USN Retired Commander Glenn Raymond "Willie" Pine, passed away peacefully in hospice on July 10, 2023 with his wife, Judy, and youngest daughter, Aleta Spencer, by his side.  He is survived by his elder daughters Melissa Leskovar and Heather Granger; sons-in-law James Leskovar, Tray Granger and Kevin Spencer; honorary son, Christopher Ekornes; and many grandchildren including:  Nicholas Stivers and wife, Maya; Jordan Knapp; Jonathan Reynolds and long-time girlfriend, Shasmin Asbury; Christina Reynolds; Naomi Reynolds and fiance, Alex Pegg; Ashton Roberts; Sloan Roberts; Keagan Roberts; Taylor Luna; Lamae Spencer; and, Killian Spencer.

Willie was born on June 26, 1951 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  He is predeceased by his father Harold Pine; mother, Florence Slade; and stepfather Warren Slade.  Willie grew up with 6 siblings:  Warren "Tommy" Slade, Albuquerque, NM; Eloisa Statham (husband, Joseph Wojcich), Phoenix, AZ; Michele Fuller (husband, Bruce, son Matt), Albuquerque, NM; Dumas Slade (son, Quinn), Albuquerque, NM; Leslie Gollehon (husband, Noel), Gaithersburg, MD; and Rosemary Slade (husband, Edward Meche), Waller, TX.  He spent most of his childhood with his grandparents, Glenn and Rose Hastie, who nicknamed him "Willie" because he gave her the "willies" every time he walked their wooden fence like it was a tightrope.  He had piercing blue eyes that could see into your soul and he never backed down from a challenge.

After high school, Willie joined the Navy to serve his country during Vietnam. His shipmates often asked, "Why did you join the American Navy?" After all, he is from "New" Mexico… (the 47th United State.)  He served his country honorably for over 25 years, rising in the ranks from enlisted personnel to officer, gaining respect from his superiors, crew and civilians he interacted with.  He joined the Navy to see the world and particularly enjoyed his stations overseas. Hawaii and the Republic of the Philippines will always be special places for him and his family.  When his time at sea was over, he would often get phone calls from former shipmates seeking his advice and counsel.

Willie met the love of his life, Judy, at Eastern New Mexico State University in 1974. When he asked her out on a date, she told him he needed to get a haircut first, to which he happily obliged.  He said when they kissed for the first time, lightning struck between them and he knew they would be together forever.  Forever would have been 49 years in December.  He was her rock and she was his queen. Together, they raised three daughters and some of his happiest days were spent with his grandchildren. He cherished time with his family.  Willie and Judy opened their home to their children's friends as surrogate parents, advisors and protectors.  He loved celebrating all of life's events with his bonus children.

Willie was a long-time resident of Hampton, Virginia.  He was an avid guitar player - often sitting around the living room, drinking beer and regaling family and friends with songs and stories of his life and times at sea.  Willie loved exploring historic sites and local breweries.  He enjoyed riding motorcycles and was known for last-minute trips and pit-stops with zero notice.  When he wasn't on his bike, he was zooming along Virginia's back roads in his Ford Mustang or hanging out at his favorite spot, Oozlefinch Beers & Blending, enjoying a Lady in White.

Willie was cremated at R. Hayden Funeral Home in Hampton, Virginia.  A private celebration of life will be held in both Virginia and New Mexico.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the American Red Cross, Wounded Warriors Project or the Veterans Memorial Fund.