CHESAPEAKE — Dave Abbitt Wilson, 88, passed away on Oct. 3, 2015.

Born on Oct. 30, 1926, Dave joined the United States Navy on Dec. 8, 1941, at the age of 16. He served 24 years active duty and was in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and the Korean conflict. Later in his career he served during the recovery of both Mercury and Apollo space capsules.

Dave and his wife of 67 years, Hazel, spent much of his retirement years traveling the United States. With the exception of Hawaii, they visited all the states at least once, Alaska twice and spent 28 winters in Key West, Florida.

Dave Wilson was preceded in death by his parents, George and Alease Wilson, and his sister, Willys Lee Johnson.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Hazel Wilson; his brother, Ellsworth Wilson; his sister, Edna Fruchey (John); his sons, Steven Wilson (Jerry) and James Wilson; his daughter, Nancy Cruey (Ervin); his grandchildren, Steven Wilson Jr., Robert Wilson (Jessica), Leighann Kitchen (Andy), Stacey Griffith (Wes), Lynn Frashefski and Willie Wilson; his great-grandchildren, Steven Wilson III, Cora Wilson, Molly Wilson, Robert Wilson Jr., Sophia Wilson, Lee Kitchen, Levi Kitchen, Grayson Griffith, Addison Griffith, Paige Griffith, Lilly Frashefski and Shelly Frashefski.

Dave Wilson was cremated and his ashes will be scattered at sea in a ceremony at a later date.