signed for band at Peterson MS. We enjoyed playing in the Sentimental Journey Orchestra and the Lone Star Swing Orchestra together. ..Also
We also attended First Christian Church together
Sorry to miss his memorial service, but we were saddled with the effect s of Covid. He will be missed greatly and I will miss his humorous conversations with him. Thank you Virgil for all the great times.

Wayne & Linda Laird
Kerrville, TX
Thursday, July 21, 2022

Linda & I met Virgil & Janet in 1999 when we finished our home on the Tierra Linda and they stopped by to initiate home owner's coverage for us. Virgil handled all our insurance needs through this date. His great sense of humor and knowledge of the insurance world was priceless. I looked forward to our telecons each year at which time we would trade insults & stories. After my stroke early this year, our conversations became longer and his advice became even more valuable. Rest in peace, my friend!

Wayne Laird

Steve Pickell
Comfort, TX
Saturday, July 16, 2022

Very sad to hear about Virgil. He was one of the first people I met after I moved to Kerrville in 1979.
I joined an informal food coop , several couples kicked in about $20 and we took turns going to the San Antonio produce market. I was fortunate to make a few of those trips with Virgil. Always an enjoyable experience. I guess everyone who met him feels the same.
God bless you, Virgil

Mary & Herschell Esquell
Fredericksburg, TX
Saturday, July 9, 2022

Virgil had a sweet spirit and infectious personality that we will miss. We’ve known this sweet family for over 50 years and will continue to uplift them in prayers during this time of loss.

Linda Whisenant
San Marcos, TX
Saturday, July 9, 2022

Fifty years of friendship and memories
Building homes and families and businesses
Rowdy kids in a camper
7A Ranch
The Medicine Show
The Barber Shop Quartet
Long talks when things were good
Long talks when things were bad
Slightly smutty jokes
The Point Theatre
Grown kids- Where does the time go?
You are one of a kind my friend
You will be loved and remembered forever!

Jane Ragsdale
Hunt, TX
Saturday, July 9, 2022

During the long interval that Virgil sang in our choir at First Presbyterian Kerrville, I got to know Virgil. We adored his sense of humor and his clear tenor voice. A good friend!

Pastor David Tinker
Ledbetter, TX
Tuesday, July 5, 2022

We at Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ledbetter are saddened to hear of the death of our friend Virgil. He was a frequent visitor at our church in recent years. Our church building is nearby his vacation home. His joy in the Lord, his friendship, and his uplifting singing voice will all be missed. Your family are in our prayers in these weeks following his death. May the peace and comfort of Jesus Christ carry you through these difficult days.

Mike Ezer
Kerrville, TX
Tuesday, July 5, 2022

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Virgil! I just met him less than two months ago in Comfort, standing in line for lunch at The High Cafe. He and Mark were in front of me, and the line to order was almost out the door. Virgil and I talked about fly fishing the entire wait, and I could immediately tell what a great man he was! I only wish I had met him years ago. My condolences to the Justice family at this time.

Steve and Lissa Peters
Tampa, FL
Monday, July 4, 2022

We are saddened to hear of Virgil's passing. He will be sorely missed. We are certain that he will enjoy his heavenly reward. We are hopeful and encouraged that we will be reunited with those we have loved and lost. May your memories be many and remain vivid until that time. Our love and concerned thoughts and prayers go out to you, Janet, and the boys. Virgil was a great insurance representative, a fine and fun actor, a devoted Christian, a friend. Blessings. Steve and Lissa Peters

Geoffrey Elliott
Johnson City, TX
Sunday, July 3, 2022

Virgil will be missed. I was privileged to know him in my youth and again as an adult. His support and good humor made the world a better place to be in.

Annette Bridges
Kerrville, TX
Sunday, July 3, 2022

Virgil was not only a great boss, but he was a great friend and mentor. So many years working for him, watching the kids grow up, I will never forget the summers at the pointe theater. One of my favorite memories is when Virgil introduced my son to a Avie Teltchick So he could practice his trumpet. My son was amazed and in all at both of their skills. Will never forget you Virgil, you’re an amazing man, husband, parent, and grandpa

Pastor David Tinker
Ledbetter, TX
Saturday, July 2, 2022

We at Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ledbetter are saddened to hear of the death of our friend Virgil. He was a frequent visitor at our church in recent years. Our church building is nearby his vacation home. His joy in the Lord, his friendship, and his uplifting singing voice will all be missed. Your family are in our prayers in these weeks following his death. May the peace and comfort of Jesus Christ carry you through these difficult days.

