William "Bill" L. Carmines, Jr.

William (Bill) L. Carmines, Jr.  passed away peacefully, at home on October 22, 2022 at the age of 89.  Bill was born on January 15, 1933, the son of William L. Carmines and Homer Virginia Firman Carmines.  Bubba Bill, as he was known by most of his family, is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Linda J. Carmines, his three children, Belinda C. Blankenship, Alice Ann C. Howard and William H. Carmines and two sons-in-law, Charles Blankenship, Jr. and Tyler Howard.  He is also survived by 7 beloved grandchildren, Connor Blankenship and wife Kayla, William Blankenship, Benjamin Blankenship, John Blankenship, Briana Howard, Cara Howard and Henry Howard.  He is also survived by his sisters Bea Paine, Brenda Beckelic and Fran Corey and his sister-in-law Francis Wilson.  His siblings, Ann Payne, Ede Nelson, Lelia Romo and George Carmines predeceased him.
Bill was born and resided in Poquoson, a community he steadfastly loved and served throughout his long life.  He grew up a waterman's son and worked as a waterman himself.  He attended Randolph Macon College and then entered the Coast Guard where he was stationed in Alaska.  Upon completion of his military service, he obtained a Master's Degree from The College of William and Mary.  
After William and Mary, he taught science at Poquoson High School where he met his future wife, Mary Linda. Bill continued to be an educator as both a teacher and subsequently a vice principal for many years until retirement. During retirement, Bill developed a self taught passion for woodworking, creating many beautiful pieces for family and loved ones.
Bill was very active in local politics, serving for twelve years on the Poquoson City Council.  One of his prouder achievement was his leadership role in spearheading the projects to build a new high school and later a new primary school.  Bill fought diligently to retain the uniqueness of Poquoson and tried to constantly defend it against attempts at overdevelopment.
With seven siblings, over thirty nieces and nephews and numerous cousins, Bill was often looked upon as the patriarch of the family. He was beloved and respected in that role.  Bill was a loving, compassionate, generous man who loved to hug.  He was known for his high intellect, his voracious reading, his introverted manner and his fierce temper. Bill was an honest, hardworking Bull Islander with a soft heart. He believed in helping those in need, directly and discreetly. 
Throughout his life, Bill loved his family and his community. Bill also cared for every dog and animal he ever came in contact with.  In his later years, he would buy apples and fruit to feed the deer nightly on his property.  His fur babies Summit, Cavy, Abbie and Winston will dearly miss him, but those that have already crossed over the rainbow bridge, especially Highness and Blossom, were eagerly awaiting his arrival.
The family will be having a memorial ceremony in the chapel at Trinity United Methodist Church, located at 1294 Poquoson Avenue, Poquoson, Virginia 23662 on November 25th at 2pm to celebrate Bill's life. November 25th, 2022 would have been Bill and Mary Linda's 58th wedding anniversary.  

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Bill to Heritage Humane Society 430 Waller Mill Rd Williamsburg, VA 23185 www.heritagehumane.org/donate or to Trinity United Methodist Church to the address given above.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.  
Online condolences to claytorrollins.com

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