Mr. William R. Pfalzgraf was a respected citizen of the area, providing his services to many organizations in the region. Born on February 25, 1930, in Wood County to the late Ronald T. and Hazel C. Pfalzgraf, he acquired his education fromWood County schools. Mr. Pfalzgraf graduated from Parkersburg High School, where he was an honor student, active in forensics and debate, and a member of the Big Red Band.

Following graduation, Mr. Pfalzgraf attended West Virginia University and received his BA degree in 1950. He received his law degree from Georgetown University in 1953.

Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Pfalzgraf was appointed law clerk to Judge James M. Proctor of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Following his clerkship, he remained in Washington, serving two years as executive secretary to Congressman M.G. "Burnie" Burnside of West Virginia's Fourth District.

Returning to Parkersburg in 1956, Mr. Pfalzgraf practiced law and began a lifelong career of public service. In 1959 and 1960, he served as city police judge. He was elected Wood County prosecuting attorney in 1960 and reelected in 1964. He also served on the Wood County Board of Education from 1969 through 1976. Later, he served as legal counsel for the school board.

Mr. Pfalzgraf was a key figure in the formation of the Wood County Development Authority, the Parkersburg/Wood County Area Development Corporation, the Parkersburg Development Corporation, and the Wood County Building Commission. A member of the Wood County Bar Association, he was a partner in the law firm of Davis, Bailey, Pfalzgraf and Hall at the time of his death. Among his professional memberships was the National Association of Bond Lawyers.

Mr. Pfalzgraf had five children, all of whom attended Wood County Schools and graduated from Parkersburg High School.

Mr. Pfalzgraf was highly regarded throughout the community. After his death, Janet Spencer Hartnett of Washington,D.C., a distant relative and a classmate at Parkersburg High School, along with his family and many friends, established a fund at the Foundation in his memory. Known as the William R. Pfalzgraf Memorial Scholarship Fund, it provides scholarships to outstanding graduating seniors at Parkersburg High School. Recipients are selected based on merit (not less than a 3.0 grade point average); motivation toward higher education (acceptance or potential acceptance by a college, university, or other institution of higher learning); character, including the recipient's potential to make a contribution to the community and the larger society; financial need; and interest or achievement in law, debating, English or music.