William Christian “Bill” Tennis, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in Hampton. Born in the Elizabeth Buxton Hospital in Newport News (sorry fellow Crabbers) on July 31, 1940, to Milton C. and Minge Perkins “Polly” Tennis, Bill graduated from Hampton High School in 1958 (the last class in the “old” school) and from the NASA-Langley Research Center Apprentice School in 1964.

His working career began at age 5, by “aiding” Solomon Phillips and Ed Morris, among others, to see that their appointed rounds were kept in a timely manner (delivering mail) in the Claremont Avenue area of the wythe section of Hampton. Following 36 years of dedication to NASA-Langley Research Center, Bill retired in January of 1997 as a Supervisory Engineering Technician in the area of high-pressure pneumatic and hydraulic control systems.

A member of the Hampton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since his youth and last active survivor of its founder, William Abraham Tennis, Bill’s last enjoyment was serving on the Pulpit Committee and sponsor of the annual Minge Perkins Tennis Youth Scholarship Fund, named in fond memory of his Mother.

Among the civic and social organizations in which he enjoyed activities were: President of the Hampton Roads CB Club, NASA-LaRC Supervisor’s Club, and American Federation of Government Employees Local 2755 (AFL-CIO); Exalted Ruler of the Hampton B.P.O. Elks Lodge #366, Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Elk’s Southeast Virginia District, District Representative on the government Relations and Youth Camp Trust Fund Committees of the Virginia Elks Association and an Honorary Member of the Elks National Foundation; Life member of the Friends of the Hampton Library, Lafayette Gun Club and National Association of Retired Federal Employees; member of the Historic Virginia Peninsula Region of the antique Automobile Association of America, Hampton Democratic Committee, and the Hampton Historical Society; and served on the Hampton Mayor’s Committees on the Handicapped and Community Development (Vice-Chairman).

One of Bill’s favorite hobbies was singing, foremost with the Hampton Roads Barbershop Chorus (if you’re too busy to sing, you’re too busy) and as of late with the George B. Amos Men’s Chorus of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Poquoson, still remembering his younger days in the choir at the Hampton Christian Church. The greatest singing was with a 100-man Barbershop Chorus that toured England in 1974. This resulted in the vast expansion of Barbershop Harmony in the UK.

Bill loved photography and people who loved people; enjoyed helping someone in real and deserving need and did probably more than his share of ribbing people. Learned in later years that when a loved one needs medical attention of various sorts; one has to take charge and assure that the needed services are provided.

During the middle of his career, Bill had the honor of giving testimony before two Congressional Subcommittees on issues of importance to Federal workers and headed the Virginia branch of Fund for Assuring an Independent Retirement (FAIR), an organization that worked to prevent the merging of the retirement systems of local, state, federal and non-profit organizations with that of Social Security. Had it been allowed to pass, millions of hard-working Americans would have had their retirement plans severely diluted, rather than have Social Security as a supplement, as originally intended. His latest legislative activity has included giving testimony before the Virginia Gaming Commission concerning bingo operations.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in passing by his brother, Milton Cary Tennis, Jr., while Cary served in the Navy in 1967. Bill’s military service included being a member of the Battery D, 111th Field Artillery, Virginia Army National Guard, following somewhat in the footsteps of his Dad, who retired as a CWO-4 in 1971.

A memorial service will be conducted at Hampton Christian Church 151 E. Mercury Blvd, Hampton, VA 23669

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Hampton Christian Church.

Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton, VA.