Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
JOHN WAMSLEY Obituary
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Louise W. Wamsley; four daughters, Wanda Balducci and husband, Robert, of Chester, Wendy G. Wamsley of Florida, Denise Underhill and husband, Roger, of Colonial Heights, and Lynette Pomaville and husband, Alan, of South Carolina; grandchildren, John M. Carty, Lisa Sprague (Jason), Paol, Joe, Nick and Mike Balducci, Chad Underhill (Amber), Carolyn Thomas, Caitlin Underhill, Christiana, Madeline, and A.J. Pomaville; great-grandchildren, Alyssa & Zack Sprague, Brayden & Blake Underhill and Regan Underhill-Thomas; two sisters, Hazel Powell of Cary, N.C., and Inez Minetree of Orlean, Va.; a brother, Randolph Wamsley of Matoaca; numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, in Swift Creek Baptist Church, 18510 Branders Bridge Road, Colonial Heights, Va., with the Rev. Dr. Steve Felker officiating. Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard.
Flowers welcome or contributions may be made to Swift Creek Baptist Church.
Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN WAMSLEY
Wanda Balducci
January 19, 2025
My heart still aches from loosing you. When I think of you it's you and Mom together again and living in Heaven.
Wanda
December 31, 2023
Louise and John Wamsley 2011
Wanda
December 29, 2023
Louise and John Wamsley June 20, 2011
Wanda
January 19, 2023
Dad, you live on in the precious memories we have of you. You were the backbone of our family and someone I could always talk to. Your leaving left a hole in my heart forever. I hope that your life in heaven is as beautiful as you were in the lives of your family. A week before you passed away, you assured us that "God is with us" by writing those words on a piece of paper. Those words are tucked away in my heart, and give me strength. Till me meet again .....
Wanda
January 20, 2022
Oro pro vobis quotidie, ut cum Domino nostro es in caelis. Spero, quod nutu Dei iterum te videbo una die.Requiescat in pace, mi pater. Amor numquam moritur.
Wanda Balducci
January 19, 2021
Your family on earth is growing. We talk about you often to keep your memories alive. We tell the great-grandchildren who never knew you what a wonderful person you were. Please pray for us. We look forward to seeing you again some day.
Wanda Balducci
June 7, 2020
Nothing will ever fill the hole in my heart from loosing you. I love you and think about you every day.
Your 78th birthday
Wanda Balducci
January 7, 2014
God looked around His garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the roads were getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids,
and whispered, "Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you
the day God called you home.
Dad, you wrote to us "See you soon". Well, I'm gonna hold you to that. I love you forever.
Your daughter, Wanda
Wanda Balducci
December 30, 2013
Christmas without you just was not the same. But remembering how you loved Christmas helped us. I think about you every day to keep your memory alive, and look forward to seeing you again. Dad, please pray for your family left behind.
Agimus tibi gratias, omnipotens Deus, pro universis beneficiis tuis, qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. Amen.
Louise Wamsley
December 26, 2013
Yesterday was Christmas. Somehow I got through the day, but it was not easy! Words can not express how much I miss you, but I know you are with Jesus and I have hope that we will see you in Heaven. Until then, my dear, know that we love you and miss you every day. I will always love you. Louise
Wanda Balducci
November 26, 2013
This will be our first Thanksgiving and Christmas without you. I miss you like crazy and wish I could have more time with you here. But you will be celebrating Christ's birthday with Jesus himself this year. It doesn't get better than that. I hope that all of us can be good enough for you to greet us in heaven some day. Until that time, you are alive in our memories and our hearts. I love you Dad.
Louise Wamsley
October 14, 2013
What precious grandchildren and great grandchildren we have. And little Alyssa sent all of her balloons up to you. How sweet was that! We all love you and miss you every day. I came across your little recorder a few days ago. The batteries were dead, so I replaced them and checked to see if you had recorded anything on it. To my delight, you had recorded a message on Thanksgiving Day, probably 2 years ago. How wonderful it was to hear your voice. I think that was Devine Providence.
Till we meet again, Love you, Louise
Balducci Family
October 9, 2013
At the end of her birthday party on Sunday, Alyssa decided to release her balloons into the sky. She later told Lisa that they were for Papa. We missed him so much on Sunday, like we do every day.We hope that he saw those balloons. Her party, her day, all about her...and she paused to think about Papa.
