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Robert Hailey Obituary
Service on Oct. 1
Retired Navy Capt. Robert Hailey, 93, died in Williamsburg on Sept. 26, 2011.
He graduated from high school in Big Spring, Texas, attended McMurry College for one year and worked for a year in the oilfields of West Texas before entering the U.S. Naval Academy in July 1937. He graduated from the academy with the Class of 1941.
His 28 years of service in the Navy included many varied assignments. He served on the USS Indianapolis in the Pacific until Sept. 1943, commanded two submarines, the USS R-5 and USS Piper, the destroyer, USS Waller, and the attack transport, USS Sandoval. He also served as district intelligence officer of the 15th Naval District in the Panama Canal Zone.
After retirement in 1965 he taught mathematics in the Norfolk Public Schools for 12 years. A lifelong Methodist, he was active in church, Scouting and community affairs. He served as president of the Education Association of Norfolk and of the Citizens Association for Justice in Virginia. A second retirement gave him time for travel and the opportunity to serve as president of the Norview Lions Club and Tidewater Childrens Foundation and to work with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. After moving to Williamsburg in 1992, he continued working with the Lions Club and worked with Housing Partnerships, which repairs homes of elderly and low-income persons.
His wife, the former Evelyn Momsen, daughter of Vice Adm. and Mrs. Charles "Swede" Momsen, died March 29, 2011, just 3 days after their 68th wedding anniversary. He is survived by two children, a daughter, Mrs. Anne Bartee of Staunton and a son, Christopher Hailey and his wife, Esther, of Pennington, N.J.; a dear daughter-in-law, Susan Hailey of Germantown, Tenn.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. His son, Robert, preceded him in death in 1996.
A service will be held on Oct. 1 at 4:30 p.m. at Chambrel Retirement Community, 3800 Treyburn Dr. Mr. & Mrs. Hailey will be interred in the Naval Academy Columbarium.
Online condolences may be registered at bucktroutfuneralhome.net or www.vagazette.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hailey
5 Entries
Ken Reason
September 28, 2011
A teach and educator who listened. Always giving humor, advise and wit to all that he shared his time with while I attended Willard Jr. High. I have tremendous respect for Mr. Hailey and wish to pay my respect to him and his family at this time.
Michael Huckman
September 28, 2011
I was saddened to read of Robert Hailey's death. I served as Medical Officer aboard the USS Sandoval from July 1963 to August of 1964. I was married in Portsmouth on the day I was transferred to shore duty in Washington, and Captain and Mrs. Hailey attended my wedding. My time in the Navy was a pleasant interlude in my medical career. I have fond memories of the fine people I met in those years, and I number Captain and Mrs. Hailey among them. I extend my condolences to the family.
Michael S. Huckman, MD
Chicago, Illinois
Lynette Ellis Metz
September 27, 2011
My condolences to the Hailey family. I remember Mr. Hailey from Willard Jr. High, he even signed my yearbook. Rejoice as he reunites with your mother, grandmother, friends...share the memories with each other. The bring tears & laughter.
Jo Ann Varner
September 27, 2011
Mr Hailey was my Math teacher at Willard Junior High School in 1966 I remember because he told stories of his military days
Lions Paul and Pat Kerr
September 27, 2011
Lion Bob was a remarkable gentleman. Our lives were enriched by having known him and having the honor of calling him friend. He was so dedicated to the Lions Club and brought a lot of joy and inspiration to all. His life was a blessing to everyone who knew and loved him. We will truly miss him.
With Deepest Sympahty,
Lions Paul and Pat Kerr
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Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service4124 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188
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