Dr. John Senter Jr.

John B. Senter Jr. NORFOLK - Dr. John B. Senter Jr., 83, passed away Oct. 27, 2008. Born in Norfolk, he was the eldest son of the late John Boules and Wilma Rhoades Senter. Jack was a lifelong resident of Tidewater. He was raised in London Bridge, Princess Anne County and graduated from Oceana High School. Jack attended Virginia Military Institute and served in World War II with the U.S. Army, 76th Infantry Division, in the European Theater. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman's Badge and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of technical sergeant. Jack then attended the Norfolk Division of William and Mary College (now Old Dominion University). He later graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago where he was a member of Phi Theta Upsilon optometric fraternity and the Tomb and Key Honor Fraternity. Dr. Senter practiced clinical optometry in Norfolk and Virginia Beach for more than 49 years before retiring in 2000. Dr. Senter's professional affiliations included the American Optometric Association, the Virginia Optometric Association and the Southern Council of Optometrists. He was also charter president of the Tidewater Optometric Society. Jack was a member of the Rotary Club of Norfolk and Epworth United Methodist Church. Jack was predeceased by his brother, Robert Reed Senter, U.S. Marine Corps, killed in the Korean War; by his parents; and by his wife of 49 years, Harriette Falls Senter. Survivors include his children, John B. Senter III and his wife Mary Frances of New York City, Robert R. Senter and his wife Paula of Ellicott City, Md.; a grandson, R. Reed Senter of Ellicott City; a sister, Marian Philips; a nephew, the Rev. J. Kevin Philips; and sisters- in-law, Louise Arnold and Mary Watson. A graveside funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family requests, that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity or church of one's choice. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. are handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.hdoliver.com.