Rex Alexander Current

Rex Alexander Current, was born April 26, 1926, to Luin Robert and Cleo Toy Current in Highpoint, N.C. Papaw, as he was lovingly known by his grandchildren, went to be with his Lord on June 28, 2012 at the age of 86. Throughout his life he attended Emmaus Baptist Church, York Baptist Temple and Messick Baptist Church. Rex joined the Navy at age 17 and served his country for two years, leaving with an Honorable discharge. During his service, medals he received were, American Area; Asiatic Pacific Area and 3 Stars; Philippine Liberation and 2 Stars; Victory World War II.

He worked at NNSY for six years in the apprenticeship program as a machinist. In 1956 he was employed by NASA as a Senior Engineer Technician, and he continued to work there until he retired in 1977. He then worked part time at SAIC, doing same, until 1984. While at NASA, he constructed parts which were used on many space shuttles and space craft, and received numerous awards. Amongst them, the first being the Apollo Achievement Award in July of 1969; and a Special Achievement Award, Viking Memory Plane Manufacturing Work Group in October of 1973,

Rex was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Current, whom he was married to for 58 years; his parents, Luin Robert and Cleo Toy Current; his brother, Bill Current; his sister, Margaret Johnson; and his granddaughter Jamie Leigh Ingram.

He is survived by his five children; two sons, Tony Current (Deborah) of Cleveland, TX; Robbie Current (Shelly) of Baytown, TX; his three daughters, Debbie Bowler of Yorktown, VA; Kathie Davenport (Richard) of Poquoson, VA; and Linda Kneller of Atlanta, GA. Papaw also leaves to cherish his memory, eighteen grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Papaw will be dearly missed by many, but especially by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as being Dad and Papaw were his greatest accomplishments in life. We love you Papaw and we hold in our hearts many, many cherished memories of you and your love for us.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to Riverside Hospital ICU and to Nancy and the other nurses that took care of him during his recent illness.

The service to celebrate Rex’s life will be held at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home on Monday, July 2, 2012 at 11:00 am with Tony Current and Rev. Benny Topping officiating. Interment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 1, 2012 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.