Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

BOYKINS — William “Willie” Stapleton, 65, of Boykins Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, surrounded by family.

Willie was born on April 18, 1954, and raised in Berne, Indiana.

After graduating high school he signed up for the United States Navy. He was a sailor at sea on the aircraft carrier USS America for many years until he was finally assigned shore duty the last few years of his career. He retired as a personnel man Chief Petty Officer after 21 years of service.

From there he moved on to his second career in law enforcement with the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office and retired as jail sergeant after 23 years of service.

He enjoyed working, camping, fishing and spending time with family.

Family was the most important thing to him and he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Willie is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sherry Stapleton; daughters, Kimberly Crocker (Randy Crocker) and Kelly Turner (Mark Turner); son, Shane Stapleton (Becky Stapleton); granddaughters, Kayla Parker, Ashleigh White, Ember Bayse; and two great-granddaughters, Kali Carr and Jada Burr.

The celebration of life will be at noon on Friday, Dec. 6, in True Word Christian Church, 31269 General Thomas Highway, Franklin Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please make any contributions to the American Cancer Society.