Even though you are no longer with us physically, we know that you are with us in spirit. Please pray for us that we may be worthy of heaven and of seeing you again. Take care, we love you, play your guitar for the angels!!
Balducci family
October 9, 2013
Gone but Not forgotten
'Tis hard to break the tender cord
When love has bound the heart,
'Tis hard, so hard, to speak the words,
"We must forever part."
Dearest loved one, we must lay thee
In the peaceful grave's embrace,
But thy memory will be cherished
'Till we see thy heavenly face.
Louise Wamsley
May 10, 2013
I miss you more each day. I feel so empty and lost. I pray that God will grant me strength to face each day with strength and couraage. You were my Rock! I love you and pray that you are resting in peace. Until we meet again. Love you, Louise
Wanda Balducci
May 8, 2013
Isaiah 38:1-6
In those days Ezechias was sick even to death, and Isaias the son of Amos the prophet came unto him, and said to him: Thus saith the Lord: Take order with thy house, for thou shalt die, and not live.
And Ezechias turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord,
And said: I beseech thee, O Lord, remember how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Ezechias wept with great weeping.
And the word of the Lord came to Isaias, saying:
Go and say to Ezechias: Thus saith the Lord the God of David thy father: I have heard thy prayer, and I have seen thy tears: behold I will add to thy days fifteen years:
And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of the Assyrians, and I will protect it.
***********
When Dad asked for more time, the Lord gave it to him. He lived for 10 years after being diagnosed with cancer and given 6 months to live.
My life will never be the same without Dad, but he is safe in the arms of our Lord, thanks be to God.
I love you always Dad.
Wanda
Louise Wamsley
February 25, 2013
A month ago you left us to meet God. Your memories will remain with us forever. We love you and miss you so much. You loved to play music and I hope you are playing in God's Heavenly Band. You will always be "My Best Friend" Love you, Louise
Nick Balducci
February 21, 2013
Papa--
Thank you for the grandfather were to us. As long as I live I will never forget the Papa I as well as others knew. You are gone, but certainly not forgotten. I will remember you as long as I live.
Picnic/Concert at Colonial Heights Health Care, May 2012
Jeff & Jenny Schott, granddaughter of Wallace & Vermadel
February 21, 2013
Mrs. Wamsley & Family,
The world has lost a great man, but Heaven has gained another Angel! I'll never forget John's beautiful performance of “You're My Best Friend” at my grandparent's 65th Wedding Anniversary... Truly, he was singing to his own lovely bride. Thinking of you, sending love and prayers. With heartfelt sympathy,
Wanda Balducci
February 18, 2013
I see you in the faces of my children and grandchildren. I see every day how you blessed our family. You left too soon, but I know that you are in paradise and that gives me peace. I will always miss you.
Louise Wamsley
February 16, 2013
You always were the love of my life. I miss you, but till we meet again, may you rest in peace.
John and Louise met on Halloween night, in 1949. they were married 5 years later.
February 7, 2013
John and Louise
February 6, 2013
"Moonie"
February 6, 2013
Louise and John
February 6, 2013
John Wamsley and his bride Louise (Annie and PaPa)
February 6, 2013
"PaPa" John Wamsley
February 6, 2013
John "PaPa" Wamsley
February 6, 2013
Lisa Balducci Sprague
February 6, 2013
Paul wrote in his second letter to Timothy: “The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also reign with him” (1: 11 – 12a). Some of our Papa's last words expressed his love for and trust in God. Our Papa passed on in faith – he is living with our Lord now. Our Papa endured out of love for others and love for Christ – he is looking down on us with our Lord right now.
St. Therese wrote, “I am not dying; I am entering life.” Our Papa's life is not over - it has just begun!
I believe in one God, the father Almighty, the maker of Heaven and Earth. I believe in His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ – who, after his agony and passion, was resurrected and now sits at the right hand of the Father.
And I believe our Papa is at peace, in the presence of our Lord, with no pain. I believe he had an amazing reward waiting for him. I believe he was met and embraced by Grandma Wamsley and his daddy, our Gaga, our Granny, and all others who left before him. I believe he is looking down upon us with love, watching over us and checking on us like he constantly did during his life on earth. So you guys behave.
