William Henry "Joe" McCutcheon Sr.

Obituary For William "Joe" Henry McCutcheon Sr.

Virginia Beach, VA - William "Joe" McCutcheon, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on March 1, 2026, just shy of his 85th birthday. Born in Scranton, South Carolina, on March 4, 1941, Joe was one of eight children and was preceded in death by his siblings Lavon, Gladys, Jimmy, Helen, and Larry.

Joe attended Maury High School in Norfolk and remained deeply connected to his roots, never missing a chance to reminisce with his fellow "Berkley Boys" at their reunions. After completing a Joint Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Pipefitter-Refrigeration, he founded W. H. McCutcheon Plumbing and Contracting Company, Inc., which he owned and operated for five and a half decades. He also served as a partner in numerous construction ventures. Joe was deeply committed to his work, finding particular fulfillment in the hands-on process of residential home building; he was always the first to start working and the last to leave.

In his youth, Joe was a natural athlete who excelled at swimming, football, baseball, and boxing. As an adult, he enjoyed playing racquetball and golf, and he was a competitive bowler who won several local tournaments. He was a man of deep loyalties, anchored by a group of lifelong friends who met faithfully for breakfast and a spirited game of "Liar's Poker."

Joe found his greatest peace on the water, passing down his love for the ocean to his sons and grandsons through a lifetime of local casting and deep-sea adventures. He was an adventurer at heart who enjoyed family vacations at the beach, fishing trips to Baja, Mexico, and skiing trips to Lake Tahoe. Never one to turn down a challenge, Joe relished the thrill of the casino floor. A formidable presence at the card table, he traveled often to Las Vegas and Atlantic City to compete in poker tournaments and was deeply proud of playing in the World Series of Poker.

Joe faced numerous health challenges throughout his life, but he approached each one not as a victim, but as a competitor ready for the next round. His indomitable spirit, grit, strength, and tenacity were an inspiration to all who knew and loved him.

Joe was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. Joe's family meant more to him than anything else in the world. He was unendingly proud of his children and was the happiest when they were all together. Three days before his passing, Joe said it was the happiest day of his life because "the gang's all here."

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Shirley (Snellings) McCutcheon. High school sweethearts, the two famously eloped to South Carolina at the age of 16 to begin their life together. Joe's legacy continues through his four children, William "Joe" McCutcheon, Jr., Talmage "Jimmy" McCutcheon, April McCutcheon, and Troy McCutcheon (Betsy); nine grandchildren, Christopher (Ashley), Maddie, T.J., Tyler, Kevin, Kory, Kendall (Marissa), Brigitte, and Matthew; and seven great-grandchildren.

Joe will be remembered by all for having the bluest eyes anyone ever saw. He found great joy in helping others-family, friends, neighbors, and strangers alike-and was unfailingly generous with his time and resources. If he saw someone in need, he never had to be asked; he just rolled up his sleeves and got to work. It is the hope of his family that we can honor him by living our lives with that same generosity of spirit. We find peace knowing he is now at rest, likely finding a great fishing spot or a good card game on the other side. We love you, Dad; you will forever be our hero.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held at a later date. We will share the specific details once arrangements are finalized.

Simply Cremation is handling the arrangements.