Howard Stelly, Jr., 76, of Virginia Beach, passed away Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 after a long illness. Born Nov. 5, 1934 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Howard Sr. and Annie McClenny Stelly.

He served 24 years in the Navy and saw action in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He received 3 National Defense Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon along with several Good Conduct Awards. One of his commanders wrote in his evaluation of Howard; “Petty Officer Stelly has been working as a Special Investigator with the Security Dept. His performance and devotion to duty is outstanding. His personality is such that he easily gets along with others and contributes to the high moral of the department. His tact in all situations commands a great amount of respect from his seniors and juniors alike. Petty Officer Stelly’s initiative, devotion, loyalty and performance make him an asset to the Department of the Navy. He is an outstanding Navy man.”

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Cynthia Smith Stelly; his son David W. Stelly; his daughters Linda Stelly Osborne and Teresa Stelly Cohee; two step-daughters Katherine G. Richardson Hirsch (Katieh) and Karen E. King Hogue; a step-son Harold W. King, Jr. (Buddy); his brother, Robert B. Stelly and his wife Grace; his sister Yvonne Stelly Creech of Raleigh, NC; his brothers-in-law, Patrick S. Smith and Michael M. Smith and his wife Cheryl; his special granddaughter Jaseona Rae Pickett (Hootie), seven other grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Howard Stelly, Jr. was a very special man. Underneath the hard Navy exterior was a very kind and gentle man. His family and friends meant everything to him and he would do anything for anyone. He will be missed so much by everyone.