St Paul's Alumni - Portsmouth, VA

07/28/2025

Elma Mabry,St Paul’s 1958,was a much loved student at St Paul’s during the fifties.

Mabry, Elma Virginia, Obituary

a beloved mother, grandmother, and devoted friend, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the age of 85. She was loved by many, as she had given love freely every day of her life. She especially loved Donald Trump and his entire family.

Born on May 22, 1940, Elma lived a life defined by her fierceness and fabulousness. She was brilliant, bold, and beautiful, but she could also be a grumpy old lady yelling at people to get off her lawn. She gave her heart fully to the people and things she cared about, and in doing so, she made the world a gentler, better place, unless they were democrats, she didn't like them.

Elma served Pinellas County for many years as the lead program analyst, but outside of her career, she had a rich and beautiful life filled with creativity and purpose. She was a master seamstress, known for her extraordinary skill and attention to detail. She begrudgingly made a beautiful wedding dress for her granddaughter, Nicole as well as dresses for the entire wedding party, intricate ballgowns for her granddaughters' barbies, Halloween costumes, and costumes for herself and her ballroom dancing competitors. She created lasting treasures that will be cherished for generations.

But above all, Elma was a deeply loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She adored her four grandchildren: Nicole, Lara, Jon, and Jose (her favorite), and they adored her in return. To them, she was a steady and loving presence, someone who offered warmth, laughter, comfort, unconditional love, and scary stories about scientologists. Her legacy lives on in their hearts and in the lives they will lead with her memory guiding them… to Las Vegas. Elma will be remembered for the way she made people feel: like you were her best friend no matter who you were, unless you had bad grammar. She hated bad grammar. I REALLY hope she doesn't find any mistakes in this obituary!

Elma is survived by her daughters, Micki and Carolyn and by her grandchildren who don't really need to be mentioned again here.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Elma's memory by being fierce and fun, by loving freely, and by giving your all to your family and friends because that's what she did. Elma Mabry will be missed more than words can express. But her spirit, her love, and her example will live on in the lives of those she touched. May she rest in peace, and Grandma, thank you for the inheritance.

View Guest Book www.tampabay.com/obits

07/27/2025

Vernon Barham , St Paul’s 1957, died last month. Vernon was a bright student and well liked member of the student body at St Paul’s.

Obituary;

Vernon Francis Barham died peacefully at home on June 30, 2025 at the age of 85 years. He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 41 years, Nancy; his three children by first wife, Sandra (predeceased) Paul, Kelly Barham Adams (Arthur Wellesley Lee IV, Claire, Carmen) and Mike (Liz, Jonathan, Angelo, Madison).

Nancy wishes to thank Heartland Hospice of Suffolk for their care of Vern during the last few weeks. She also gives thanks for her very special friends in Kings Fork Farms, who provided love and nurturing support throughout the long goodbye of dementia.

A Celebration Service of Vern’s Life will be held at Third Presbyterian Church, 8065 Carlton Street, Norfolk, Virginia on August 2, 2025 at 11:00am. A light lunch will follow.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.kellumfuneralhom.com

07/11/2025

Buddy Sills , St Paul’s 57 died on June 10tn. Buddy was a favorite classmate loved by all. He was a wonderful high school basketball player,

Clarence Walter "Buddy" Sills
Obituary
On June 10, 2024, the world lost a bright, fun-loving soul. Our dad, Clarence Walter Sills, known affectionately and to all as Buddy, passed away at the age of 87. He was surrounded by immense love and care from me, his daughter, Lisa, and his son-in-law, Robert “Buddy” Braswell, in our home in Chesapeake, Virginia when he passed.

He was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina in 1937 to the late Clarence and Mary Sills. They moved to Virginia when he was very young. He earned his nickname when he was little, sitting on his porch waving and saying, “Hi, Buddy!” to each passerby. Buddy was such a fitting name to match his personality and love of people. One fun fact: Dad had a job dressing as the planters’ peanut guy in downtown Norfolk greeting people. This was right up his alley; he loved to talk to everybody. His sense of humor was ever present in any situation, be it during good times or bad. He loved to make people laugh, and his was infectious. From a child, spreading joy with a wave and a smile, this trait remained with him as an adult, befriending everybody with a smile.

