Henry L. Privett Jr.

Henry L. Privett Jr. CHESAPEAKE - Henry Lee Privett Jr., 94, passed away Sept. 27, 2010 with his family by his side. He was the son of the late Henry Lee Privett Sr. and Helen Mann Privett. Henry was predeceased by his brother Thomas Straughan Privett; his sisters, Helen Tayloe and Anna Doris Grantham; and his son, Russell Lee Privett Sr. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jeanne Mero Privett; a son, H. Vaughan Privett and daughter-in-law Sharon S. Privett of Norfolk; a daughter-in-law, Ann P. Privett of Salvo, N.C.; a daughter, Linda Privett Robinson and husband James T. Robinson of Chesapeake. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Melissa P. McCormick and husband John, Russell Lee Privett Jr. of Durham, N.C., Barry Privett of Richmond, LeeAnn Privett of Hickory, N.C., Shari Robinson of Chesapeake, Elizabeth R. Culpepper and husband Wayne of Portsmouth, Adam Robinson and wife Ashley of Portsmouth, Kevin Robinson of Washington, D.C.; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Born in Portsmouth, Henry was a loving and caring family man. At age 17, he went to sea with his grandfather and later went on to join the Merchant Marines. Despite his love of the sea, he returned home to join his father in the grocery business where he stayed until retiring in 1982. During that time he was active in the Portsmouth Retail Grocers Association. He and his wife retired to Hatteras Island with their son, Russell, and his family to run a local bait and tackle shop. He was an active member of the NCBBA and Salvo Volunteer Fire Department and spent countless hours in his workshop creating an endless array of toys, knick knacks and whirligigs for his family and friends to enjoy. The family would like to thank the staff of Senior Corps, with a special thanks to Juanita Jacobs, for allowing him the opportunity to maintain his independence. There will be a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Sept. 29, at Foster Funeral Home in Portsmouth and a celebration of his life on Thursday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. at Foster Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvo Volunteer Fire Department, Salvo, NC 27972.