W. Byron Babcock

W. Byron Babcock VIRGINIA BEACH - W. Byron Babcock, 77, died of cancer Jan. 26, 2009. He was the son of the late A.A. "Deb" and Annie Laurie Babcock of Appomattox. Byron was an educator, botanist and volunteer. A 1950 graduate of Appomattox High School, he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in English from the University of Virginia. Byron retired after teaching English for 34 years, having taught at Norfolk Academy where he touched the lives of at least 3000 students. In addition to his teaching, he was a devoted and tireless volunteer in numerous areas including 17 years at First Landing State Park for which he was honored with the Governor's Distinguished Volunteer Award and the Hospitality Volunteer of the Year Award from the City of Virginia Beach. Byron was also a volunteer DJ for Norfolk's classic music station (public radio), volunteer factotum for the Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show, volunteer in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and as a young boy, Byron volunteered to pass out biscuits to the hungry who constantly appeared at the Babcock's back door during the Great Depression. Byron is loved and survived by his siblings, Rebecca Babcock Rosser and Bradley L. Babcock and their families. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, June Starke Babcock. In accordance with Byron's wishes there will be no visitation or services. Private burial will occur later at the Babcock Family Cemetery in Appomattox. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, is handling arrangements. Contributions in Byron's memory may be made to the Norfolk Foundation for The Byron Babcock Fund, One Commercial Place, Suite 1410, Norfolk, VA 23510-2103 to which Byron is now a benefactor. Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com.