Obituary for Willie Bloom Jr.
On June 5th, 2022, in the comfort of his own loving home, the Deacon Willie Bloom Jr. was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born in Little River, South Carolina, he was one of fifteen children raised in the union of Willie Bloom Sr. and Edith Lorraine Bellamy Bloom. Affectionately called “Junior” by his family, Willie set his sights beyond Little River and would embark on a long career path of 40 years combined civil service, with 22 years in the U.S. Army (retired) and 18 years with the U.S. Postal Service (retired). Willie served two 12-month tours in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star 2 times with accommodating oak leaf clusters. He was known as a “soldier” to all who knew him, in the U.S. Army. He was better known as “Deacon Bloom” and a “soldier in the Army of the Lord”
A hard-working man, Willie would not let 2 retirements be enough; he would go on to drive across country, independently for Maersk Line, Limited, with his own owner & operator license and “big rig” truck.
In between his 2 tours of Vietnam, Willie would meet and marry the true love of his life, Cynthia Yvette Johnson. Their marriage would last 50 years until death did part them in 2016, when Cynthia was finally called home. Throughout their marriage, “Bill”, as Cynthia lovingly called him, loved and enjoyed singing and dancing with his wife, as they both were extraordinary singers. He was active in the church ministry and became a deacon in 2006 at Mount Bethel Baptist Church, where he has been a member since 1996. He referred to his church as “home” and loved his church congregation.
One of his many talents and passions was singing. He was the founding member, over 30 years ago, of the Kingston Jubilees of Virginia Beach. Willie loved the members of the gospel group and referred to them as, “all my sons”. Although the smallest in the group, he was known for his deep bass voice that would defy his small stature. He was a God-fearing man who never missed a chance to hang a suit – indeed he was the sharpest dresser ever! He never met a stranger, had a generous heart and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Left to cherish his memories are his three children; Angela Bloom-Hewett, Constance Bloom and Timothy Craig Bloom: his six grandchildren; Justin Ray Underwood, Timothy Craig Bloom Jr., Jonathan Bloom, Anissa Noelle Hewett, Jordan Bloom and Aiden Isaiah Bloom and his five great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters; Mrs. Justine Curry (James) and Patricia Bloom-Todd: one sister-in-law; Mrs. Zella J. Barnett (Stanley): one daughter-in-law; Diana S. Blas Bloom and one son-in-law; Howard Hewett. Willie will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A hard-working man, Willie would not let 2 retirements be enough; he would go on to drive across country, independently for Maersk Line, Limited, with his own owner & operator license and “big rig” truck.
In between his 2 tours of Vietnam, Willie would meet and marry the true love of his life, Cynthia Yvette Johnson. Their marriage would last 50 years until death did part them in 2016, when Cynthia was finally called home. Throughout their marriage, “Bill”, as Cynthia lovingly called him, loved and enjoyed singing and dancing with his wife, as they both were extraordinary singers. He was active in the church ministry and became a deacon in 2006 at Mount Bethel Baptist Church, where he has been a member since 1996. He referred to his church as “home” and loved his church congregation.
One of his many talents and passions was singing. He was the founding member, over 30 years ago, of the Kingston Jubilees of Virginia Beach. Willie loved the members of the gospel group and referred to them as, “all my sons”. Although the smallest in the group, he was known for his deep bass voice that would defy his small stature. He was a God-fearing man who never missed a chance to hang a suit – indeed he was the sharpest dresser ever! He never met a stranger, had a generous heart and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Left to cherish his memories are his three children; Angela Bloom-Hewett, Constance Bloom and Timothy Craig Bloom: his six grandchildren; Justin Ray Underwood, Timothy Craig Bloom Jr., Jonathan Bloom, Anissa Noelle Hewett, Jordan Bloom and Aiden Isaiah Bloom and his five great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters; Mrs. Justine Curry (James) and Patricia Bloom-Todd: one sister-in-law; Mrs. Zella J. Barnett (Stanley): one daughter-in-law; Diana S. Blas Bloom and one son-in-law; Howard Hewett. Willie will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.