April 27, 2011

David Wardell DeLoatch Jr., 68, a long-time resident of Portsmouth, Va., died on April 27, 2011. He was born in Suffolk, Va., on April 10, 1943, as the first child of the late David Wardell DeLoatch Sr. and Essie Mae DeLoatch.

David attended elementary and high school in Suffolk and graduated from East Suffolk High School. He attended Norfolk State University and Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., where he received an Associate of Arts degree. David served in the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy and was honorably discharged in 1963.

David had a multifaceted career. He worked for the federal government for 26 years and earned several commendations for exemplary performance of duty. He retired as a supply officer from the Defense Distribution Depot in Norfolk, Va., in 1993. After retirement he launched DMS Associates, a direct reselling business, where he served as senior manager and CEO. David also established the BJDE Radio Bible Ministry, which was featured on 940 AM (WKGM) from 1989 to 2004. He was a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. David was also an avid musician who was a dealer of rare vinyl records.

David was a kind soul who was noted for his ability to find jobs for family, friends and associates. He was very devoted to his loving mother and other elderly relatives and often served as their personal chauffeur, shuttling them to appointments and other outings.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 36 years, Georgianna Brown DeLoatch; four children, Felicia DeLoatch, of Suffolk, Abdul DeLoatch (Tracia), of Richmond, Sonya DeLoatch, of Suitland, Md., and Henry DeLoatch (Ann), of Portsmouth; his mother, Essie M. DeLoatch; three brothers, Charles DeLoatch and Earl DeLoatch, of Suffolk, and Johnny DeLoatch (Marie), of Forestville, Md.; sister, Sandra J. DeLoatch, of Suffolk; two paternal aunts, Delores Parker (Thurman) and Dr. Vasti DeLoatch, of Richmond; four grandchildren, Shaakira DeLoatch, Devontá Clark, Tumaneenah DeLoatch and Joshua DeLoatch, with whom he had a special bound as they were virtually inseparable; brother-in-law, Joseph Brown; sisters-in-law, Irene Gaynor and Betty Jones; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends; and devoted cousin and friend, Amanda Rodgers. He was predeceased by his father and a sister, Brenda DeLoatch.

A funeral to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, at Union Baptist Church, 5414 Nansemond Parkway, Suffolk. Crocker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. The body will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Crocker Funeral Home Monday from 6 to 8 p.m.