William Eure Obituary

William Henry "Hank" Eure Jr, also affectionately known as "Papa" and "Mr. Hank", passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord Jesus Christ, surrounded by family July 9, 2025. A man of unwavering faith and endless kindness, Hank lived his life with quiet strength, patience, and a heart full of love.

Born on May 17, 1947, in the small, close-knit town of Wakefield, Virginia-a place he always held dear and shared with his family every chance he had. He graduated from the first graduating class at Tidewater Academy in Wakefield Virginia. He was a jack of many trades and taught his son and grandsons how to drive, golf, cook, garden, hunt, and fish among other wonderful skills. He spent countless joyful hours on the Chesapeake Bay where he loved to sail and fish with his family and friends and also loved many other things to include Hampton Crabbers Football, cooking BBQ and watching his grandchildren compete in sports and dance. His true life passion was his family, strong christian faith, and showing love to all who met him.

Hank proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps Reserves in the late 60's, and began his long and distinguished career at Newport News Shipbuilding, where he entered The Apprentice School and trained as a mechanic in O43 Maintenance. Over the course of 52 years, Hank wore many hats, worked on countless projects, and earned the respect of his peers and colleagues alike. He retired in 2018 as Master Shipbuilder-a role that perfectly suited his meticulous nature and strong work ethic. He is a Past-President of The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Chapter 217, was a Council of Ministries Board member for Saint Marks United Methodist Church, a UMYF Sponsor, Lay Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, and Family Ministries leader as well, all at Saint Mark's UMC in Hampton. Hank was a past member of Hampton Yacht Club, Wakefield Community Hunt Club, Keel Club, and Warwick Moose Lodge 1711.

In October of 1971, Hank married his beautiful wife, Brooke Buttles, at the Chapel of the Centurion at Fort Monroe in Hampton Virginia. Together they shared 53 wonderful years of unwavering companionship, a comforting presence through life's joys and challenges.

Hank's greatest pride and joy was his family. He leaves behind to cherish his amazing memory his loving wife of 53 years, Brooke, and their two children, Edward "Kip" Eure (Jennifer) and Ryan Harris (Joe). He was a deeply cherished Papa to his grandchildren Brian, Brice, Joseph Jr., and Taylor-each of whom he adored and poured his heart into. His faithful pup, Sadie, was always by his side, a true companion in every sense.

He is also survived by his brother Eddie Eure (Nancy), sisters Trish Hussey (Bill) and Jane Ulicney (Gary), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends-too many to count, but none forgotten.

Hank was preceded in death by his beloved mother , Josephine Hart Eure Zachary and his father William Henry Eure Sr., his grandparents, many aunts and uncles, and several four-legged companions who met him joyfully at Heaven's gate.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Dr. Larkin and the entire staff at Riverside Elizabeth Lakes Primary Care, as well as the compassionate team at Riverside Hospice. Their care and kindness made a lasting difference in Hank's final journey.

A service to celebrate Hank's life will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 Visitation at 2:00 PM with a Celebration of Life to take place at 3:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. in Hampton. Hank will be laid to rest in the Wakefield Cemetery on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM.