Donald Kenneth Hobday, Sr.

Donald Kenneth Hobday, Sr., age 93, died peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2015 in Deland, Florida. Donald was born and lived in Portsmouth until 2002 when he moved to North Carolina and later to Florida. Donald served in both the National Guard and the United States Army during World War II, and then spent his entire career as a civilian employee at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Donald was very active in Churchland Baptist Church where he willingly took on numerous roles over the years including Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and overseer of the church cemetery for twelve years. Donald also served for many years as Treasurer of the Portsmouth Baptist Association. Donald was married to Bernice Adell Hobday for 63 years. Following her death in 2005, Donald married Faie Vellines Hobday, also a native of Portsmouth, and quickly assumed the role of friend and stepfather to Faie’s sons, Harry (Debbie) Vellines, Steve (Diana) Vellines, and Michael (Denise) Vellines. Besides his wife Faie, Donald is survived by his son, Donald Kenneth (Ken) Hobday, Jr. of Columbus, Ohio and his spouse Lesley Ann Hobday. Two children, Cheryl Joy Hobday McElheney and Gayle Dawn Hobday Lincoln, predeceased Donald. Cheryl is survived by her husband, Charles Preston McElheney, Jr. of Roanoke Rapids, NC and Gayle is survived by her husband, William Curtis Lincoln of Richmond, VA. Donald is also survived by his grandchildren: Rachel Dawn McElheney Porch, Shawn Alliene McElheney Perkins, Charles Preston McElheney III, Jennifer Lynn Hobday Wieand, Jeffrey Scott Hobday and Paul Curtis Lincoln; many great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. Visitation from 10 to 11 am and a memorial service at 11 am will be held Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Loving Funeral Home, 3225 Academy Ave., Portsmouth, Va. The Rev. Lawrence Coleman Sr., pastor of Churchland Baptist Church, will officiate. There will be no graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald Hobday's memory to Churchland Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Churchland Baptist Church, 3031 Churchland Blvd., Chesapeake VA 23321, or the charity of your choice.