Rosemary Faris
Kerrville, TX
Saturday, July 2, 2022

I am so deeply saddened by Virgil's passing. I am going to miss him at church, in choir, in church meetings. He was a man of honor and integrity. Always had a kind word and a sincere gentleness. Had a great knowledge of the Bible and loved to share it. A deep faith in our Lord. Loved his quick wit which sometimes took me a minute to get but always made me laugh. What a gentle soul who left this Earth too soon but I know he is playing his sax and when not playing, singing with the angels in heaven. My heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to Janet, Virgil and Mark.

Marti Paiz Strange
Kerrville, TX
Friday, July 1, 2022

To Janet and sons,
So sorry to hear about Virgil. I’m so glad that
My husband and I got to see y’all at the restaurant
He was such a nice man. My prayers are with
All of you. God Bless you.
Marti and Scott Strange

Dalton and Frances Wirtanen
Crystal Falls, MI
Friday, July 1, 2022

We are so saddened to learn of Virgil’s passing. He was such a mainstay in the choir, and his unique sense of humor so refreshing. He will always be remembered and greatly missed.

Karl Blair Dickinson
Hunt, TX
Friday, July 1, 2022

So sad that Virgil passed. He was always so gracious and enjoyed conversation. Whenever we visited he would always ask about the family and had such a wonderful sense of humor. He is greatly missed.

Margaret Stone
Comfort, TX
Friday, July 1, 2022

Virgil, I miss ya buddy. Always quick with a joke, fast with a helping hand, and even faster in comment when righting a wrong. He made me a better musician by example. I don’t know who I have to pay my quarters to when I squeak now…. I’m sad you left us too soon. See ya on the other side.

Kevin and Deena Elliott
Kerrville, TX
Thursday, June 30, 2022

Virgil was such an important part of our family history. I really think the most wonderful of his traits was a quiet decency that let all who knew him it was gonna be Allright. Celebrations were always brighter and better . Calm understanding in times of sorrow. My family will miss him as will the thousands of people whose lives he made better. We are so sorry for your loss Janet,Virgil,and Mark . Our Love and Prayers

Bill & Kitty Cowden
Kerrville, TX
Wednesday, June 29, 2022

We are so sorry for for your loss. Virgil was a great friend and a fine Christian.

Lin Draznin
Kerrville, TX
Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Virgil's quick wit and generosity of spirit will be greatly missed. The thing I most respected about Virgil was that he lived his faith.

He brought joy to thousands in his many theatrical portrayals.

Janet, Mark, and Virgil, please let me know of anything I can do for your family. Virgil was a big part of our family's life.

Lin

Lin

Bill Givens
Ingram, TX
Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Virgil was a great guy. We reconnected recently and I enjoyed a number of fun discussions we had. I am greatly saddened by his passing.

kraig and stephanie pivnick
st augustine, FL
Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Virgil and Janet have been especially kind to my family over the years. My relationship with V and JJ started from business together, they quickly became much more than just clients. V and I spoke regularly, laughing and being cynical about the world together. He also offered me incredible Fatherly advice from time to time...his 2 sons must be very proud to have him as their Dad.

A man of great value and unbridled respect for his beliefs. I will miss talking to you VJ...

We can hear your sax from way up there, don't stop playing!

Bruce McFadden
Kerrville, TX
Wednesday, June 29, 2022

No more of a decent, thoughtful, high character
gentleman in Kerrville than Virgil. He always
greeted me with a genuine smile and I enjoyed the
brief chats we had. Blessings to Virgil’s family.

Owen Graham
Kerrville, TX
Tuesday, June 28, 2022

So sorry to find out about Virgil passing away. He was always one of those people I was glad to see, and what a gift, being able to make people laugh.

Lisa and Jim Stehling
Kerrville, TX
Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Love, peace and comfort to your family. Virgil was one of my favorite persons. He was a honest, loving, intelligent, humorous family man. I am thankful for the years of our friendship and business partnership. He was a man’s man and always there for others when needed. I know God is happy to have him.