John Williams Vellines

John Williams Vellines, known as Jack to all who knew him, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 7, 2026. Born on November 25, 1925, in Norfolk, Virginia, he lived a full and independent life of 100 years in the city he always called home.

Jack was devoted to his wife, Maude Willard Wilson Vellines, whom he married in 1953 and loved until the end of his days. He was overjoyed to be reunited with her after her passing in 2002. Together they raised two children, John Wilson Vellines and Claire Connelly Vellines, who treasured their parents and the deep love they shared. Jack and Maude were affectionately known as Grandaddy and Grandmommy to their six grandchildren: John Wilson Vellines Jr., Erin Vellines McCabe, Lindsay Vellines Carzolio, Hannah Ficker Adams, Virginia Leigh Evans, and Kyle Christopher Ficker.

Born to Wilson Williams and Mabel Clair Vellines, Jack grew up with siblings Wilson Farrell Vellines and Norma Vellines Eley. A 1943 graduate of Maury High School, he played baseball and the clarinet before enlisting in the United States Army Air Forces, serving with the 347th Fighter Squadron in Italy during World War II. After the war, he attended Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Alabama before returning to Norfolk, where he enjoyed a long career at Old Dominion, Dillard, and International Paper Company.

Jack’s greatest passion was the outdoors. He spent countless hours fishing and boating on the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, often in his distinctive 24-foot yellow T-Craft. In 1970 he built his beloved cottage, The Quacker Jack, at Sandbridge Beach, where he enjoyed hunting waterfowl and sharing time with family. He and his family helped establish the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club’s Annual Family Fishing Tournament, and for 31 summers he welcomed and encouraged young anglers with patience and humor. A quick-witted and steady man, Jack was known for his helpful nature, his well-stocked toolbox, and his love of simple gatherings with friends over coffee, crabs, or a game of gin rummy. Active in many community organizations, including the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, American Legion Post 35, Tidewater Boat Club, Sertoma, Elks Lodge, Ducks Unlimited, and the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, he touched many lives across generations.

Jack is survived by his children, six grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren, two of whom were named in his honor. His legacy of constancy, kindness, honesty, and deep affection for family and friends remains with all who knew him.