Wanda Balducci
February 6, 2013
Love goes beyond the grave. He gave us a lot. He loved us a lot. That's what makes it so hard to say good-bye. Maybe we should say instead "till we meet again."
Lisa Balducci
February 6, 2013
This time last Friday I stood by my grandfather and said good-bye. I can't believe it's already been a week. Life goes on, I suppose, but it shouldn't, and it won't ever be the same without him.
I love you so much, Papa. I miss you more everyday. I wish we could have had more time together. Thank you for loving my children so much and being there for them just like you were for me - every birthday, every holiday, and numerous "normal" days in between. Alyssa and Zach love you. I'll never forget you and I promise to do my best to make sure Alyssa and Zach remember you. I swear to talk about you every day!
If I can take anything "good" from this, it is a new outlook on life. I remember thinking of the possible places to travel, degrees to earn, places to work and live. All of those meaningless goals were whisked away the moment I watched you breathe your last. How lucky I am to live so close to family! I can't believe I ever wanted anything else.
My goal and my sole priority now is our family -- not just the kids (they were always priority), but every single member of the family...and that's a whole lot of people, haha. I'll work, I'll pay bills, but I will happily settle for the bare necessities if it means I can take care of my family. I'll raise my children to cherish our elders on a higher level than I had been -- and I will teach them that caring for our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents is not only a duty but an HONOR. NOTHING takes importance over family. Nothing. I will turn down the best job offer in the world if it takes us away from family. And I'll deal with the crappy weather that plagues Virginia year-round, too. This is a good attitude, I think -- and a new one. A last gift from Papa, perhaps. One final bit of advice.
I taught them to love you endlessly, Papa, and I promise this love we all have for you will never die. Time will pass, life will go on, but we will NOT forget you. My heart aches for you, but I don't mind. The pain is a reminder of how amazing and wonderful you were.
I love you. I love you. I love you. To the ends of the earth and beyond. Forever.
John and Louise (best friend and love of his life).
Wanda Balducci
February 1, 2013
John and Louise.
Wanda Balducci
February 1, 2013
John and Louise.
Wanda Balducci
February 1, 2013
John with brothers and a friend about 1956.
Wanda Balducci
February 1, 2013
John about 1950.
Wanda Balducci
February 1, 2013
John about 1940.
Wanda Balducci
February 1, 2013
John loved to fish and boat with his grandchildren.
Wanda Balducci
February 1, 2013
John about 1953.
Wanda Balducci
February 1, 2013
Family birthday party.
Wanda Balducci
February 1, 2013
Louise and John in their home.
Wanda Balducci
February 1, 2013
Brenda Emory
January 31, 2013
Wamsley Family...So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was such a nice man & true dedicated advocate & voice for the Dinwiddie County Citizens! We will miss him. You all will be in our thoughts & prayers at this difficult time.
January 29, 2013
Louise and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We remember the time when we were dating, and we all went to the prom together. These are great memories and you have many more wonderful memories, with John and your family. We will keep in touch and just remember- we are just down the road! God love and bless you.
Irving and Arline
Irving Wicks
January 29, 2013
Louise and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We remember the time when we were dating, and we all went to the prom together. These are great memories and you have many more wonderful memories, with John and your family. We will keep in touch and just remember- we are just down the road! God love and bless you.
Irving and Arline
January 29, 2013
Louise and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We remember the time when we were dating, and we all went to the prom together. These are great memories and you have many more wonderful memories, with John and your family. We will keep in touch and just remember- we are just down the road! God love and bless you.
Irving and Arline
Paol Balducci
January 29, 2013
Words cannot begin to express how much you mean to our family and how much you have done for those around you. You truly represent the meaning of compassion and faith. You will be missed by all. I only hope that one day I can be the man that you are. I love you with all of my heart and will see you soon.
Cathy Stables-Daniel
January 29, 2013
Louise and girls,
I was so saddened to hear of John's passing. He was truly a great man. He was kind, loyal, friendly, fair, and always a good listener. A truly good friend. He will never be forgotten, his warm smile will remain in many memories. God will see you all through and as the pain of his loss subsides you can rest in trust that you all will be reunited in God's Kingdom. I love you all and will pray for you.
BettyJean Clack
January 28, 2013
Louise, Denise and Carol and families, our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. May you all receive the Peace of our God.
