Philip Buchholz

Virginia Beach- Philip “Pat” Buchholz born April 27, 1919 in Pierre, South Dakota, passed away April 6, 2017. He was born the seventh of eight children born to and the last surviving child of Josephine & Otto Buchholz. Preceding him in death was his wife of forty-eight years, Marjorie Ray Buchholz and a daughter Patricia A. Young.

Philip leaves behind one son Gary Woods of Hickory, N.C. He leaves 7 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, all residing up and down the mid-south Atlantic coast. In the upper mid-west, he leaves numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

In 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Philip enlisted as a seaman, at the “bottom of the ladder” in rank but over his thirty-year enlistment, he progressed through each rank until he retired a full Commander in 1970.All of which is unheard of today.

The navy became his life that included serving active duty on nine different ships both in overseas and stateside capacities, received specialized training at military bases in the U.S. and of course, a two year tour in Charleston, S.C. where he met and married Margie Woods in October 1952.

After retiring from the US Navy in Norfolk VA., Philip spent numerous years dabbling in real estate but then truly retired a few years after that to pursue his favorite past time of golf and helping out organizing and hosting his Navy Ship’s reunions. He also enjoyed doing volunteer work with the local Salvation Army.

The family will receive friends for visitation at Woodlawn Funeral Home Chapel, 6329 Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk VA 23502 on Thursday, April 20, 2017 from 11 a.m. until 12 noon. A funeral service will be held immediately afterwards, followed by a committal at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens Avenue of Flags garden. Flowers will be received at the Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be registered at www.woodlawngroup.com