WHITE STONE—It is with great sadness that we share the passing of William E. Gatling, 85, of White Stone on December 10, 2025.
He was “Bill” to his friends and always “Billy” to his family. He was born in Newport News on March 4, 1940, the youngest of 10 children. Bill graduated from Newport News High School in 1959 where he excelled in football and track.
Bill served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965. Bill began his law enforcement career in 1965 with the City of Hampton, ending in 1980 as a detective sergeant in the Crimes Against Persons Squad. He was elected Sheriff of Gloucester County from 1984-1988.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Nannie Gatling; as well as four brothers, Stanford Gatling, Joseph Gatling Jr., Robert Gatling and Thomas Gatling; and five sisters, Shirley Gatling, Gloria Godfrey, Jeanette Hall, Betty Parker and Myrtle Wilson.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Carolyn C. Gatling; and three children, Amy G. Spring (John), of White Stone, Matthew Douglas Gatling (Nami) of Davie, Fla., and William Christopher Gatling of Gloucester. Bill was a cherished grandfather to Jennifer Spring, John M. Spring and Anna Michelle Gatling. He was a proud great-grandfather to Sophia Clarke, Dixieanne Spring and Chandler Spring; and “Uncle Billy” to many nephews and nieces.
Our family would like to give a big “Thank You” to the nurses in cardiac rehab at Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center in Gloucester, who were so kind and helpful to Bill in his cardiac rehab program.
In accordance with Bill’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service. It would be greatly appreciated if contributions could be made in Bill’s name to the Gloucester/Mathews Humane Society at gmhumanesociety.org.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
