Staff Sergeant Byron L. Babbitt, U.S.M.C (Ret.), 84, passed away peacefully on Sept. 2, 2020 at home in Crozier, VA. Born in Iowa City, IA, Byron was the son of the late Lazelle Clair and Juliette Elmore Babbitt. He was a former resident of Jacksonville, NC, Muscatine, IA and Fork Union, VA. He served 30 years in the United States Marine Corps, serving during the Vietnam Era and the Cold War. During his service, he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal with Valor, Navy “E” Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal and Korean Defense Service Medal.
Byron was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was a member of the V.F.W, the American Legion and was a founding member of the U.S. Seagoing Marine Association serving as the association’s first president. He was proud to have been instrumental in the placement of a permanent monument at the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, VA to recognize the service and sacrifice of all seagoing marines.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances; brothers, Frank and Freeland; and sisters, Frances and Betty. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Sam and DeNae Babbitt of Crozier, VA; his son, James Babbitt of Southern Pines, NC; his two grandchildren, Alejandra and Isaac Babbitt of Crozier, VA; his sister, Jackie Cole of Muscatine, IA and his many nieces and nephews.
Byron loved animals and would have been pleased that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Caring for Creatures, 352 Sanctuary Lane, Palmyra, VA 22963. Byron will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Norman Funeral Chapel in Goochland, VA.