Clarence Percival (Pete) Hathaway, III

Clarence Percival “Pete” Hathaway III, of Virginia Beach, passed away on March 9, 2026. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, on November 19, 1945, he grew up in Sunbury, North Carolina, and graduated from Gates County High School in 1964. He earned a BA in History from North Carolina Wesleyan College and an MS in Education from Old Dominion University.

Pete devoted 38 years to teaching geography, history, and civics at Virginia Beach Junior High School after beginning his career at Princess Anne and Kellam High Schools. Known for his quick wit, boundless energy, and memorable habit of jumping on his desk, he also coached boys’ soccer and the debate team, leading the latter to a City Championship in 2002. He served as Social Studies Department Chair and was repeatedly named Teacher of the Month by his colleagues.

In August 1975, Pete married Amy Harrier Hathaway, and together they shared 50 years of devoted marriage. He was a loving husband, deeply engaged father, and beloved PopPop. He is survived by his wife, Amy; their daughter, Blake Hathaway Mailhes, and her husband, Albin R. “Trey” Mailhes III, and their son, Albin R. “Ben” Mailhes IV; and their son, Chase Percival Hathaway, and his wife, Heather, and their daughters, Ellen, June, and Clara Paige. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he shared a special bond with each of them.

A man of strong faith, Pete was an active member of Lynnhaven United Methodist Church, where he served as Chairman of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, communion steward, and enthusiastic leader in Vacation Bible School. He also taught in the Virginia Beach Community Bible Study. In retirement, he cheerfully assisted customers at Taylor’s Do-It Center at Hilltop, often singing in the aisles and offering advice with the familiar words, “Now here’s what you do.”

Pete was deeply involved in his community through the Virginia Beach Sports Club, Sons of the American Revolution, Future of Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach Historical Society, and the Masons. An avid Yankees, Tar Heel, and Old Dominion Monarchs fan, he held season tickets to ODU football and loved dancing to beach music, relaxing on the beach with family, reading nonfiction aloud, solving crossword puzzles, and embarking on ambitious road trips. He embraced life with enthusiasm, whether surfing, dog sledding, skydiving, or simply celebrating with friends and family.

He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Donnie Pendergrass, and their son, Hathaway Pendergrass (Kate), and children; and by his sister-in-law, Marsha Henry, and her husband, Mike, and their children and families. Pete was predeceased by his parents, C.P. Hathaway, Jr. and Alice P. Hathaway, and his sister, Dr. Harriet Anne Hathaway.