Dear Family - I'm so saddened to hear of the loss of your parents and my dear friends, Billy & LaVene. I met Billy in the fall of 1961 as new Apprentices at NNS&DDCO. My future wife and I drove down to Roanoke Rapids from Gloucester, VA, for their wedding. We became Hull Designers in the same class and our friendship continued and matured since. The last time we spoke, Billy asked me to add LaVene's name to our church prayer list. We worked together, laughed together and stayed in touch wherever he roamed. To say I'll miss him is an understatement. I can joyfully say, "See you later, my Friend!"

God Bless the Wright Family and friends. We wish you our sincerest condolences to the Wright Family and friends. We'll miss our friends Billy and Lavene... We will keep the Wright Family and friends in our thoughts and prayers... Sincerely, Terry and crew at PirateLand

God Bless the Wright Family and friends. We wish you condolences today and the rest of your lives. Billy and Lavene will be in our memories and the family in our prayers. God Bless all of you. Terry and the crew of PirateLand

I am so sorry for your loss. Billy sat next to me in Sunday school every Sunday for years. I know he will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless all of you. It is so hard losing parents.

Lynne, Amy, and family, I am so sorry to hear the news about your Mom and Dad. They were both truly special people and I am fortunate to have known them. I have such fond memories of all the fun times LaVene and I shared at work and going on "adventures". Praying that God and your sweet memories of them will sustain you during this difficult time.

I send my sincere condolences to the family. My Dad was Mayo Modlin, the oldest child in Aunt Dorothy"s family. My earliest memories of Billy were when he was 10 and I was 6.Over the years we saw each other at an occasional trip to Grand Mama Modlins or a family reunion. Billy was one of my many first cousins on the Modlin side. You and LaVene will be missed. RIP until we meet again.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15

So sorry for your loss, losing one parent is bad enough but loosing both is devastating. We’ve know Billy & LaVene since Newport News, then we all moved north to Spotsylvania. Worked together at George G Sharp, JJMA, & Alison, finally to retirement. Remember visiting in Spotsylvania & seeing LaVene’s house display, she had quite a collection. We would be with you tomorrow but the trip is too long.

Amy, So deeply sorry for your family to lose them both so close together. Have so many happy memories of our times with them at the beach, and many local restaurants. Your Mom would line up tickets for us at the Opry and we'd enjoy great shows together. Never to be forgotten.

I knew Billy since 1987 when I joined John J. McMullen Associates in Crystal City, VA. Our backgrounds were so different. Billy was a good old boy from North Carolina and I grew up a Jewish kid in Brooklyn. After each of us retired, we’d keep in touch by phone. We always kidded each other and laughed at our infirmities as we grew older. I will miss him.

We have many memories of our time at the beach with Billy and LaVene. Lots of laughs, going out for meals together and just some good old fun. Will never forget the time LaVene came to Canada for two weeks to stay with us. We had only known them since 2007, met at the beach, but it felt like we had known them for ever. Loved them both very much and we will miss them. Till we meet again Billy and LaVene.

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Billy and Lavene. Billy was a special friend to my parents for many years while he was living in Fredericksburg and went to church with them at Fairview Baptist Church. He never failed to asked about our family anytime he called checking on my parents. Both of them will be greatly missed. Praying for your family during your time of grief.

Lynne, I am so sorry for your loss, and I pray God’s strengthening and understanding for you and your family during these difficult times.

Thank you for the wonderful memories! You will be missed! You had many great years together and your children and grandchildren will cherish the memories of what great role models you were to many.

Lynn, Amy, Julian, there are no words to describe what LaVene and Billy meant to me. All the camping, weddings and all in between. We shared. She and I talked at least once a day but some days as many as 3. I loved them both. My heart is broken

Billy, I have enjoyed our e-mail contact over the past several years. The last time I saw you and Lavern was in Fredericksburg. You were a rabid Courtland High foot- ball dad. So cuz. you two RIP.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.