Thomas Bie

Thomas F. Bie NORFOLK - Thomas Fisher Bie, retired newspaper and advertising agency executive died Sept. 19, 2010 in Columbia, S.C., where he moved to be with his daughter after the death of his wife, Maxine Greer "Mackie" Bie. Born in Grimstad, Norway to Oscar and Inga Hillestad Bie, he is survived by his daughter, Kristen Bie Simpson and her husband John; grandchildren, John Simpson Jr., Glenn Simpson and Victoria Simpson; and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; a former wife, Dorothy Jarvis Bie; and six siblings. Mr. Bie began his career as a photographer a "The Portsmouth Star" and rose to advertising promotion manager of that daily and later became advertising director of the community owned "Portsmouth Times." He was a founder of Major and Bie advertising and public relations agency, which later became Seamark Inc., with Bie as CEO. He was also a founder and president of Tidewater Engraving Co. and the "Tidewater Virginian" magazine, now published as "Virginia Business." Bie was also a charter member of The Harbor Club and the Air Force Association. During World War II, he was one of only a few hundred flying officers to earn three sets of silver wings as navigator, bombardier and aerial gunner. He served with the 319th Bombardment Group in the Pacific Theater and in the army of occupation in Japan as public relations and personnel services officer of Tachikawa Army Air Base. Long active in civic affairs, Bie served as chairman of the Norfolk Division Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, president of Tidewater Better Business Bureau, and president of the Friends of Fred Heutte Foundation. He was also on the Board of Directors of Norfolk State University Foundation, Norfolk Sister City Association, Sales and Marketing Executives Club and The Greater Norfolk Corporation. Mr. Bie received the Silver Medal of the American Advertising Foundation and was made a lifetime honorary member of that organization. He was selected as Virginia Advertising Person of the Year for 1976. His memberships also included the Silver Wings Fraternity, the Man Will Never Fly Society and International Order of Turtles. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 27, at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel, 1501 Colonial Ave., Norfolk with the Rev. James Gates officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Lee's Friends, 7400 Hampton Blvd., Room 201, Norfolk, VA 23505. Online condolences may be offered to the family through hdoliver.com.