William Irvin Garbee was born to Doris Drummond Watts Garbee and Hugh Smith Garbee on July 9, 1949 in Amherst, VA. He died at home in Hampton, VA on April 21, 2021.
Survivors include his brother, Rich (Linda) of Salem, VA and sister Sarah Matthews (Rick) of Lake Anna. Bill and his housemate, Bradley Norris, passed the 25-year mark of living together a month ago.
He held degrees from Virginia Tech and Old Dominion University. After serving three years in the U.S. Air Force, he received an honorable discharge at the rank of sergeant.
Bill began his career at Lowe’s in accounts receivable, followed by many years as a computer systems analyst for firms servicing the Navy. As a second career, he taught mathematics at schools in Williamsburg, York County, and Portsmouth. Mr. Garbee was much-appreciated by students who wanted to excel.
Ever the proper-mannered gentleman, he took a quiet pride in his First Families of Virginia status – on both sides.
Bill was a life-long avid reader of fiction (especially murder mysteries), as well as history and biographies of presidents. He had an eye for arranging rooms and gardens to well-proportioned perfection. Guests enjoyed Bill’s cooking – the taste as well as the presentation.
As a brother, housemate, uncle, teacher, co-worker and friend, we honor Bill’s memory as a beloved child of God.