William Raymond Kirton

William Raymond Kirton, 83 of Hampton, Virginia, passed away on September 24, 2026, at the Hampton Veterans Administration Butterfly Gardens Hospice Neighborhood. He was born in Colon, Panama to William “Sonny” and Myrtle Kirton.

William “Bill” was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Elena, whom he met in Camp Baird, Panama, where they both attended Rainbow City High School. Bill and Elena were blessed to have three children, three grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.

Bill was a devoted father and husband. He also proudly served in the United States Air Force. After returning from Vietnam and marrying Elena, throughout his career and multiple duty stations, he ensured that all his overseas tours were to “home”, Panama. This allowed his children the unique opportunity to build relationships with both sets of grandparents. Bill retired from the US Air Force1990, after 26 years of active service and settled his family in Hampton, VA. After a short stint in retirement. He began a second career with the United States Postal Service and retired after 22 years of service. Bill enjoyed fishing, hosting family cookouts, playing cards, attending family events, taking cruises, drives to the beach, and spoiling his grandchildren with lots of love.

Bill leaves to cherish his memory, sons: Alex Kirton and Darrell Kirton; daughter, Lizette Kirton; grandchildren, Ashley Ditchburn (Richard); Gabrielle Kirton; and Kamiyah Kirton, great-grandchildren, Freya Ditchburn and Malakai Ditchburn; sisters, Sandra DeSousa and Patricia Kendrick (Willie); brothers, Robert Kirton (Jeanette) and Angel Kirton; sister-in-law, Cynthia Laurie; brothers-in-law, Ovid Laurie, Jr., and Carlos Laurie and a host of family and friends.

The family will receive friends for a Visitation that will be held at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, in the Visitation Rooms, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666, on October 7, 2026, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The following morning another Visitation will take place and at Bethel Temple Church, 1705 Todds Ln., Hampton, Virginia 23666, on October 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Followed by a Celebration of Life Home Going Service, promptly beginning at 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. The Committal Service with USAF Honors will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, Virginia 23666, on October 8, 2026, at 1:00 pm.