William R. Sowkulech, 88

William R. "Bill" Sowkulech, 88 of West Portsmouth died Monday March 26, 2012 at SOMC Hospice. He was born October 14, 1923 in Portsmouth to the late Mike and Mabel Himes Sowkulech. He was a retired school teacher from Portsmouth West High School with 26 years of service. He was a proud US Army WWII veteran and a member of the James Dickey Post 23 American Legion. He was an avid gardener and loved the outdoors. He was coordinator of the Senior Citzen/Veterans Gardens on the Westside for 15 years. Along with his parents Bill was preceded in death by 2 sisters; Kate Mitchell and Patty Isgett and one brother Mike Sowkulech.

Bill is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia Ray Sowkulech, 2 daughters; Pam Fulton of West Union and Jan Sowkulech of West Portsmouth, a stepson, Rick Schoebel of Danville, Ky., nine grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM Friday March 30, 2012 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with military rites by James Dickey Post 23 American Legion. Friends may call at the funeral home starting at 11:00 AM. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. David Hanzel, staff at SOMC Emergency Care and especially to SOMC Hospice for their wonderful and loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to SOMC Hospice. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com