He was a proud 1957 graduate of Saint Paul’s High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. Where he excelled in baseball and basketball, becoming co-captain of the Saints basketball team. Frequently he was acknowledged in the newspaper for his accolades, including earning the title of "Teen of the Times" in 1956. After high school he enlisted and became a veteran of the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country. He then worked along with his dad at his father's business, Sills and Son sheet metal and roofing, for some time. He was a go-getter, working various side jobs to better his family. Eventually he landed his lifelong job with the Sears-Roebuck parts center in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as the parts manager. Incidentally, many years later, he met his new love Erma there, and the rest is history, as they both retired from Sears and enjoyed every minute of time they had together.

Above all, he was an absolutely amazing dad and granddad. Always the constant playmate, giving us countless hours and years of utmost fun doing anything and everything. Dad was a child at heart always. He was a good listener, had the best advice, along with a strong hand to hold and loving hugs when needed. Truly, he personified what it meant to be a loving, always present dad! One of his favorite things he would say to people was, "I made the world more beautiful with my girls." This love was then carried on through his many granddaughters and subsequently great-grandchildren. He absolutely loved life and always said, "I don't want to leave you." That bothered him the most as his life neared the end. Still being the loving dad and wanting to always be present. He never wanted to leave—if only life worked like that.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his love and best friend Erma Henderson, his grandson Christopher, and his sisters Evelyn "Pete" Marshall and Helen "Chris" Bovinette, whom he adored. Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, Lisa (Buddy) Braswell, Kelly Smiley, and Deborah “Debbie” Urich; his 5 beautiful granddaughters, Candace, Kristy, Amy, Taylor and Kasey; and 7 great-grandchildren; nephews, nieces, and extended family members.

A service will be held at Hollomon-Brown, Great Bridge Chapel at 3PM on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

07/11/2025

Vito Joseph Morlino, Saint Pauls Class of 1955 died in Richmond on May 25th Vito was a beloved schoolteacher and administrator for his entire career.

Vito Joseph Morlino Obituary

Vito Joseph Morlino, 88, met our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on May 25, 2025. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia to Angelo and Marie Morlino, he grew up the second youngest of five siblings: Lucia, Grace, Marie and his younger brother Salvatore. He was married for almost 65 years to the love of his life, Susan Mabry Morlino. He worked hard to provide for his family of five children: Angelo Morlino (Regina), Maria Gravely, Joe Morlino (Christine), Theresa diLustro (John) and Susan Wentzel (Jim). In addition to his wife, Susan, and his children, Vito was a grandfather to thirteen wonderful grandchildren: Vito, Vincent, Rose (Chris) and Tony Morlino; Hodges (Robin) and Holland (Stephanie) Gravely; Colette, Michael (deceased) and Andrew Morlino; Frank (Jessica) and Annabelle diLustro; and Jim and Joseph Wentzel; and great-granddaughter, Aurora Gravely, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Upon graduating from Saint Paul's Catholic School, he went on to graduate from Fordham University. After working for the Atomic Energy Commission in New Jersey, he returned home to Virginia to pursue his true passion: teaching. He and his wife, Susan, taught at Cradock High School together and then left to attend the University of Virginia where Vito earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry. Upon graduation, he taught at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Medical College of Virginia before once again returning to Portsmouth to work in the public schools. He obtained his master's degree in education from the College of William and Mary and began his career in school administration, becoming Assistant Principal at IC Norcom and later Principal at Wilson High School during the peak of desegregation. Through those very challenging times, he was loved by students and faculty alike. Vito enjoyed his work in the Portsmouth schools from teacher through Director of Secondary Education, before becoming Superintendent of Isle of Wight County Schools, a post he held for 13 years.

Vito was a gifted athlete, known by many as "a heck of a ball player". He excelled in football, baseball and basketball in high school and in college intramurals. After college, if he wasn't playing in a softball league he was officiating at a football, baseball or basketball game.

