William Thomas “Tommy” Haste, Jr., 94, went to be with the Lord on December 22, 2022, surrounded by his family after a short and unexpected illness. Tommy was born in Hertford, NC to William T. Haste, Sr. and Beulah Elizabeth Sitterson Haste on February 23, 1928. Following graduation from Kempsville High School, he served our nation in the U.S. Army in the post-World War II occupation of Japan. He then began a career as a dedicated Civil Servant repairing U.S. Navy vessels at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA for over 30 years, retiring as a Supervisor in the Blacksmith Shop in 1983.
Tommy was a beloved and faithful member of Kempsville Baptist Church for over 70 years. Throughout that time he served as a deacon and Chairman of the Deacons, usher, and Sunday School teacher. He was also a member of the Gideons for many years and volunteered with the jailhouse ministry.
He was a dedicated member of Kempsville Masonic Lodge #196 A.F. & A. M. for over 61 years. He was Worshipful Master of Kempsville Lodge in 1970 and received his 60-year Masonic pin on November 9, 2021. Tommy was also a member of numerous other Masonic organizations including Kempsville Chapter #173, Order of the Eastern Star where he served as Worthy Patron several times. He was also a Chapter Dad for Kempsville DeMolay and a Past Associate Bethel Guardian for Bethel #42 Jobs Daughters for many years.
His greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with them, as well as traveling extensively with his wife, Faye, including many trips with their friends across the country. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Tommy was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Faye Evans Haste; one brother, John Benjamin; three sisters: Aleathia, Ethel and Faye. He is survived by his sons, Jerry T. Haste, Sr. (Marilyn), Gary J. Haste (Liz), both of Virginia Beach, VA, and his daughter, Phyllis Connor (Danny) of Stafford, VA. He is also survived by his sister, Mae Gay. Additionally, he has 7 grandchildren left to cherish his memory: Katie Haste and J.T. Haste, Jr; Matt Haste and Will Haste; Daniel Connor, Thomas Connor, and Rebecca Connor; and many nieces and nephews
A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 10:30am at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 with burial following the service at Rosewood Memorial Park, 601 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA.
There will be a visitation held on Thursday, Dec. 29 from 6:00-8:00pm at Smith & Williams Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Kempsville Baptist Church or Gideon International would be appreciated. You may also send condolences and share memories at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com to the Haste family.
