William Swindell Sr.

William Swindell Sr. CHESAPEAKE - William E. Swindell Sr., 91, affectionately known as "Sonny," departed this life Oct. 25, 2009. He was born in Hyde County, North Carolina, but moved to Norfolk at an early age. He was educated in the public schools of Norfolk and St. Emma Military School, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School. Sonny was a veteran of the Army, serving in the European and Pacific Theaters during World War II. Among his many awards was a Bronze Star for service in the Pacific. He retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth after 34 years of service and the City of Norfolk. Sonny was predeceased by his mother and stepfather, Iola F. and C.K. Wallace and his wife, Pearline C. Swindell. He leaves to cherish his memory daughters, Carolyn A. Swindell and Darlene Y. Spratley; son, William E. Swindell Jr.; and sister, Marie S. Peele. He is also survived by a host of grand, great- and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and special buddy, Darrell W. Spratley. Sonny was a man of few words. He was a strong man who could be counted on to do whatever was needed. He reveled in the successes of others and smiled, even on his worse days, whenever his youngest grandchild, Caleb, was near. He was an excellent example of his family and will be missed by all who loved him. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church by his pastor, Dr. Joseph P. Lee Jr. Interment will follow in Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be Friday at noon until 8 p.m. in Hale Funeral Home. www. halefuneralhome.com.