Ronnie Britton

Ronnie G. Britton CHESAPEAKE - Ronnie Gilliam Britton peacefully passed away in his home Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008. He was a lifelong member of Cottage Place United Methodist Church where he served on various committees and taught the men's Bible class for 10 years. He graduated from Virginia Polytechnical Institute in 1959 with a degree in electrical engineering. He went to work for the U.S. Navy where he spent the bulk of his career enhancing and improving naval undersea warfare readiness. In 1985, after 28 years of government service, he retired as Department Head, Anti Submarine Warfare Department, Naval Sea Combat Systems Engineering Station, Norfolk. He was a man of many interests and talents. He received his solo pilot's license in 1960 and flew for many years after that. As a young man he was a Mason, belonging to the Royal Arch Chapter No. 36 in Port Norfolk. He was a carpenter, building his own boat with his father and later building furniture for friends and family. During his retirement years, he became an artist, carving and painting duck decoys and toys for his beloved grandchildren. Most of all, he was a devoted father, husband and grandfather who put his family above all else. He has transitioned from the earth, but his love for his family will remain. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 46 years, Jacqueline Small Britton; son, Ronnie Kris Britton and his wife Andrea Hill Britton; three grandsons, Nathaniel, Cameron and Jordan Britton; and several beloved nieces and nephews. A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Lynne Hundley. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 7 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cottage Place United Methodist Church. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Dr. Stark and the team from Heartland Hospice for their outstanding support and expertise. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.