Jack Williams Webb Sr., 89, born in Nansemond County and a longtime resident of Suffolk, passed away on Jan. 30 in Suffolk. He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Calhoun Webb Jr., and a grandson, Joel Hillyer Webb.

Mr. Webb was the younger of two sons of Joseph C. Webb Sr. and Mary Williams Webb. Growing up in Suffolk, he met lifelong love Faye Nimmo in elementary school while roller skating down the Broad Street Bridge, beginning a history of long-term and loving relationships. After graduation from Suffolk High School, he attended Virginia Tech as a member of his beloved Corps of Cadets, being called to duty in World War II at the end of his sophomore year. The Webbs married just before he left the country to serve in the army in the Pacific, attaining the rank of Captain. Following the war, he completed his degree at Tech as part of the renowned Class of 1944.

After a short stay in the family trucking business, Webb’s Transfer, he began a 50-year career in the insurance business, starting with Flat Top Insurance in Bluefield, Va. This career was interrupted by service as a training officer during the Korean War. An optimistic entrepreneur, Mr. Webb returned to Suffolk in 1957 and started Nansemond Insurance Agency, where two sons, a son-in-law, four grandchildren, and one grandson- in-law would follow his example at work. Starting with one account, the family trucking business, Mr. Webb built a successful business. The family history includes the story of how wife Faye once burned the entire files of the fledging business in the fireplace in error one cold day.

As faithful Christians, Mr. and Mrs. Webb served West End Baptist Church and its members by sharing personal faith and friendships. Mr. Webb founded and then served as the teacher of the Alpha Omega Sunday School class until his death, taught a Bible study at the local nursing home, served in all the church offices, and is a Deacon Emeritus.

Mr. Webb belonged to numerous civic organizations, bridge gatherings, business partnerships, and served on the Suffolk City Council, the Suffolk School Board, and Suffolk Industrial Authority.

He and Faye loved their beach home in Southern Shores, blowing the conch shell at sunset and raising the flag each morning. In retirement. they traveled the world and enjoyed winter stays in Florida with tennis each day.

Mr. Webb is survived by wife Faye Nimmo Webb, sons Jack W. Webb Jr. and wife Paula, Joseph N. Webb Sr. and wife Nancy, John B. Webb and partner Bill Capille, and daughter Mary Alice Webb Dorschel and husband Jay, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

To his family he was Pappy, larger than life, the wise business advisor, beach play partner, can-do­anything example, famous for his family gathering prayers and Christmas wind-up toys. His Greatest Generation life, service and love are a pathway they work to follow.

A celebration of this joyful life will be held Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at 11 a.m. at West End Baptist Church, 501 W. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 23434. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington Street, Suffolk, Va. The family will receive friends after the burial at the home of Michael and Rebecca. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund of West End Baptist Church. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.