William DeLoatch

William F. DeLoatch entered this world in 1925 at his Grandmother’s home on Queen’s Creek, Hudgins, Virginia. He lived in Craddock, Virginia with his parents during his school years but was delighted to “come home to Queen’s Creek” for summer vacations from school, work and throughout his retirement for all but a few of his 93 years. On January 25, 2019 at his home in Florida, Billy passed out of this world just as he had lived – with dignity and in peace. We believe he made a brief stop at The Rainbow Bridge to reunite with his beloved dog, Casey, before they went on to join his first wife, Wilma Gregor, his parents, W. F. DeLoatch and Adele DeLoatch Holder, his aunt, Alma Atherton Haberthier and other Adams and Smither family members and friends who have gone before. Left to remember his quick wit, appreciate his stalwart support and cherish the memories that he made with them are his wife, Lynn; son, Robert (Nancy); step-daughter, Kirsten, as well as good friends in both Virginia and Florida.

Shortly after his 18th birthday, Billy enlisted in the Army Air Corps and began his training in the Cadet Corp. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Virginia and began his 39 year career with Seaboard Airline Railroad which eventually became CSX Transportation. Before retiring in 1985, he held various positions within the company and made many lifetime friends.

Billy was a Mason for over 63 years, a member of the York Rite, Scottish Rite and was also a Shriner. In honor of his family’s roots, which were planted in Virginia over 200 years ago, he was a Life Member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and, as a proud Veteran of WWII, a member of the American Legion.

His greatest joy was working with the Boy Scouts of America for over 15 years as a Scout Leader of Troop 183 sponsored by Lakewood Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, FL where he also served as an Elder. His proudest accomplishment was seeing “his boys” earn their Eagle Awards and go on to achieve success as valued members of their communities as well as leaders in the fields of business, medicine, and aeronautics.

The family will receive friends at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, Virginia on Monday, February 4th at 10 am. A Celebration of Life Service will follow in the chapel at 11:00 am with a brief graveside service at H. C. Smither Cemetery, Hudgins, Virginia following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be given to the American Legion – Post 83, Hudgins, Virginia; Boy Scouts of America – Troop 124 Kingston Parish, Mathews, Virginia; Mathews Baptist Church, Hudgins, Virginia; or Riverside Hospice, 7358 Main St., Gloucester, Virginia 23061