William Coley

William A. Coley CHESAPEAKE - William Alfa Coley, 87, of the 2100 block of Engle Ave., went to be with his Lord Dec. 10, 2009. Mr. Coley was born in his grandmother's home on 47th Street in Norfolk. He was the son of the late Hilary A. Coley Sr. and Alice Broughon Coley Evans. Mr. Coley was born during the Depression and bravely served his country in World War II as a military policeman and corporal for the Army. He was a silversmith for Royal Silver, a buffer and polisher for the U.S. Naval Air Station, and a painter for large equipment for the USA Transportation Training Command at Fort Story and the U.S. Navy Public Works Center from which he retired. Mr. Coley was best known and loved for his genuine kindness to all and his love for his wife and family. He was always willing to paint someone's car, fix a kid's bike or take a dog a bone. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Florine G. Coley; a brother, Hilary A. Coley Jr.; and a sister, Grace C. Little. Left to cherish his memory are his two sons, Jerry A. Coley and wife Linda of Moyock, N.C., and Steve B. Coley and wife Kim of Chesapeake; a daughter, Denise Newnam and husband Keith of Chesapeake; four grandchildren, Tabatha, Kristy, Chelsea and Rachel; two great-grandchildren, Byron and Madison. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, Chesapeake Chapel, by the Rev. Frank Webster. Burial will be in Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chesapeake SPCA. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hdoliver.com.