William (Bill) Carlson

William (Bill) Carlson, age 82, passed away with his eyes closed and his heart open, peacefully on February 13, 2025.
He was born November 14, 1942 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA, to Clarence and Juanita Carlson.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His passion and integrity for those he loved was unwavering. His humor, wisdom, kindness, generosity and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
The summer after graduating high school in Seattle, he worked on a tug boat before attending The University of Washington in the fall. While in his third year of college, he withdrew and signed up with the United States Army where he proudly served his country as a U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) Special Operations Forces. He was immensely proud and honored to be a Vietnam Veteran. On January 20, 1968 he married his sweetheart, Libby, in Yorktown, VA. He and his young bride moved later that year to Seattle, WA, where they began their family, welcoming his two oldest girls while working at The Port of Seattle until 1978. The young family moved back to Yorktown, VA the same year, where they welcomed their third daughter. He worked at Busch Gardens Entertainment, Corp from 1978 as Safety Director until his retirement in March 1999. After retiring, he enjoyed spending his time volunteering for many years at The Red Cross and The Peninsula Pet Pantry.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years-Libby Carlson of Yorktown, VA, their three daughters; Trilby Burt (Charlie) of Richmond, VA, Melissa Whitam (Raymond) of Gloucester, VA and Heather Carlson (Matt Sexton) of Norfolk, VA. and two grandchildren, Ashley Eshleman (John) of Knoxville, TN and Bryce Hatchell of Richmond, Va.
He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence, his mother, Juanita and his sister, Victoria, all of Seattle WA.
He will be cremated and laid to rest at The Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Suffolk, VA. In lieu of flowers he asked to please make a donation to the Peninsula SPCA or CHKD. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM Sunday, March 23, 2025 in Abingdon Ruritan Club, 8784 Guinea Road, Hayes, Va. 23072
Though we mourn, we also celebrate the incredible life he lived. Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, Va.