Kent & Sheila Arndt
January 28, 2013
Louise,
Kent and I are so very sorry to hear about John. We've always thought of the two of you fondly as friends. We have wonderful memories of ya'll that will stay with us forever. I know that our wonderful Lord and Savior will be with you through this difficult time. And our prayers and love will be with you as well. If you ever need to talk we would love to hear from you. Our number is 580-588-2487. Please take care of yourself and may God Bless You.
Jean Addy
January 27, 2013
Dear Louise,
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of your husband, John. It has been so long since we last saw you, but Carol has been so good about keeping us up to date on things. Both of us hold you in our thoughts and prayers and wish you all the best in the days and weeks to come.
Sincerely,
Harold & Jean Addy
Louise and John Wamsley
Wanda Balducci
January 27, 2013
Every day with you was worth a lifetime of happiness. Husband to my mother, father to me, father-in-law to my husband, grandfather to our children, and great-grandfather to my grandchildren - you were always the best and truly a gift from God. With the guidance from my mother, you knew God, loved God, and served God. Now you have gone to live in God's house.
I hope that I can be good enough to see you again. I love you, and, for now, I miss you a lot.
Kathy Newsom Bumgardner, formerly of East Walnut Hill, Petersburg VA, now in
January 27, 2013
Dear Mrs Walmsley, Wanda, Wendy, Denise, and Lynette,
My deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of Mr Walmsley. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Al and Marcia Lundie
January 27, 2013
John was such a wonderful person,we worked with him at Va.Power .Al and Marcia Lundie
Howard Wamsley
January 27, 2013
I grieve at the passing of my 'Uncle Moonie' and wish to pay tribute to a man who always treated me with kindness, courtesy, and respect. I will hold the image of his smile near to my heart as remember him in the years to come. Jan and I ask the Lord to support the Family in this time of sorrow and help us appreciate the blessing of sharing time with him.
Howard D.(Bubba) & Jan Wamsley
Carol Wrenn
January 27, 2013
Louise, Wanda, Wendy, Denise & Lynette,
You know how much we all loved Moonie. He was a kind, patient, loving and wonderful Husband, Father, Grandpa, Brother-in-Law (Brother) and friend. We are so blessed that he was in our lives and we will miss him greatly. May the Peace that passes all understanding overwhelm you in the coming days and may God bless each of you and your families. We love you. Carol & David
Philippians 4:4-7
Dwight and Shirley Arndt
January 27, 2013
Louise and Famly, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. We were blessed to have known John and we enjoyed the years we were in Virginia and the good times we had. We love you and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Johnny and Cindy Hendrick
January 26, 2013
Ms.Louise and family My deepest sympathy to you and your family our thought's and prayer's are with you. Johnny and Cindy Hendrick
Ronnie & Cindy Wray
January 26, 2013
Louise and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time. We all know John is with Our Lord and Savior. He will surely be missed. He was always smiling and oved the Lord and his family. If there is anything we can do for any of you please let us know
Diane Mosbey Paarfus
January 26, 2013
Mrs. Wamsley, I am deeply sorry for your loss. John was such a good friend to my father. I know he will be greatly missed by everyone. No words can express the sorrow. May God wrap his arms around you, and your family, and hold you tight through this time of loss.
January 26, 2013
Mrs. Wamsley, oh so sorry to hear about John.
Patsy and Donald Moore
Wilma Kamin
January 26, 2013
Your friendship has meant so much to me. Praying now that God's love and comfort will surround you.
Curtis & Carol Stilwell
January 26, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Wayne Williams
January 26, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you at this time and especially to Louise. John was a man who was faithful to his church and Sunday School Class and we know that he is with Jesus today. It was a pleasure to have had John in our class and we will miss his pleasant attitude and caring spirit. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will get each one of you through this difficult time, just trust Him. We love all of you.
Wayne & Wanda Williams
Angie Mayton
January 25, 2013
Dearest Little Weez,Dr.Green, Pumpernickle,Neecie and Nettie,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Moonie. Please know that we all love you and are praying and thinking about you during this time. he was a great man that I will always be glad to have had in my life. Love Always, Cousin Angie, Dennis and the girls
Showing 1 - 64 of 64 results
Make a Donation
in JOHN WAMSLEY's name
Memorial Events
for JOHN WAMSLEY
Funeral services provided by:
E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory - Colonial Heights2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834
How to support JOHN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor JOHN WAMSLEY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
