Hannon Marshall Burford's life journey began in Amherst County, Virginia, on December 16, 1926 and ended in Newport News, Virginia on October 25, 2014. The son of the late William Nelson and Margaret Rucker Burford, he attended Lynchburg College and The University of Virginia. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II and in 1949, he obtained a BS degree in engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. He held an active U.S. Merchant Marine Officers engineering license issued by the United States Coast Guard, and he was a Commissioned Officer in the United States Naval Reserve. "Burf," as he was known to his co-workers, began his 38-year career at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in 1951, where he held various technical, engineering and management positions. In 1952 he married Elizabeth "Beth" Younger. Hannon was licensed as a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and was a member of The Society of Naval Architects and Marine engineers (SNAME). He was an internationally recognized engineering expert on ship performance testing as well as on sea trials of commercial and naval ships and submarines. He authored and co-authored numerous technical documents for which he was recognized by SNAME. Understanding the importance of being involved in his community, he was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church of Hampton and its men's bible class. He served on the Board of Deacons and was an active participant on church committees. He was a charter member of the Riverdale Recreation Association and served on its Board of Directors. During his retirement years, he was a member and supporter of the Christopher Newport University Lifelong Learning Society. He was also a member of the Rucker Family Society and attended Rucker family reunions throughout the country. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he will forever remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind: his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Burford of Newport News; daughters: Ann Jett and husband John, Elizabeth "Betsy" Poulsen and husband Wendell; grandchildren: Elizabeth Frost and husband Aaron, Jason Poulsen, Jacob Poulsen and wife Katie, Wendell Turner "Trey" Poulsen III, Krystin McConnell and husband Sean, and great grandchildren: Judah, Re'me, Riley, and Sean Paul McConnell Jr."Mac." Hannon was preceded in death by his two sisters, Louise Burford Mason and Minnie Burford Jennings, and brother, William Owen Burford. The family extends their gratitude and appreciation to the staff of The Chesapeake for the loving care and attention Hannon received while in the Memory Support and Health Care units. Additionally, they are most grateful to the Compassionate Care Hospice Agency for their exceptional care and professionalism, and for their intuitive understanding of the family members' needs. A Memorial service will take place on November 1st at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 514 S. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA. Following the Memorial service, the Burford family welcomes guests for lunch which will be served in the church's Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Baptist Retirement Home, care of The Chesapeake, 955 Harpersville Rd., Newport News, VA 23601.