William Edward “Bill” Haines Jr., 71, passed away surrounded by his family and dear friends on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, in Virginia Beach. He fought the good fight on his terms and was a towering example of strength and courage to all who knew him.
Bill was the son of Muriel Ann Slocombe Haines and William Edward Haines Sr. He was born and raised in Syracuse, N.Y. Bill was married to the love of his life, Sandra Ann “Sandy” Sullivan Haines in 1969 in Syracuse, and they went on to raise three children, travel, play and make dear friends from the many places they called home.
He worked for Crouse Hinds, Lutron, and Cooper Industries for many years until he opened his business, Old Dominion Lighting Associates, in Virginia Beach in 1986. Bill and Sandy have enjoyed a life together full of love, laughter, children, grandchildren and amazing friendships. His unbelievable work ethic, sense of humor and generosity were shining through right up until the end. Those who know him well will not be surprised by one of his final statements, “Let’s get on with it.”
Bill will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Sandy; daughter and her husband, Cathy and Grandy Buyrn; son and his wife, Brian and Leigh Haines; daughter and her husband, Stacey and Todd Goldman; eight grandchildren, Connor Buyrn, Riley Buyrn, Dillon Buyrn, Ava Goldman, Brayden Buyrn, Landon Haines, Lainey Goldman and Bennett Haines; brother, Mike Haines; and countless friends who became family over the years.
His family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Bill’s unique spirit on at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at a memorial service at the Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, 1264 North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach. A celebration of life reception will be held following the service.
Please make memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, to the Cancer Care Foundation of Tidewater, P.O. Box 12693, Norfolk, VA 23541; or at www.ccfot.org.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
