George Allen Webber

Captain Webber is survived by his loving wife, Flora Daniels Webber; two devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Chandler MacDonald of Norfolk, and Brenda and Martin

Buoncristiani, of Chesapeake; three grandchildren, Justin Matthews, Jessica Matthews and Samantha MacDonald; his mother, Edith Webber Nicholas; his sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Raymond Walker; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Retired Captain George Joseph Webber, Norfolk Fire Depart.

After graduating from Maury High School in 1958, Captain Webber joined the Marine Reserves and later was hired by Norfolk Fire Depart. on Jan. 16, 1959. He retired in 1985 after more than 25 years of service. The Webber family’s service to the citizens of Norfolk dates to the inception of the paid department with the appointment of Assistant Fire Chief John S. Webber on Dec. 15, 1871 at the formation of the current department. Two other ancestors also served in the early days of the department, Engineer Charles A. Webber appointed in 1910 and Engineer Abram O. Webber in 1913. Finally, Captain Webber’s father, George J. Webber, who retired from Station 16, was hired on May 15, 1939, almost 20 years before his son (George Allen) was hired - often called Allen to avoid confusion with his father.

Throughout his adult life he was active in fire service and continued his involvement during his retirement. He was instrumental in the formation of the Norfolk Fire Retirees' Association, where he has served as president for many years. Captain Webber and his wife spent untold hours supporting both active duty and retired members, as well as volunteering to assist with Norfolk Fire's "Fill the Boot" campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Red Cross. He and several other retirees frequently played a “victim” for those training to be EMT’s and higher. Captain Webber made an indelible mark on the Norfolk Fire Depart. and the community. He will be sorely missed by many.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., Friday, June 6, 2014 at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Norfolk Chapel. Captain Webber’s service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The Norfolk Fire-Rescue Honor Guard will be in attendance. You may offer condolences to the family at www.smithandwilliamsnorfolk.com.