Larry James Lockley, 71, of Hampton, quietly transitioned on Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, surrounded by family and friends.
Larry was born in Gloucester on April 29, 1948, to the late Edward and Hattie Belle Ward Lockley. He accepted Christ at an early age and attended Zion Hill Baptist Church (Pinero).
Larry was educated in the Gloucester County Public Schools, and immediately upon graduation, entered the workforce at Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company. Within a few months of employment, he was drafted into the United States Army where his tour of duty lasted two years. Larry served one year in the Vietnam war and earned the Bronze Star for bravery during battle. After serving his tour of duty, Larry reentered civilian life and resumed employment at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company while enrolled at Thomas Nelson Community College where he pursued a degree in Drafting and Design. He also attended Madam Daniels Beauty School where he became a certified barber. Growing up, Larry was sought after for haircuts by the neighborhood children, which he never refused. Larry retired from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, as an Engineering Technician on Dec. 31, 2010, after 30 years of service.
Larry met his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Alice Jean Webb, in 10th grade and on July 4, 1970, they were united in holy matrimony. After 49 years of marriage, he continued to carry their high school yearbook picture in his wallet. From this union, they were blessed with two amazing children.
Larry was a very loving man who never met a stranger. He was kind and was always there to offer words of wisdom to the youth and always willing to help others. Larry loved watching old Westerns, playing cards, eating oatmeal cream pies, and was a perfectionist when it came to his lawn (no one was allowed on it) and he was a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles’ fan.
Larry was preceded in death by his grandfather, Haley Ward; his parents, Edward and Hattie Belle Ward Lockley; his brother, Weldon Lockley, and his sister, Angela “Trena” Lockley.
Larry leaves to continue his legacy, his devoted wife, Alice Jean; two phenomenal children, Tanya Boyd (William) and Jason Lockley (Aliya); two granddaughters, Jameela and Samiah Dennis; two brothers, Edward “Jody” Lockley Jr. and Harry Lockley; two sisters, Phyllis Bubanji and Loretta Lockley (Albert); an uncle, Forrest Lockley; two aunts. Marie Cook (James Thomas) and Adlean Larrimore; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26 at noon at Newington Baptist Church 6169 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061. Viewing will take place 10 a.m. to noon at the church prior to the service. Interment with military honor will follow at Zion Hill Baptist Church, 10256 Indian Road, Gloucester, Va. 23061.