William Hellmann passed away peacefully at Patriots Colony in Williamsburg on Sunday April 22, 2018. Bill was born Sept. 9, 1928 in Louisville, Ky. to Michael Valentine Hellmann and Lillian Dressel Hellmann. Bill moved to Newport News in 1971 to work for Smithfield Packing Company and retired from Smithfield Foods. He moved to Toano in 1985 with his wife, Joan. He enjoyed traveling, photography, fishing and playing with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan LeBlanc Hellmann, and four children, William Lee Hellmann Jr. (Kimberly) of Charles City County, Michael Hellmann (Melia) of Carrollton, Ann Hellmann Brown (Greg) of Charlottesville and Edward Hellmann (Theresa) of Poquoson; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Wohleb, of Louisville.

Nelson Funeral Home and Crematory of Williamsburg is the associated funeral home.