Herbert S. Small
Herbert S. Small, 98, of Colonial Heights, VA passed onto a better life peacefully at home on Thursday, March 6, 2025. He was born on February 9, 1927 in Colonial Heights, VA to his late parents, Edward A. and Dora Witt Small. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 76 years, Arline Holt Small, and brother, E. Alvin Small.
He was educated in Colonial Heights and Petersburg schools. Herbert joined the U.S Navy at age 17 during WWII, and served in the North Atlantic and South Pacific on the USS Card. He came home and soon after married the love of his life, Arline Holt, on October 14, 1947. They settled in Colonial Heights where he was a lifetime resident. He found a job working at a service station and learned the auto mechanics trade but after several years, he decided he wanted to go into Mortuary Science. He went to Echols Mortuary College in Pennsylvania and became a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. After graduation, he came home and joined his brother Alvin at E. Alvin Small Funeral Home in 1956, and became Vice President of the firm.
In 1977, the Governor of Virginia appointed him to the Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers for a term of 7 years. He also served as President for part of his term. He continued in this profession for over 50+ years. In 1990, he and Alvin turned over the business to their nephews, Bryan Small and Louis Smith. But, this did not deter Herbert from continuing to work there when he could, doing what he loved, helping and serving others.
Herbert received his first set of golf clubs from his wife as a 40th birthday gift and became quite the avid golfer. He played as much as possible while he was still employed but after retirement as much as twice a week. He joined the Colonial Heights Senior Golf Association and continued to play until reluctantly stopping at age 92.
Herbert was a member and past President of the Kiwanis Club of Colonial Heights for 60+ years, where he was a Lifetime Member of Kiwanis International and a George F. Hixon fellow. He was also a Lifetime Member of the Capital District Kiwanis International and received a Tablet of Honor from Kiwanis International. The Kiwanis Club honored him with a Club Scholarship for high school students. Herbert was 60+ year member of Colonial Heights American Legion Post #284, where he served as Service Officer for 21 years. He was also a member of Blandford Masonic Lodge #3 AF and AM in Petersburg for 50+ years.
Herbert was an avid Christian and lived a full Christian life. He was a founding member of Colonial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where he served as Trustee, Elder, Board Chairman, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir.
He is survived by two daughters, Susan Small Belcher (Earl) and Nancy Small Barnes (Kris) both of Colonial Heights; four grandchildren, Ashley Watkins McSwain (Thomas), Austin Kris Barnes (Holly), Kelsey Paige Barnes (Kerry), and Callie Belcher Luck (Michael); a great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Faye McSwain; and a brother, Ralph “Buddy” Small.
The family would like to thank his caregivers, Bj, Donna, Amy, Teresa, Jackie and Lyn for taking such excellent care of him over the last two + years. They would also like to thank Crater Community Hospice and his nurse, Lindsey, for their wonderful care and kindness over the last six months.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Colonial Christian Church, 295 Dunlop Farms Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834, with the Reverend Kathryn Hull officiating. Interment with Navy Honors will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, S Prince George, VA. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834.
In Remembrance
Service of Remembrance 2019
