William E. Ligon Jr., 86, of Dutton, Virginia, peacefully passed away on October 27, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.

Bill, a native of Asheville, North Carolina, relocated to Dutton shortly after school. He was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding for over 40 years where he worked on numerous projects for the United States Naval Fleet. One of his greatest honors at NNS was being named a plank owner of the USS Los Angeles, which was the first in its class of fast attack nuclear submarines. Bill retired from X-43 department being a supervisor and general foreman and having helped many start or grow their careers from his mentorship.

Bill was an active member of the community. He served in the United States Army and was a member of the American Legion Post 83 in Mathews. He was a member of Poplar Neck Hunt Club and also volunteered with Living Waters Church food ministry. He enjoyed following his two favorite sports teams, the Baltimore Orioles and the Green Bay Packers, and watching racing on Sundays, but his greatest joy was being surrounded by his family and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Patricia J. Ligon; his parents, William E. Ligon Sr. and Ethel Ligon; his brothers, James and Thomas E. Ligon, and his grandson, Thomas G. Ligon.

Survivors include William E. Ligon III (Ann), Thomas E. Ligon (Linda), Carol Nicosia (Michael), Alice Dennis (Russell), Phyllis McKnight (Tim); sisters-in-law, Sharon Hosmer (Mike) and Helen Hardee, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Saturday, October 29, 2016, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews, Virginia. Funeral service was held Sunday, October 30, 2016 also at the funeral home at 1:30 p.m., followed by burial at Windsor Gardens Cemetery, Dutton.

The family would like to graciously thank the Riverside Health System and its staff, Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, and Dr. Christian Wathen for the compassion and care provided over the years. We would also like to thank Pastor Doug Johnson of Cornerstone Fellowship Church, and the Rev. Lisa Blackmonson and the membership of Mathews Chapel UMC for all of the prayers and support given to our family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, Mathews, Va. 23109.