In retirement, Vito enjoyed working on his farm: beekeeping, gardening, and raising chickens, rabbits, goats and caring for his beloved donkey, Giovanni.

A life-long Catholic, he was always active in his local parish, singing in the choir, playing the trumpet and serving as a leader and an advisor. His devotion to his family was unwavering, and his faith was a constant source of strength.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, with a Christian wake service to begin at 7:00 p.m. at Bliley's Funeral Home on Augusta Ave., Richmond. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:30 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 9505 Gayton Rd, Richmond, VA 23229. A reception will follow in the church community area. A burial will be held at a later date at Saint Jude Catholic Church in Louisa.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Portsmouth Catholic Regional School

https://portsmouthcatholic.app.neoncrm.com/forms/care-campaign-2021-2022 Obituary

Vito Joseph Morlino, 88, met our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on May 25, 2025. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia to Angelo and Marie Morlino, he grew up the second youngest of five siblings: Lucia, Grace, Marie and his younger brother Salvatore. He was married for almost 65 years to the love of his life, Susan Mabry Morlino. He worked hard to provide for his family of five children: Angelo Morlino (Regina), Maria Gravely, Joe Morlino (Christine), Theresa diLustro (John) and Susan Wentzel (Jim). In addition to his wife, Susan, and his children, Vito was a grandfather to thirteen wonderful grandchildren: Vito, Vincent, Rose (Chris) and Tony Morlino; Hodges (Robin) and Holland (Stephanie) Gravely; Colette, Michael (deceased) and Andrew Morlino; Frank (Jessica) and Annabelle diLustro; and Jim and Joseph Wentzel; and great-granddaughter, Aurora Gravely, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Upon graduating from Saint Paul's Catholic School, he went on to graduate from Fordham University. After working for the Atomic Energy Commission in New Jersey, he returned home to Virginia to pursue his true passion: teaching. He and his wife, Susan, taught at Cradock High School together and then left to attend the University of Virginia where Vito earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry. Upon graduation, he taught at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Medical College of Virginia before once again returning to Portsmouth to work in the public schools. He obtained his master's degree in education from the College of William and Mary and began his career in school administration, becoming Assistant Principal at IC Norcom and later Principal at Wilson High School during the peak of desegregation. Through those very challenging times, he was loved by students and faculty alike. Vito enjoyed his work in the Portsmouth schools from teacher through Director of Secondary Education, before becoming Superintendent of Isle of Wight County Schools, a post he held for 13 years.

Vito was a gifted athlete, known by many as "a heck of a ball player". He excelled in football, baseball and basketball in high school and in college intramurals. After college, if he wasn't playing in a softball league he was officiating at a football, baseball or basketball game.

In retirement, Vito enjoyed working on his farm: beekeeping, gardening, and raising chickens, rabbits, goats and caring for his beloved donkey, Giovanni.

A life-long Catholic, he was always active in his local parish, singing in the choir, playing the trumpet and serving as a leader and an advisor. His devotion to his family was unwavering, and his faith was a constant source of strength.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, with a Christian wake service to begin at 7:00 p.m. at Bliley's Funeral Home on Augusta Ave., Richmond. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:30 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 9505 Gayton Rd, Richmond, VA 23229. A reception will follow in the church community area. A burial will be held at a later date at Saint Jude Catholic Church in Louisa.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Portsmouth Catholic Schools.

Thank you for your support as we preserve the PCRS legacy of an academically rich, faith filled, service oriented education.

03/01/2025

Helen Marie Smith Nelson: St Paul’s 1953

Obituary
Helen Marie Smith Nelson, 89, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025. Helen was a lifelong native of Portsmouth, VA, born on May 13, 1935, to the late Clifford and Helen Smith.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Earl Lloyd Nelson; brothers Garland, Clifford and Thomas Smith, sister Cynthia Smith Pauler, son Robert Nelson, and grandson Matthew Leone. Left to cherish her memories are her brother William Smith; two daughters, Julie Leone and husband Bob, Kathy Noblin and husband Jeff; two sons, Ken Nelson and wife Barbara, Bill Nelson and wife Stacy; five grandchildren, Jesse, Greg, Kimmy, Tommy and Sara. She is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Becky Nelson, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, great-grandchildren and extended family and friends.

