Obituary of Herbert Thomas Williams

Herbert Thomas (HERBIE)] Williams, 73, of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away on April 9, 2025 in Virginia Beach.

Walton Funeral Home will be handling the cremation arrangements.

Herbie was born in Portsmouth Naval Medical Center of Portsmouth, Virginia to Edward Williams Sr. and Esther Lee Williams on July 10, 1951. He attended Kempsville and I.C. Norcum High Schools and graduated in 1969. His work career began at an early age bagging groceries in the commissary of Fort Story in Virginia Beach, VA.  As he grew, so did his skills, many of which were self-taught. He developed into a professional painter and polished carpenter for which much of the United States is very thankful. When he wasn’t working or cooking, he would often be seen in Virginia Beach coaching volleyball. Herbie was especially humbled with the privilege to serve on the Stockley Gardens Festival team for 23 of 29 shows, volunteering for “every role from chairman to garbage man.” He also served as Counseling coordinator for the Norfolk Free Clinic, working his way up to serve as its Executive Director of the Free Clinic and chairman of its primary fund-raiser.  This humanitarian served as part of the conception team resulting in the Ghent Art Festival, serving as its first Field Coordinator.   He also enjoyed working as a counselor and psychiatric therapist for the Community Mental Health Center and HOPE House Foundation and serving on the board of Family Services.  [Quote from the Virginian-Pilot Compass, May, 12/13, 1993.] 

Herbie is survived by his brother, Edward Williams of Aurora, Colorado, David Williams of Portsmouth, VA, Sisters Edna Williams of Salt Lake City, Utah, Ruby Irick of Columbia, South Carolina and Esther Lee Tanksley of Chesapeake, Virginia and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Edward Williams Sr. and mother, Esther Lee Williams.  

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Norfolk medical PACE program and staff, Sentara medical system and Walton Funeral Home/staff.  A special thanks goes to Jeremy Voight, who stuck by Herbie through thick and thin.  

If you would like to make a donation, do what Herbie would do,,, Help Someone.