Mr. Raphael E. Hazell

Raphael E. Hazell was born April 6, 1920, in Xenia, Ohio to Edward and Esther Hazell. He was their only child.

After graduating from high school in New York, he attended Lincoln University for one year and then enlisted in the United States Army and served two years. He was employed by the United States Postal Service for 30 years and retired in 1972. After retirement, he relocated to Virginia Beach and lived there until his passing. He was a member of Princess Anne Church of Christ and attended worship regularly until his health problems prevented him from attending as often as he wanted.

He married Hallie McLauchin in 1940. They were blessed with one child Raphael Anthony Hazell, who passed away in 2001. In 1972, his wife Hallie passed away.

In 1988, Ralph married Francis Whitehead and stayed married until she passed away March 15, 2003.

On Saturday, June 4, 2011, his spirit was carried on, leaving behind to morn his passing: 2 granddaughters, Felicia Hazell and Teresa Cole, one great-grandson-Adrian and two great-granddaughters: Chantel and Taylor, Step-son: James Whitehead and wife Thelma, grandson in law: Troy Cole, and close friends: Richard Christman, Stan Paradowski, Bruce and Eldora Snowden.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm, Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, June 10, 2011 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park. Please share your love and condolences with the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com