Vernon Smoot

Vernon Washington "VW" Smoot, 82, of Newport News passed away February 18, 2015.VW was born on October 26, 1932 in Amherst County to Ernest and Edna Smoot. He was the eldest and only son of five children. Vernon was preceded in death by his mother and father, Edna Smoot Herndon and Ernest Smoot; three sisters, Bertha Coughenour, Linda Toombs and Shelby Kirtley; and wife Elsie Lou "Tillie" Smoot.He is survived by his only daughter Carol Smoot Hawkins; only granddaughter, Whitney Thompson "Wee-Whit"; only great-granddaughter, Kendall Helene-Grey Thompson (his monkey); and great-grandson Joshua Thompson all of Newport News; one sister Margaret Crist "Sissy" of Fredericksburg; sister-in-law Frances Lindsay of Newport News; and numerous nieces and nephews.Vernon's family moved to Newport News at the age of 10 and had his first job delivering milk for Yoder Dairy. In 1949, he and his wife Tillie moved to Fredericksburg to begin a new chapter. With the help of his uncle Milton Campbell he began working for the Coca-Cola Company and many good memories were made during those years. In 1962, he made a drastic career change and became an insurance salesman for Home Beneficial Life Insurance Company. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of his life. He met many lifelong friends and was passionate about people having life insurance and planning for the future. During his second year and several years after, he was the top salesman in the company and the first person to ever reach a million dollars in sales in the State of Virginia. He retired in 1992 after 30 wonderful years of accomplishments and service.Vernon also dabbled in other ventures; House-O-Matic established in Deerfield in Spotsylvania County and in the early 80's bought Anne's Dress Shop; eventually changing the name Lil Verns. He was an avid NASCAR fan and even raced his own "00" car in the 50's at the old racetrack located at the Fredericksburg Fairground.In 1975, he and his wife purchased a home in Deltaville, located at the Mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and Rappahannock River; some of the best memories were made during that time. There was a time when he would not even pick a crab and Tillie would do it for him, but he became a champion crab cooker and picker! He passed those down to family and friends. The property eventually got a little too much for him to handle and was sold in 1999, however those fond memories are still near and dear to him and all the loved ones he shared them with.He returned to Newport News in June 2003 to be closer to family. He and Tillie had become best friends again, and he treasured every moment he had with Kendall for the last eight years.In honor of his wishes he is "going home" to Fredericksburg. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8pm Monday, February 23 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg.A graveside service will be held at 11am Tuesday, February 24 at Sunset Memorial Gardens.