William Avery Charnick, Sr., 84, entered into eternal rest on April 2, 2017, surrounded by his family at Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News, VA.  He was born on October 1, 1932, in Phoebus, VA and remained a resident all his life.  In his early years William joined the US Army and served for 2 years. He then worked at the Newport News Shipyard as a painter for 19 years; then continued his work at the Veterans Administration Hospital for 22 years, retiring in 1994.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Arthur James and Ollie Charnick, sister Rebecca Dawson and brother Arthur Charnick, Jr.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Shirley L. Charnick, daughter, Janie M.  (Roy) West of Hampton, sons, William A. "Chuck" (Brenda) Charnick, Jr., of Hampton, Paul W. (Jamie) Charnick of Newport News, Mark S. (Rita) Charnick of Hampton, and niece Sandra (Sam) Pridgen of Castalia, NC, 8 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren along with many other relatives.

He was a great man of faith and dedicated his life to the Lord. He enjoyed NASCAR racing never missing a race, rocking in his favorite chair at home and was a fan of Kyle Busch. In the summer time you would see William on his front porch swing playing his guitar and singing to his grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and loved ones for a viewing at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 South Armistead Avenue in Hampton, VA on Thursday, April 6, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Robert "Bob" Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery, 1009 East Pembroke Avenue, Hampton, VA. A reception will follow at 9 Hodges Drive, Hampton, Va.

The family would like to thank Dr. Watkins, Nurse Helene and staff at Riverside Regional Medical Center for their kind support and care during his brief stay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union Mission Ministries, P. O. Box 3203, Norfolk, VA 23514.

Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, at 245 South Armistead Avenue in Hampton, 757-723-3191 .