Helen graduated from St. Paul’s High School in 1953, where she was known as a talented basketball star. In later years, she became active in organizing reunions and luncheons with fellow alumni. Helen worked for many years at Portsmouth Psychiatric Center as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Nursing where she was recognized by her coworkers for her dedication and assistance. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul Catholic Church; she was active over the years within the church, as well as the Women's Auxillary of the Knights of Columbus, Council 418.

Helen will be remembered by her family and friends as a caring and loving mother and grandmother, who was dedicated to her church, family and friends. She had a contagious laugh, a love of animals, and an inner strength that helped her through many difficulties in life.

The family will receive friends and family from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Tuesday, February 25, at Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High Street. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 26, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 522 High St., Portsmouth. Burial will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery, with a reception immediately after at the Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth.

Memorial donations may be made to Portsmouth Catholic Regional School, 2301 Oregon Avenue, Portsmouth, VA, 23701 or St. Paul Catholic Church Restoration Fund, c/o 3501 Cedar Ln. Portsmouth, VA, 23703. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.

02/18/2025

Boost Your Knowledge! DID YOU KNOW?❓
Birds do not urinate.
Horses and cows sleep while standing.
The bat is the only mammal capable of flight. Its leg bones are so thin that it cannot walk.
Even when a snake’s eyes are closed, it can still see through its eyelids.
Despite their fluffy white fur, Polar Bears actually have black skin.
The average housefly lives only 2 to 3 weeks.
For every human, there are approximately one million ants.
A small amount of alcohol on a scorpion will drive it insane and cause it to sting itself to death.
Alligators and sharks can live for up to 100 years.
A honeybee has two stomachs: one for honey and one for food.
Elephants weigh less than the tongue of a blue whale. A blue whale’s heart is the size of a car.
Blue whales are the largest creatures to ever roam the Earth.
A cockroach can survive for about a week without its head before dying of starvation.
When a dolphin is sick or injured, its cries of distress prompt other dolphins to assist, helping it surface to breathe.
A snail can sleep for up to 3 years.
The fastest bird, the spine-tailed swift, can fly at speeds of up to 106 mph. (The peregrine falcon is even faster at 390 km/h or 108 mph.)
A cow produces nearly 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime.
The leech has 32 brains.
The average outdoor cat lives only 3 years, while indoor-only cats can live 16 years or longer.
Sharks are immune to every disease, including cancer.
A mosquito’s proboscis has 47 sharp edges to help it cut through skin and even protective clothing.
The human brain has a memory capacity of over 2.5 million petabytes, equivalent to 2,500,500 gigabytes.
Knowledge is Power!
What is the biological phenomenon responsible for the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and function as we age? This is known as Sarcopenia!
Sarcopenia refers to the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength due to aging. The impact of this condition can be severe, depending on the individual.
How to prevent Sarcopenia?
Stay Active: If you can stand, don’t sit—if you can sit, don’t lie down! Movement is key to preventing muscle loss.
Encourage Movement in the Elderly: When an elderly person is sick or hospitalized, avoid encouraging them to rest or remain in bed. Help them walk, unless they are too weak to do so. Lying in bed for just a week can cause a 5% loss in muscle mass, and seniors often cannot fully recover this loss.
Sarcopenia is more concerning than osteoporosis: With osteoporosis, the primary risk is falling, but sarcopenia not only affects quality of life but also contributes to high blood sugar due to reduced muscle mass.
Idle muscles lead to faster muscle loss: Muscles in the legs deteriorate quickly when not used. Sitting or lying down limits leg movement, weakening muscles. Activities like walking, running, and cycling are excellent ways to build and maintain muscle mass.
Aging Starts from the Feet Up! Keep your legs active and strong as you age. If you don’t move your legs for just two weeks, you’ll lose the strength of a decade! Regular exercises like walking and cycling are vital for maintaining muscle strength.
The feet support the entire body’s weight, making them critical for mobility. So, walk every day to maintain strength and mobility.

