William Hirsch

William Louis Hirsch, age 86, of Chester, VA., passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2010. He was born in Cleveland, OH the son of the late Louis Bernard and Malinda A. Matz Hirsch. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Louise. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Geraldine Hadder Hirsch (Jeri) and four sons and three daughters, Bill (Sally); David (Shirley); Stephen (Marti); Matthew (Mary-Chris); Barbara (Phil); Mindy (Michael) and Janet (Billy); also survived by two sisters, Juanita Floyd, Houston, TX and Dorothy Ries, Plano, TX; fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews. He became an Eagle Scout, Troop 26 in San Benito, TX on January 18, 1940. Bill learned to fly as a civilian (Piper Cub AT-6) and very much enjoyed being a pilot. He served as a SSgt. in the US Army/Air Corps as a gunnery instructor during World War II before college. He graduated from San Benito, TX high school in 1941; graduated from the University of Texas in Austin in 1950 and attended SMU (Dallas) Graduate school. Bill was a proud charter member and instrumental in the start of Grace Lutheran Church on Harrowgate Road in Chester. He eagerly served in the ground breaking ceremony for the sanctuary and was proud to serve as the first President of the congregation. He is retired from Bridgestone Firestone as a mechanical Engineer and manager of utilities. He became a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers June 1960; the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers in 1968 and served as President of the Petersburg/Hopewell chapter. Bill was a charter member of the Chester Civitans club. A proud Longhorn Alumnus, his favorite expression was â??Hook â??em Horns.â? A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 18, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in Grace Lutheran Church, 13028 Harrowgate Road, Chester, VA, with Pastor Richard Finck officiating. The family is being served by the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 13028 Harrowgate Road, Chester, Va. Condolences may be registered with www.jtmorriss.com .