CHESAPEAKE – The Rev. Henry V. Napier, affectionately known as "SUGAR BUGAR" and "GRANDADDY", passed away peacefully on Sunday September 9, 2012. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, expectant great grandfather, pastor, and friend. He loved and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ with all of his heart, soul, mind, and being. Rev. Napier was the true definition of a pastor and friend. He gave so much of himself, requiring nothing in return.


Rev. Napier was born March 30, 1925 in Polkton, NC to the late William Frank and Sallie Meiggs Napier. He was predeceased by two sisters, Sallie Frances Napier and Rebecca N. Parker, and two brothers, Claude and Ralph Napier. Rev. Napier was a graduate of Polkton High School and then served his country proudly in The United States Navy during World War II. After his discharge, he attended Wingate College which is now Wingate University. He surrendered to God's call and was licensed to the ministry Feb. 19, 1943. Rev. Napier was ordained to preach on July 5, 1945. He then transferred to and graduated from Wake Forest College, now Wake Forest University on May 31, 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later enrolled at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry, graduating May 8, 1964. Rev. Napier served as interim pastor of Kellum and Bethlehem Baptist Churches in Onslow Co., NC in 1945-1946, Pastor of Manteo Baptist Church, Manteo, NC from 1949-1956, Center Hill and Great Hope Baptist Churches, Tyner, NC from 1956-1963, and Raleigh Heights Baptist Church, Chesapeake, VA from Nov. 3, 1963 until his retirement on Dec. 31, 1988. On June 27, 1990 the members of Raleigh Heights Baptist Church bestowed upon Rev. Napier the dignity of PASTOR EMERITUS. He founded the HELPFUL CLUB at Raleigh Heights which was a ministry to the senior members of the church. He served as Vice-President and President of the Norfolk Baptist Association Pastor's Conference and also served on the association's nominating and missions committees. He served as interim pastor of Rosemont Christian Church and Raleigh Heights Baptist Church when there was a need. He was author of the book 'THEY MADE ME', which was published in 1995 and wrote two periodicals, "ANNIVERSARY DEVOTIONS' and "100 YEAR HISTORY OF RALEIGH HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH".


On May 7, 1950, he married Lois Imogene Rayfield. They were married for 62 years and she became his ears as a nerve deafness left Rev. Napier profoundly deaf. On September 19, 1958 his son was born who he loved and cherished with every ounce of his being. He was very active in his son's life and enjoyed coaching for many years in South Norfolk Boys Baseball which Stephen was involved. On Dec. 5, 1994, his granddaughter, Abigail Raye Napier was born. His new role as "GRANDADDY" was one that he loved and cherished. In November 2001, he welcomed a daughter-in-law, Shannon and two wonderful grandsons, Patrick and Sean. He loved and cared for them as his own.


His legacy will be cherished by his son, Stephen and his wife, Shannon; his granddaughter, Abigail Raye Napier: his two grandsons, Patrick R. and Sean M. McKinney; an expected great grandchild, Christian Levi Napier, 4 nieces and 2 nephews.


The celebration of his life and a service to bring glory and honor to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday Sept. 16, 2012 at The Raleigh Heights Baptist Church, 1000 Crowell Ave., Chesapeake, VA. The Rev. James Thompson, the Rev. Paul Menard, and Pastor Jerry Kilyk, will officiate. A reception and a time to reflect will immediately follow in the Napier Hall, which is the fellowship hall of the church. Parr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434 is serving Rev. Napier's family. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Raleigh Heights Baptist Church, 1000 Crowell Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23324 or to Gideon's International, C/O Chesapeake West Camp, P.O. Box 1102, Chesapeake, VA 23327. Please share a memory with his family online at www.parrfuneralhome.com. Rev. Napier was ministered to by so many. His family would like to thank Dr. Ron Atwood and the entire staff of Atwood Family Medicine for the patient, loving, professional, and compassionate care afforded to him over the past 25 years. Also a special debt of gratitude is offered to Dr. Wayne Old and Cardiology Associates, who have cared for his cardiac wellness since 1989. They also would like to thank Dr. Daniel Rakowski and Tidewater Kidney Specialists for their wonderful care to Rev. Napier. They offer a special debt of gratitude to Lynn Klinger and the entire staff of Senior Corp. who have afforded Rev. Napier and his late wife, Imogene who passed away just 51 days ago, the privilege of remaining in the privacy of their own home, with dignity, loving, compassionate, and professional care. Lastly, they offer a very special thanks to Kathy Hasty and her family for the untold hours of care, compassion and acts of love and kindness shown to him over the past eleven months.