Thomas Wesley Kight III

 In the morning of May 30th, 2023 our dad heard the alarm sound while we were sleeping by his side. He got ready and headed out to his final call where his loving wife Helen was waiting.  Wesley passed away at Sentara Leigh in Norfolk ,VA, the same city,  (Berkley) where he was born way back on October 23, 1926.

He attended Maury High School in Norfolk, VA but left early to join the US Coast Guard as a Merchant Marine,  September 24th, 1945. Upon his return he joined the Norfolk Fire Department in January of 1948 where he proudly served until October of 1988, retiring as a Lieutenant in the NFD department.  

He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Wesley Kight Jr and Eunice Beamon Kight, his sister Charlotte Warren, his brother William Blackwell “Blackie” Kight, and his son-in-law John Patrick Beahm Jr. who was also a retired Norfolk firefighter.  

Dad was a proud member of the Fraternal order of Eagles 795, the Berkeley Masonic Lodge, and was the treasurer for the Norfolk Fire Department Retirees.  He was also on the Norfolk Fire Department Softball team.

In recent years one of dad’s favorite things to do was to meet his buddies up at the K&W cafeteria at southern shopping center where the special group of men would eat together several nights of the week and spend time telling war stories. These men helped keep dad going after Helen passed away.

He leaves behind his daughters Helen JoAnn Beahm (his caregiver) and Leslie Lynn Garrett, who loved him more than all the stars in the sky and all the sand in Hatteras; Grandchildren, John Patrick Beahm Jr. Jennifer Ann Wroton (Bryan), and Robert Wesley Garrett; His great grandchildren, Zoie Anne Wroton and Charles Max “Max” Wroton; His brother-in-law James Iredell Morissette (Penny); his loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and other family members. 

Wesley was a dog lover. I don’t think there was ever a dog he met that he didn’t love. He recently lost his sweet little Max, who he named after his great grandson. It wasn’t long after that Joann added Max II for daddy to love on.

The family would like to thank his very special friends who continue to stay in touch even as his eyesight and hearing faded.  He spoke to Ed Johnson and Ret. Asst, Fire Chief William “Eddie” Fischer everyday possible.

Services to honor our hero will be held Friday, June 2nd, 2023 at the Norfolk Fire-Rescue Training Center located at  7120 Granby St. Norfolk VA. There will be a viewing from 10:00 to 11:00 am with the service following at 11:00 am. Burial will be private at Riverside Cemetery, Norfolk, VA.  Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside is handling arrangements.