Paul Donald Vestal

Paul D. Vestal, 91, went to be with the Lord on August 17, 2026. Born on October 29, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Bland and Gerta Vestal. At a young age, his family moved to Princess Anne County in Virginia Beach. He graduated from Kempsville High School in 1953, where he was a star athlete and team Captain in football, basketball, and track. He married Ruth Anna Meixel, and together they had two children, Debbie and Don. Paul proudly served in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He later owned a gas station and worked at the Ford plant. He had a successful career in Allstate for more than four decades, where he remained a top insurance agent year after year. Sports remained a central part of Paul's life. He coached Little League baseball for 30 years, even winning the "Catfish Hunter" Thoroughbred World Series Championship in 1981. He served as President of B.M. Williams Baseball from 1979-1988 and later as President of the Greenbrier Athletic Association. His volunteerism and mentorship were recognized when Chesapeake City Council named and dedicated a local baseball complex at B.M. Williams Primary School after him, Vestal Park, in 1997. The following year, he became the 21st Annual Bud Metheny Award recipient. Paul was also a long-time supporter of the Old Dominion University athletic program, having served on the Intercollegiate Foundation Board of Directors for decades. In 2002, ODU declared Paul as an Honorary Alumnus. In 2014, he was appointed as Director Emeritus of the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. He was a loyal fan of both the Monarchs and Lady Monarchs basketball teams. He held season tickets for both teams since the 1970's and was known for rarely ever missing a game. He showed the same devotion when ODU brought football back in 2009. Through the Big Blue Club and other various committees, Paul made significant contributions to the university for scholarships. Paul served as former President of the Portsmouth Sports Club and remained an active member. He was proudest of the fundraising event that he spearheaded in 1996 called the "Reverse Raffle." For twenty years, he raised money for the organization by leading this charity event. Additionally, Paul volunteered extensively for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program. Although his accomplishments were countless, Paul's priority was always his family and friends, all of whom he loved fiercely. He will be remembered for his talent for cooking and the joy he had for entertaining and bringing people together. Somehow, he, not only made time for, but mastered several hobbies, including horseback riding, singing, watercolor painting, gardening, and fishing, among others. He also enjoyed traveling. Cape Hatteras and the ocean held a special place in his heart. He was a true waterman through and through. Paul was a faithful member and Honorary Deacon of Westhaven Baptist Church, where he found pleasure in worship and singing bass in the Chancel Choir. He loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul is preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 38 years, Ruth; his parents; brother, Joe; and most of his closest "gang" of lifelong friends. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jeanie; daughter, Debbie Sawyer (David), their children, Brian and Kati (Kevin); son, Don Vestal (Pam), their children and grandchildren; step-sons Robbie Woodard (Heather), their children, Tyler and Cody, and Ryan Woodard (Allison), their children, Kallie and River; sisters, Jeanne Hellstrom (Carl), Linda Spruill, and Valerie Graham; sister-in-law, Donna Vestal; brother-in-law, Doug Ricks; best friend, Barbara Foxwell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Paul's extraordinary and philanthropic life will be celebrated with a funeral service on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Westhaven Baptist Church, 4900 Caroline Ave, Portsmouth, Virginia, with visitation one hour prior to the service. He will be buried, with military honors, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, to honor Paul's life and legacy, donations may be made to Westhaven Baptist Church or to the Portsmouth Sports Club. Paul's funeral service will be streamed live for viewing at https://www.westhavenbaptist.church/ Select "Connect with Us" then click on the YouTube link in the lower right corner of the webpage to connect to the live stream service. Streaming will begin at 11:58 am.