William Leigh Cutchins, 95, passed away peacefully at home, Sunday, March 18, 2018, surrounded by his family.  Born in Petersburg on Aug. 16, 1922, William was the son of the late Dorothy Jordan and Clarence C. Cutchins.  He spent most of his adult life in Isle of Wight County.  

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Alice Reece Cutchins (d. 2011); and a daughter, Nancy Marshall Cutchins.  A devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, William leaves to cherish his memory three daughters, Dorothy C. Parker, Roberta C. “Robbie” Jaxtheimer and Susan Corbin (Mike); grandchildren, Jennifer R. Ferguson (Joe),  Janet L. Jaxtheimer and Nancy L. Jaxtheimer; great-grandchildren, Kaleigh N.  Little, Zachary A. Little, and Zoe G. Ferguson; and a host of friends and extended family.

William had two tours of duty with the U.S. Navy as an aviation metalsmith.   William then took his naval aviation expertise to NASA for a successful career in aviation model-making and engineer technician with the space program.  William used his talents in physics and tested his space shuttle models in the wind tunnel at NASA and received numerous commendations for his support of the space shuttle program.

In his retirement, William enjoyed travel and enjoyed watching the old westerns on TV.

Family and friends will gather Tuesday, March 20, 5-6 p.m. in Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton, for visitation, followed by a service celebrating William’s life with the Rev. Randy Bryant officiating.  Burial will be private in St. Luke’s Memorial Park cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions in William’s memory to Elevate Church, 23486 Deer Path Trail, Windsor, VA  23487 or Smithfield Assembly of God, 1800 S. Church Street, Smithfield, VA  23430.

Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, 14214 Carrollton Blvd. Carrollton, VA.  Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at  colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.