Cary Lee Jarvis

Cary Lee Jarvis, 94, of Virginia Beach, died April 28, 2016. Born in Norfolk, Virginia on April 13, 1922 the son of the late Cecil and Emily Jarvis. He is predeceased by his son, Cecil Franklin Jarvis; former wife, Nellie Elizabeth Jarvis; and brother, Douglas Franklin Jarvis. Mr. Jarvis joined the Virginia National Guard, 111th Field Artillery Battalion, and 29th Division in 1939. He was inducted into the United States army at the beginning of World War II and was a staff sergeant when he landed D-Day, first wave, on Omaha beach, a member of the C-Battery of the 111th Artillery Battalion, 29th Division. He had been trained as a forward observer. Mr. Jarvis rose to the rank of first Lieutenant and participated in the battles and campaigns of Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and central Europe. During the winter of 1944-45 in Germany, his division fought to hold and defend a wider front when the Battle of the Bulge took place... At this time, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. In January 2015, Mr. Jarvis was awarded the French Legion of honor, the highest decoration bestowed by the French government. In February, 2015, The Senate of Virginia presented Mr. Jarvis with a Senate Resolution for his exceptional service to his country and selfless contributions to the liberation of Europe during World War II. He was a member of Great Neck Baptist Church and Post 5 of the 29th Division. Mr. Jarvis was an avid fisherman, gardener, and enjoyed restoring Model A cars. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Mary Ella Jarvis; his children, Cary D. Jarvis of Norfolk, Thelma J. Peterson of Machipongo, VA, Walter E. Jarvis of Norfolk, Catherine J. Simmons and husband, Kenneth, of Virginia Beach, and step-daughter, Johanna Wickers of Chatham, VA; grandchildren, Erika Peterson and husband, Cris and Charles Peterson; and great grandchildren, Victor and Rosa Nellie Peterson. A celebration of Mr. Jarvis’ life will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Great Neck Baptist Church, 1020 General Jackson Dr., Va. Bch. with Dr. K. Todd Holt, officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Inurnment at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Post 5 of the 29th Division Army National Guard, 3777 E. Va. Beach Blvd., Norfolk, Va. 23529.