Doswell S. Horsley, 91, of Gloucester, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Doswell was a warm, loving, and caring man, well-appreciated by his large community of family and friends.
He was born and grew up in Gloucester where he lived most of his life. He graduated from Botetourt High School while working in the store with his uncle. He worked in the shipyard for 15 months before joining the Army Air Corps in November 1941. Doswell attended Aircraft Mechanics School and served on Iwo Jima until the end of World War II. Returning home he worked at Langley Field then NACA, and later NASA until retiring in 1977 as a supervisor on Research Planes and Helicopters. His favorite plane was the P51.
After retiring Doswell helped farmers and then worked part-time with Andrews Funeral Home as long as he was able.
Doswell was an active member of Bellamy United Methodist Church where he served faithfully on the Administrative Board and the Board of Trustees for many years. He was a member of the Cemetery Committee and the caretaker of both church and memorial cemeteries for over 26 years. He was a member of Botetourt Masonic Lodge for over 40 years and a past member of the Gloucester Moose Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Herman Horsley and Virginia (Dolly) Walker Horsley; son, Warren Lee Horsley, and brother, W. Edward Horsley.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Louise Teagle Horsley; son, Kenneth W. Horsley; daughter. Janice Fay Horsley; grandsons, Kevin Todd (Lisa) Horsley and Keith Scott (Amy) Horsley; great-grandsons, Zachary Horsley, Caleb Horsley, Thomas Horsley, and step-great-grandsons, Josh McClellan, Tyler McClellan and Travis McClellan, and special nephews.
The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff for the special care given to Doswell during his stay at Gloucester House.
The family received friends at the Andrews Funeral Home on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 6:30-8 p.m. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 11 a.m. in Bellamy United Methodist Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery with military honors and Masonic Rites.
Memorial donations may be made to Bellamy Church Cemetery, c/o Kent Smith, 4706 Chestnut Fork Road, Gloucester, Va. 23061, or to Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1417, Gloucester, Va. 23061.
Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, was in charge of arrangements.