It is with great sadness that we announce that Arnold Chester Vass went to be with our Heavenly Father on February 14, 2022 surrounded by his family after a hard and courageous battle with Cancer.
Arnold was born on July 23, 1950 in Bluefield, WV to the late great Sylvia & Chester Vass of Narrows, VA (Wolf Creek). He proudly graduated from Narrows High School in 1968. He went on to graduate from Wytheville Community College in 1971 with an associate in Drafting. Right after college, he enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard where he proudly served for 30 years rising to the rank of Master Sergeant before his retirement. At the same time, he moved to Newport News, VA in 1972 to work at Newport News Shipbuilding, where he enjoyed his days with friends that became family. He retired from Newport News Shipbuilding in 2017 as a Master Shipbuilder after 45 years of service.
Arnold met the Love of his life, Debra, in 1998, who he would go on to marry in 2006 creating an awesome blended family gaining two more children to his already three.
Arnold’s passion was the beach and fishing. Therefore, he would purchase a home in Nags Head in 2010 to feed his passions with later retiring full time to “island time”. Arnold always had a talent for building things, he always hated an unfinished project. During his retirement, he loved working with Better Beaches OBX saving the beach. He was a 30-year member of American Legion Post 368 along with the Fraternal Order of Eagles 4506. He also loved calling his kids to make sure they were working so he got his social security check. Arnold was a great son, husband, father most of all he was the best Grandpa.
Arnold was preceded in death by his parents Sylvia & Chester Vass along with his older brother Roger Vass. He is survived by his “Honey” Debra Vass of Nags Head, NC, brother Garrie Vass & wife May of Manning, SC, sister Gayle Furrow of Sarasota, FL, daughter Tamila Lee of Manassas, VA, daughter Angela Clark & husband Jeffery of Newport News, VA, son Jarrod Vass & Kristina Stinson of Newport News, VA, son Justin Hayden and wife Amy of Katy, TX, daughter Jackie Perkins & husband Adam of Norfolk, VA. He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren Christian, Logan, Tyler, Aiden, Gavin, Addison, Santana, Cooper and David who will miss him tremendously. And many nieces and nephews.
A Repass and celebration of life will be held at American Legion Post 368 at 368 American Legion Dr., Newport News, VA on March 19, 2022 from 2-6 for family and friends. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in honor of Arnold Vass to Better Beaches OBX at www.betterbeachesobx.org or Nags Head Fire & Rescue at www.NagsHeadFireRescue.com.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
.
Twiford Funeral Home (Outer Banks)
500 Budleigh Street, PO Box 595,
Fax: (252) 473-3392
Email: David.Jr@TwifordFH.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Arnold Chester Vass
Print Obituary & Condolences
Kathryn Davis
Debbie, My heart grieves for you and with you. I am so glad that you found Arnold and were able to share these past years with him. He was always so kind to my family. The girls think very highly of him. They have very fond memories of their trip to Nags Head last summer.
May you find comfort in knowing that you are loved by many and you will see Arnold again and spend eternity together ❤
Lynn Smith
Am so very sorry
Candis Gioia
To my life long friend Debbie. I was sad to hear of Arnold’s passing. I think of you often. My prayers and hugs go out to you. Candy
Michelle Dugan
I am so sorry for your loss may God bless you and your family. Time will heal all pain with God by your side.
Rob Hogan
My condolences to the family and friends of Arnold. I knew him throughout my career at NNS. He was always looking for ways to help the shops at waterfront at the shipyard. Always easy going with a common sense approach to his work. Glad to hear he was able to retire as a Master Shipbuilder and find happiness on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. May he Rest In Peace and may good memories bring you comfort.
Ginger Tillett
It saddens me so much to hear of Arnold’s passing. I am a neighbor, that passes by the home every day, and on most mornings ,he would be out on the deck, with a kind word and a morning greeting. I will surly miss that. God Bless the family