John Willie Waddler, 75, of Portsmouth, VA, gracefully completed his earthly journey on October 26, 2023. He was born on April 4, 1948 to the late Willie Waddler and Estelle Gordon Waddler in Portsmouth, Virginia.
John graduated from I. C. Norcom High School in 1967.While attending school John played Junior Varsity basketball. He started as a freshman on the Varsity Football team and moved up the ranks achieving the ultimate position of captain of the football team. He had a passion for football, both as a player and as a spectator.
He attended Norfolk State University on a scholarship and excelled on the football field. He played semi-pro football for the Portsmouth Bucks. He was employed at Foster Grant as a maintenance mechanic in 1973. John worked there through numerous company changes and retired as head of the Maintenance Department under the company name of Nova Chemicals. He had a knack for fixing things, and was known for his skills in repairing lift chairs and motorized scooters. In his free time, he enjoyed playing cards, listening to music, and baking cakes.
John was a member of several organizations in the community. He was a member of the I. C. Norcom Class of 1967 Alumni, The President of the I. C. Norcom Sports Hall of Fame, a former member of Arabia Temple No.12 and a former Past Master of Mount Gilead Alpha and Omega Chapter 46. His places of worship include First Baptist of Elm Avenue in Portsmouth, VA, and Trinity Faith Diamond in Chesapeake, VA His faith was important to him, and he found solace and strength in his religious community. John was a loving father, grandfather, and a respected member of the community.
He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Waddler and mother, Estelle Gordon Waddler; his first wife, Sonia Mills Waddler; three sisters, Hilda Waddler, Stella Riddick, and Brenda Gore; a nephew, Mario Turner and a niece, Nicole Gore.
He leaves to cherish his memory his second wife, Doris J. Waddler; a daughter, Arnita Waddler of Portsmouth, and three sons, Vaaron Jones of Portsmouth, John Waddler, of Norfolk, and Bryant Waddler of Chesapeake. Twelve grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews. Two sisters, Catherine Hudson of Greenville, SC and Clara Carrasquillo of Jacksonville, FL; a brother, Willie Waddler of Macon, GA and a caregiver, Mildred Rose of Newport News VA.
John will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His warm smile, kind heart, and love for life will be remembered and cherished forever.
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Emma Horton says
November 1, 2023 at 9:37 pmMy sincere condolences to the waddled family. My prayers are with the family.
Leigh M. Burton Sr says
November 2, 2023 at 8:55 pmMay the family continue to look to Jesus for added strength during this time. John hung on for a long time during His sickness. He kept bouncing back. I have known John for years. We served in Organizations during the same time. When ever We say each other We had a conversation. john 14::1-6
Sandra Powell says
November 3, 2023 at 6:46 amI am so sorry for your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
Idonia Boddie says
November 5, 2023 at 8:25 pmMy sincere condolences to my neice and nephews love you guys, and may God give you peace and comfort as you lay your father to rest. Love you Aunt Bobbie Jean
Orlena Lewis says
November 6, 2023 at 10:14 amMy condolences to the family of John Waddler… may God’s peace and comfort be with you all during this transition…Waddler has always shown kindness and compassion to others with his warm smile. He will be missed and always remembered!!!
George & Pamela Easter says
November 6, 2023 at 11:46 amCondolences to the family as you journey through this difficult time. May God’s Comfort bring you Peace
Frederick L. NEBLITT says
November 6, 2023 at 1:58 pmI have known John since the 1960’s We were in the same class at IC Norcom (Class of 67). Were Masons and I count him among my oldest friends, He gave advice on how to handle my kidney ailment. I will truly miss him.
Peter H. Singleton says
December 12, 2023 at 8:37 amRest In Peace my classmate. Our prayers go out to the family.
Sarah Thomas says
December 13, 2023 at 6:26 pmMy sincere condolences to the Waddler and Collins Family. My God grant you comfort during this time
Olivia Williams says
December 17, 2023 at 7:09 pmMay God bless you all at this time my sincere condolences go out to the family. John and I worked together he always had a smile and words of comfort he will always be missed Big O
Jemmott R Harris says
December 18, 2023 at 8:02 pmSo sorry to hear of John’s passing. Known John from the mid 60’s. He was a very good man and will be missed. The best to his family and friends. His fellow class mate ICN class of 1967.