The Virginian-Pilot; Jan 10, 2008; Hampton Roads
Beryl Richard Abicht
NEWPORT NEWS - Beryl Richard “Pop-pop” Abicht, a native of Marietta, Ohio, and longtime resident of Newport News, died Jan. 8, 2008, at the age of 86 in Newport News.
Mr. Abicht enlisted in the Army Air Corps when he was 18 and fought in the China-Burma-India theatre in World War II. He was one of the four remaining veterans from his unit stationed in the southwest China city of Kunming, the home base for the legendary “Flying Tigers” and the destination for resupply missions flying the “Hump” from India. Among other things, he participated in patrols to recover downed aircraft and pilots from the jungles of western China. He was decorated for his efforts and he exercised his patriotism often by attending Veterans and Memorial Day celebrations where he (and others) were recognized for their military service. Mr. Abicht worked for 35 years at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton until he retired in 1980. Among many jobs, he assisted with construction of the Apollo spacecraft. He was a founding member of the Hilton Christian Church where he served the church in many capacities.
Mr. Abicht served the community in many ways over his lifetime. He was the Scout master of Troop No. 3 on the Peninsula. He was an avid rock collector and gave lectures on rocks and minerals to various community groups. He was an accomplished carver and a supporter of “Ducks Unlimited.” He was a faithful employee of Smithfield Antiques Center and The Christmas Store in downtown Smithfield where he headed up the “Security Division.”
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Helen Ruth Abicht; his son, James Abicht and daughter-in-law Elaine Abicht, both of Smithfield; daughter, Sandra Abicht Simmermon and son-in-law Fred Simmermon, both of Norfolk; and two grandchildren, Jessica Ann Simmermon of Norfolk and Jeffrey Lee Simmermon of New York City.
Above all else, he was a gentleman, friend, a loving father, grandfather, father-in-law and husband. The family misses him greatly and will think of him always.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in St. Luke’s Cemetery near Smithfield with Dr. Don Rhoton officiating. A reception/visitation will follow immediately at Smithfield Baptist Church, 100 Wainwright Drive, Smithfield.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Hilton Christian Church, 100 James River Drive, Newport News, with Dr. Woodrow Rea officiating. A reception/visitation will follow immediately at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, VA 22038-1131.
Arrangements by W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.
The Virginian-Pilot; Jan 11, 2008; Hampton Roads
James R. McKenzie
HERTFORD - James Roland “Mac” McKenzie, 88, of the 1000 block of Snug Harbor Road, died Jan. 10, 2008, in Chowan Hospital. More affectionately known as “Pop ” by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loving friends, he was a member of Snug Harbor Community Church and served on the finance committee for many years.
Pop was born in Norfolk April 25, 1919, grew up in Brambleton and graduated from Maury High School. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After retiring as a planner in Shop 31 from Norfolk Naval Shipyard, he moved his wife to Snug Harbor, N.C.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Nolie Furman McKenzie; a son, Roland W. McKenzie and wife Julia Anne Copeland McKenzie; a daughter, Lorraine M. Saunders and husband Kenneth H. Saunders Jr., all of Hertford, N.C.; three grandsons, U.S. Air Force Col. J. Keith McKenzie and wife Kim of Tampa, Fla., Brian R. McKenzie and wife Kris of Waconia, Minn., and the Rev. Kenneth H. Saunders III and wife Kelly of Cleveland, N.C.; a granddaughter, Angela S. Armstrong and husband Jason R. Armstrong of Zebulon, N.C.; five great-grandsons, Ryan S. McKenzie, Connor J. McKenzie and Braden L. McKenzie, all of Minneapolis, Minn., Kenneth H. Saunders IV of Zebulon and Kyle L. Sunders of Cleveland, N.C.; two greatgranddaughters, Kaytlynn M. Saunders of Cleveland, N.C., and Anna Marie Armstrong of Zebulon; and a sister, Sonia West Byrum of Smithfield, Va.
The family will receive friends at his residence. A funeral will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. in Snug Harbor Community Church with the Rev. Stanley Nixon officiating. His body will be cremated following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Snug Harbor Community Church, P.O. Box 114, Hertford, NC 27944.
Swindell Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the McKenzie family.