Credit goes to respective owner

09/07/2024

Jimmy Resolute, St Paul’s 1961, was a hale fellow well met who made friends wherever he alighted.

OBITUARY

CHESAPEAKE—James A. Resolute, Sr., passed away on Monday, September 2nd, 2024. He was born in Portsmouth, VA, the beloved son of the late Albert J. Resolute, Sr. and Mary Pauline Resolute.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his wife, Mary Ann Resolute; his brother, Albert “Butch” J. Resolute, Jr.; and his beloved daughter, Rosina Cecelia Resolute. He is survived by his son, James A. Resolute, Jr. (Melissa); a daughter, Suzanne Resolute; a sister, Mary Sue Resolute (Victor); and his grandchildren Wyatt and Anna Simpson.

Jim was a proud member of St. Paul’s High School Class of 1961 and a graduate of Old Dominion University. He spent his 32-year career in civil service for the US Navy, retiring as the Financial Manager Comptroller for SUPSHIP. After his civil service career, he served as the Interim Executive Director of the Norfolk Zoo and the Maryview Foundation.

In response to the death of his daughter Rosina to childhood leukemia, Jim was the founding President of the Board Directors of the Tidewater Ronald McDonald House (TRMH) which he served for many years. The TRMH has served over 25,000 families since opening in 1981. He was also involved in numerous other charitable organizations, such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and King's Daughters Children’s Hospital. He was on the Board of Directors for Portsmouth General Hospital as well as other numerous civic organizations.

An avid runner for many years, Jim was a member of the Tidewater Striders and involved in many runs for charity through that association. He was instrumental in the restoration of St. Paul's Catholic Church, especially the historic stained glass windows. Jim has touched many lives through his volunteerism in various charitable organizations in Hampton Roads. Many folks are thankful to him for their careers because of his effort in obtaining them employment in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 9, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 522 High St., Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 404 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23507. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.

…
From the letters to the editor Virginian Pilot September 8th

A Life, Well lived…..
�I am writing to pay tribute to the late Jim Resolute, who played an instrumental role in establishing the Ronald McDonald House in Norfolk in 1981. His vision, dedication and compassion laid the foundation for this incredible facility that has provided a “home away from home” for thousands of families with seriously ill children undergoing treatment at our local hospital.
�Resolute’s selfless work in our community had a profound and lasting impact. His efforts helped create a sanctuary where families could find comfort and support during some of the most challenging times of their lives. The Ronald McDonald House continues to stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and his deep care for those in need.
�It is essential that we remember and honor individuals such as Resolute, who quietly and tirelessly dedicated themselves to the betterment of others. His legacy is one of kindness, community spirit and compassion, and it deserves recognition.��Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on through the Ronald McDonald House and the countless lives it has touched. We are forever grateful for his contributions, and I hope his memory continues to inspire us all to support causes that bring comfort and hope to those facing adversity.�
Elyse Brown, executive director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk, Norfolk

09/02/2024

Robert Sondej started grammar school at St Paul’s Grammar School in September 1945 in Sister Alexis class with 75 lifetime friends many who have shared that 79 year friendship. He was always well liked in school.

Obituary

Robert Lloyd Sondej, 84, of Portsmouth, VA passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024 surrounded by his family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter Lloyd Sondej and Dorothy Simmer Sondej.

Survived by his loving and caring wife of 54 years, Shirley Valentine Sondej; his daughter Robyn Leavy; daughter Kerry Bolling and husband Drew; daughter Holly Bolling and husband Jon; and, ‘Pop” to 7 grandchildren, Declan, Jackson, Molly, Hayden renamed Chuck by Pop, Patrick, Gigi and Jon.

Robert, a three-sport athlete, graduated from Churchland High School in 1957 and was a member of the 1954-55 Churchland Trucker Football Team that was Unbeaten, Untied and Unscored Upon. He attended Staunton Military Academy and graduated from Wake Forest University and T.C. Williams Law School, University of Richmond.

