William E. Byman

William Everett Byman, aged 86, died peacefully in his sleep on December 13, 2022, joining his beloved wife, Eileen, and the Savior he loved and served.

Bill, as he was known to his many friends, was raised in rural Loveland, Ohio, the first of three children born to Paul and Frances Byman. After high school, he left Ohio to attend the United States Naval Academy; he graduated in 1958 and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.

His first ship, USS Toledo (CA-133), operated from Long Beach, California. While in Long Beach, he met Eileen Littleton, and they married in 1960. From California, the new couple moved to Yokosuka, Japan, where Bill served on the USS Windham County (LST-1170). Returning to California, he served at Inshore Undersea Warfare Group ONE in Long Beach, followed by another ship assignment aboard USS Regulus (AF-57) based in Alameda.

After nine years as a Surface Warfare Officer, Bill left active duty and returned to Ohio to attend the University of Cincinnati College of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree. He then returned to active duty in the Navy as a member of the Judge Advocate General Corps. He subsequently served at Naval Air Station Millington, Tennessee; at the Naval Legal Service Office in Norfolk, Virginia; as the Staff Judge Advocate at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Florida; and as a General Court-Martial Judge in Norfolk, Virginia. Bill retired from the Navy in 1985 with the rank of Commander.

Bill's post-Navy career was as an Assistant City Attorney with the City of Virginia Beach. In addition to writing many of the City's ordinances, he was the legal advisor to the police and fire departments, and he made many friends in the public safety community. After a decade of public service with the City, he retired for a second and final time.

Even in retirement, Bill remained active in the community, especially at the Virginia Beach Community Chapel, the church he attended for forty-five years. He served in various ministries, including singing in the choirâ€"Bill loved musicâ€"and serving as a Chapel elder. He was also active in the Chapel's outreach to international students.

Bill and Eileen loved to travel. In addition to where the Navy took them, they visited many places throughout the United States together, as well as making many trips overseas, especially in retirement, visiting England several times, plus Germany, Sweden, Russia, China, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.

Bill was very proud of his three sons and his three daughters-in-law: Michael Byman, Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired) and wife Michelle; David Byman, Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired) and wife Amy; and Eric Byman, Medical Doctor and wife Aimee. He took delight in his six grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Theodore Byman, and his sister, Nancy Gilson. Bill was predeceased by Eileen, his dear wife of 62 years, in August 2022.

Bill's life will be celebrated at a memorial service at Virginia Beach Community Chapel (1261 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach) on Saturday, January 14, 2022, at 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to support outreach to international college students via Global Friendship Ventures, online at globalfriendshipventures.org or by calling 757-589-0317.