William H. Rollins Sr.

Portsmouth – William Henry Rollins, Sr., 84, born in Boykins, Va, entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 1, 2018 at VA Hampton Hospice.  He is predeceased by both parents, David Jethro Rollins and Pearl JoAnna Deloatch Rollins (“Big Mama”) and his oldest son, Michael Rollins.

He was a devoted Christian husband and father and was an U.S. ARMY Veteran.  William raised his five children according to the Living Word of God and recited the Ten Commandments weekly to them in childhood.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nannie Vivian Rollins; and children; Pamela Rollins of Chesapeake, VA, Sharon M. Rollins of Suffolk, VA, William H. Rollins, Jr., of Portsmouth, VA and Evelyn Rollins Gaines (DeWayne) of Clinton, MD; one grandson Brandon Reese, and one granddaughter Alea R. Gaines of New Carrollton, MD; six siblings, Bessie Parker of Washington, D.C., Thomas Ell Rollins of Capron, VA, James Herbert Rollins of Portsmouth, VA, Jeremiah Rollins (Marian) of Richmond, VA, Roosevelt Rollins (Liz) of Durham, NC, and Ruby Harney of Fairfax Station, VA.  He leaves 70+ nieces and nephews, a host of cousins, in-laws, family and friends.

Siblings predeceased are: John David Rollins, Lizzie P. Rollins, Clarence L. Rollins, Joe Louis Rollins, Ovella Mae Joyner, Jefferson Rollins, Mary Rollins, and Christine Rollins.

William accepted Jesus Christ at a very young age and loved gospel quartet singing. He played piano by ear and one of his favorite songs was “Nearer My God to Thee”.  Some of his favorite groups were the Canton Spirituals, the Jackson Southernaires, Gospel Keynotes and The Mighty Clouds of Joy to name a few.  He could often be seen at quartet concerts and live recordings.  He took pride in singing in the Men’s Choir at his church, Grove Baptist Church in Portsmouth. 

William is known for being very neat, a sharp dresser and an avid National League baseball fan.  

 The viewing will be on Sunday, January 7, 2018 from 2 pm to 5 pm at Corprew Funeral Home.  The funeral will be at Grove Baptist Church, 5910 West Norfolk Rd.,  Portsmouth, VA 23703, on Monday, January 8, 2018 at 11 AM.  Interment will be at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk,VA  23434 on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 11 am.  Condolences may be offered at Corprew Funeral Home, 1822 Portsmouth Blvd, Porstmouth, VA. and words of expression at www.corprewfuneralhome.net