Upon graduation he practiced law with Norman Olitsky in Portsmouth.
At 26 he became the first man awarded a direct commission as assistant legal officer for the 5th Coast Guard District for three years.

He then went into practice with Babalas and Breit, opening an office in Portsmouth.

He was a partner with Mattox, Sondej & Young, Sondej & Whitlow and then
Sondej & Radin. He was a retired member of the Virginia Bar Association and the Portsmouth Bar Association.
Robert was a founding Director of TowneBank and a past Board of Trustee at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.

He spent many years quail, dove and duck hunting with his father. He was a golf enthusiast who loved his home course of Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club and his home away from home course, Heritage Palms, in Ft. Myers, Florida. He loved vacationing in Nags Head every summer with his family and friends. Two of his favorite activities were reading every book and newspaper he could get his hands on and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s
Catholic Church followed by a reception at Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
St. Paul’s Catholic Church Restoration Fund, 522 High Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704 or
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, 3373 Pruden Blvd, Suffolk, VA 23434.

Arrangements by Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel.

08/18/2024

Clarence Walter "Buddy" Sills, St Paul’s 1957 died on June 10th. He transferred into St Paul’s and brought his like ability and great basketball skills to the Class of 1957.

OBITUARY

On June 10, 2024, the world lost a bright, fun-loving soul. Our dad, Clarence Walter Sills, known affectionately and to all as Buddy, passed away at the age of 87. He was surrounded by immense love and care from me, his daughter, Lisa, and his son-in-law, Robert “Buddy” Braswell, in our home in Chesapeake, Virginia when he passed.

He was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina in 1937 to the late Clarence and Mary Sills. They moved to Virginia when he was very young. He earned his nickname when he was little, sitting on his porch waving and saying, “Hi, Buddy!” to each passerby. Buddy was such a fitting name to match his personality and love of people. One fun fact: Dad had a job dressing as the planters’ peanut guy in downtown Norfolk greeting people. This was right up his alley; he loved to talk to everybody. His sense of humor was ever present in any situation, be it during good times or bad. He loved to make people laugh, and his was infectious.

From a child, spreading joy with a wave and a smile, this trait remained with him as an adult, befriending everybody with a smile.

He was a proud 1957 graduate of Saint Paul’s High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. Where he excelled in baseball and basketball, becoming co-captain of the Saints basketball team. Frequently he was acknowledged in the newspaper for his accolades, including earning the title of "Teen of the Times" in 1956.

After high school he enlisted and became a veteran of the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country. He then worked along with his dad at his father's business, Sills and Son sheet metal and roofing, for some time. He was a go-getter, working various side jobs to better his family. Eventually he landed his lifelong job with the Sears-Roebuck parts center in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as the parts manager. Incidentally, many years later, he met his new love Erma there, and the rest is history, as they both retired from Sears and enjoyed every minute of time they had together.

Above all, he was an absolutely amazing dad and granddad. Always the constant playmate, giving us countless hours and years of utmost fun doing anything and everything. Dad was a child at heart always. He was a good listener, had the best advice, along with a strong hand to hold and loving hugs when needed. Truly, he personified what it meant to be a loving, always present dad! One of his favorite things he would say to people was, "I made the world more beautiful with my girls." This love was then carried on through his many granddaughters and subsequently great-grandchildren.

He absolutely loved life and always said, "I don't want to leave you." That bothered him the most as his life neared the end. Still being the loving dad and wanting to always be present. He never wanted to leave—if only life worked like that.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his love and best friend Erma Henderson, his grandson Christopher, and his sisters Evelyn "Pete" Marshall and Helen "Chris" Bovinette, whom he adored. Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, Lisa (Buddy) Braswell, Kelly Smiley, and Deborah “Debbie” Urich; his 5 beautiful granddaughters, Candace, Kristy, Amy, Taylor and Kasey; and 7 great-grandchildren; nephews, nieces, and extended family members.