Milton C. Lawyer

Milton C. Lawyer

Virginia Beach - Milton Clement Lawyer, known by family and friends as "Buggs", peacefully passed away July 25, 2016. He was born July 6, 1929 in Enosburg, Vermont to Harold B. and Ida Tennyson Lawyer.

After attending Kurn Hattin School in Westminster, VT, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy in 1946 at the age of 17 and was trained as an Aviation Structural Mechanic where he served aboard various aircraft carriers including the USS Coral Sea and the USS Randolph. Milton worked on multiple WWII-era aircrafts including the Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bomber and the F4U Corsair fighter. He was periodically deployed with US Navy occupational forces in post-WWII France, Italy and Greece in the late 1940s. During the 1950s, Milton served in the US Navy Airship Program and worked aboard various blimps and airships while stationed in Lakehurst, NJ. After attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer, he served with several squadrons while stationed throughout the East Coast, Eastern Canada and Iceland. He retired from the Navy in 1968 after twenty-two years of active service.

Milton was a veteran of the WWII-Era, Korean War-Era and Vietnam War-Era while serving on active duty in various non-combat support roles. Though Milton was technically a veteran of each of these conflicts, he was very adamant about differentiating his role verses those who served in combat theaters of operation.

After honorably retiring from the US Navy as a Chief Petty Officer in 1968, Milton and his wife, Marjorie, became residents of Virginia Beach. He entered the HVAC service field and soon after founded Atlantic Heating and Air Conditioning. Milton was set to retire in 1999 but decided to join his grandsons, Aaron and Jason, to create Atlantic Heating and Cooling, Plumbing and Utilities, which has become one of Hampton Roads largest plumbing and utility service companies. He was well known in the HVAC industry for the past 50 years for his extensive knowledge and his ability to "fix anything but a broken heart". Milton was a hands on guy and very generous with his time, as he mentored many in the HVAC trade. His work ethic never lacked, as he frequented the office until his final days and always kept his tool bag close by.

Through the years Milton enjoyed traveling in his motor coach, tinkering with his antique cars and finding relaxation through his art. He was passionate about military aviation and his love of the F4U Corsair fighter aircraft. He had a very clever mind and always brainstorming ideas for new inventions.

Milton was a member of Foundry United Methodist Church and was a compassionate and humble man who always gave more than he took, which includes a lifetime of generosity. He has assisted countless individuals through acts of kindness while never requiring acknowledgement for these deeds. He was a charming individual who loved life and never met a stranger.

Most importantly to him, Milton loved his family, friends and employees and always showed it. Left to cherish his memories are his two sons, Kenny G. Lawyer and David B. Lawyer; five grandchildren, Aaron, Jason, Jennifer, Lauren and Andrew; and two step grandchildren, Bryan and Stephanie; two great grandchildren, Connor and Madison; and several nieces and nephews and his favorite four-legged friend, Argo. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Marjorie Lawyer; two sons, Ronald C. Lawyer and Gary A. Lawyer; a brother, Thornton (TC) Lawyer; a sister, Athlene Lawyer.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2016, at H. D. Oliver Funeral Apartments Laskin Road Chapel at 2002 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. A celebration of Milton's life with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2016 at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments Laskin Road Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children, 6171 Kempsville Circle, Norfolk, VA 23502. Online condolences may be made to the family at hdoliver.com.

' Give only Love and Prayers of Thanks I had a Great Run- Milt