Bert Ellis Hargrave, Jr., passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the age of 90. Born on August 31, 1934, at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia, Bert lived a full and dedicated life characterized by service to his community and devotion to his family.
Bert graduated from Toano High School in 1951. He furthered his education at the Newport News Shipyard Apprentice School, graduating in 1955, before serving his country honorably for two years in the United States Army.
Bert retired after 30 years as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. Following his retirement, Bert continued to work at Ace Hardware for 36 years as a stock associate, a testament to his strong work ethic, until March 2025.
Bert found joy and fulfillment in coaching, leading the American Legion Post 39 baseball team to their championship victory in 1967. His leadership and mentorship in this role left a lasting impact on the athletes he guided.
Bert is preceded in death by his parents, Lucenia Farinholt and Bert Ellis Hargrave, Sr.; his nephew, James Thomas Faris, III; and his grandnephew, 1LT Zachary Dart Galli. He is survived by his wife, Kyu Sok Hargrave; his sister, Bettie (Jimmy) Faris; his niece, Gail (Michael) Galli; his niece-in-law, Kaye Faris; his grandnephews and grandniece, John Ryan Faris, Christian Ellis Faris, Joshua Holt Galli, and Abigail Mae Galli.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bert’s name to the Hospice House of Williamsburg or the Peninsula Rescue Mission, honoring his legacy of kindness and generosity.
