SMITHFIELD—Virgil Hurst Justice Jr., 83, died at Riverside Convalescent Center, Smithfield, Aug. 30, after a lengthy illness.

A native of Clyde, N.C., Virgil was the son of the late Virgil Hurst Sr., and Lyda Penland Justice. A Smithfield resident for the past 12 years, Virgil was formerly of Newport News for some 48 years and was a member of Riverside Baptist Church.

Mr. Justice graduated from the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School in 1945. Virgil then worked at NACA/NASA for 38 years and was involved with Apollo Moon Program, as well as performing model testing for the Saturn Five and X-15 Projects.

In addition to his parents, Virgil was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl and Charles Justice.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Ruth Eure Justice; his son, Timothy Hurst Justice of Virginia Beach; three sisters, Polly Bailey, Louise Ramsey and Maxine Finlen; and several nieces and nephews.

Services for Mr. Justice will be private. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Isle of Wight SPCA, P.O. Box 273, Smithfield, VA 23431 or perform any random act of kindness.

Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield.