William Thomas Connaughton of Hayes, loving husband, father, grandfather, and U.S. Marine, passed away Dec. 20, 2017, at the McGuire Veterans Hospital. His family will always be grateful for the compassion that he received in their care. 

Born in Newport News, he spent his early years in the Shenandoah Valley where he began a lifelong love of firearms, the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He graduated from Warwick High School in 1966 and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion in Vietnam, earning, among other decorations, the Bronze Star with the combat V, and a Purple Heart. He was proud to have served his country and the USMC. Once a Marine, always a Marine!

Upon returning home, he was a self-employed carpenter until his retirement. Thom was always a Redskins fan (even during the bad years), loved to play poker with his friends (especially when he won), and really enjoyed debating with anyone who would listen to his political views (of which he had many). But most importantly, he was an incredible man who loved his family and found joy in every day he spent with them.

He will be forever remembered by his wife, Neva; his son, Colin and his wife Reggie; his daughter, Rachel and her husband Zach; his grandchildren, Ethan, Sophia, Jackson, Adalynn, and Nora; his faithful dog Sunny, and his sisters, Kathy Duus and Barbara DeBauche. He was also loved by his mother-in- law, Edna Ferrell; his brothers-in-law, Robert Branch and Charlie Cole, and his sister-in-law, Linda Simmons.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Connaughton.

OOH-RAH Marine, we’ll see you on the other side. 

A graveside funeral service conducted by the Rev. David Parker was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, at Peninsula Memorial Park. Friends assembled at the cemetery. 

Arrangements under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point.