William McClellan Revelle, Jr.

In loving memory of William McClellan Revelle, Jr. (known as “Red”), 84, of Orange, who passed away peacefully at his home on August 25, 2026, in Orange, VA. 

William “Red” Revelle, Jr., was born November 29, 1941, in Washington, DC, and grew up in Falls Church, VA, where he was raised by his mother Audrey L. (Kidwell) Revelle and father, William M. Revelle, Sr. Red was preceded in death by his parents of Falls Church, VA, and also his brother, Rev. Gene Goodwin Day, of Parsons, KS. 

Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, John R. and Teresa A. Revelle, of Haymarket, VA; his cousin, Jim Matthews, of Berlin, MD; sister-in-law, Jill Day, of Indianapolis, IN; niece Susan (Day) Endo and husband Calvin of Makaha, HI; niece Kim Day of Tacoma, WA; nephew, Rev. Charles (Chuck) Day and wife Sanet of Pretoria, South Africa; niece, Marcia (Day) Brown and husband David of Indianapolis, IN; nephew Philip Day of Indianapolis, IN; nephew, Matthew Revelle of Bozeman, MT; and nephew, Garrett Revelle of Culpeper, Virginia.

As a young man, Red served in the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam War and was involved with military horses while stationed at Ft. Sam Houston. Later, he served a tour of duty in S. Korea before returning home to civilian life. 

Red’s first experience riding a horse was at a pony ring when he was a young boy, and from that moment, he was hooked. He loved horses and mules. During his lengthy career that spanned approximately 64 years, he worked as a farrier, rode and trained champion show jumpers, and conducted clinics in natural horsemanship. Red was known for his God-given horsemanship talent, his knowledge and extraordinary skills as trainer, and his ability to mentor others. He was known as “The Horse Whisperer” and remains a legend in the MidAtlantic area for his incredible ability to train the worst “problem horses” into relaxed, happy, willing, and content partners.

Red had a strong, unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.

In Red’s honor, his family would like to invite his friends and loved ones to join them as they gather to remember and honor his life. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Preddy Funeral Home located at 250 West Main Street, Orange, Virginia, 22960. Immediately following the ceremony, a reception will be held at the Round Hill Inn Hotel located at 750 Roundhill Rd. in Orange. 

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend both the ceremony and the reception to meet, share memories, fellowship, and celebrate the life of William “Red” Revelle.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be sent to the American Diabetes Association.

 Condolences may be sent to Preddy Funeral Home, 250 West Main Street, Orange, VA. 22960. For online condolences, visit www.preddyfuneralhomes.com.