Earnest Lee Bess Jr.

Earnest L. Bess II., 83, of Norfolk, departed this life on Monday, June 17, 2024, at the home of one of his children. Born in Bayboro, NC, he was the only son of the late Earnest L. Bess Sr. and Mable Bess. He proudly served his country in the U.S Army for 22 years, highlighted by a wartime deployment with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade in Vietnam. He followed up his active-duty career by serving 25 years as a Civil Servant on the Norfolk Naval Base as a Computer Programmer. In life he was the strong silent type, doing his best to lead by example. He loved his family and adored visits by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an avid sports spectator, while never claiming a favorite team. He enjoyed decorating his home during the Christmas holiday, comedy movies/shows, tending to his yard, and boating.

To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Dominique M Bess, who he met on an overseas deployment to France, 4 children: Dominique Bess (Barry), Earnest Bess III, Daniel Bess (Angela) and Vincent Bess (Monique), 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

In addition to his father and mother, he was also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Danielle Bess.

Services will be held at a later date.