George Harold Diggs, 92, formerly of Gloucester and Portsmouth, Va., passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 31, 2011, in Springfield, Va.

George was born Feb. 22, 1919 in Norfolk, Va. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Linwood Diggs and Susie Smith Diggs of Mathews, Va. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosa Willoughby Diggs.

Survivors include his daughter, Linda Scheid and son-in-law Stephen Scheid; grandsons, Michael, Bruce and granddaughter-in-law Janet Scheid. He was the proud great-grandfather of Dallas and Brycen. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

George graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. He served in the United States Coast Guard—Merchant Marine during World War II. He retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, after 35 years of service.

After moving to Gloucester in 1976, George helped start a local chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and served as the chapter’s first president. He also was a member of the Woodman of the World and the American Legion Post 176 in Springfield.

He always gave of his time for his family, church, friends and community. In Portsmouth he was member of First Friends Church. When in Gloucester he was an active member of Newington Baptist Church. In Springfield he joined the First Baptist Church and he enjoyed being a member of their very supportive and loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 8, 2011 at the Greensprings Retirement Community Chapel. Interment will take place Sept. 8, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Quantico National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First Baptist Church, 7300 Gary Street, Springfield, Va. 22150.