VIRGINIA BEACH - William L. "Billy" Hooten, 60, passed away Monday, Dec. 27, 2010 with his family at his side after a brief illness. He was born, Aug. 17, 1950 in Portsmouth to the late William and Elizabeth Hooten. He spent many years as a skilled carpenter for the Chrysler Museum. Left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Martha and David Messersmith of Hampton, and Bobby and Lennie Hooten of Virginia Beach; his niece and nephews, Jason and Sarah Messersmith of Hampton, Melanie and Parish Chapman of Covington, La., and Jonathan Hooten of Virginia Beach; and his best friend, Jamie Crawford of Norfolk. He is also survived by his beloved Sugar Bee who was his constant companion during many fishing trips and walks on the beach as well as many close friends and coworkers. Those who knew Billy will remember his creative and superior woodworking skills; his love of the water; listening and playing blues and jazz music; the Virginia Tech Hokies, and the Washington Redskins, of whom he remained a loyal fan always hoping for a better next year. A memorial service will be held at the Altmeyer Funeral Home at Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 2 p.m. There will be a reception following at the Fraternal Order of Eagles at 1061 Newtown Road. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Chrysler Museum at 245 W. Olney Road, Norfolk VA 23510 or the New Branch Community Church at 9608 Windsor Blvd. Windsor, VA 23487. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.altmeyer.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on January 4, 2011