On Saturday, June 20 ^th , 2020, Jeffrey David "Jeff" Bess unexpectedly earned a pair of golden drumsticks and his angel wings. Surrounded by the love of his family and friends, with his beloved wife, Kimberly holding his hand, he entered God's kingdom playing his own music with a loud thunderous arrival.

Jeff was born January 24 ^th , 1965 in Nansemond County, Virginia to Lonnie Daniel Bess Jr. and Betty Foster Bess. He was a native of Suffolk and a resident of Isle of Wight County for the past 25 years where he and Kim have raised their family.

Jeff attended Forest Glen High School in Suffolk. During his school days, Jeff played little league football and baseball, but his first love was always music. A self-taught drummer, Jeff had a natural ear for music and the gift of playing drums came easily. So musically talented, Jeff could play any genre of music – country, top 40, classic rock, bluegrass, oldies, southern rock, heavy metal, jazz and gospel. Jeff played drums in a number of bands through the years such as Virginia All City Band, Badd Funn, Switchblade, The Marc Ellis Band, The Blackwater Band, Hired Guns, Deuce, and most notably The Wooden Nickel Band, Honkey Tonk Highway, and The Kevin Mac Band. In 2001, The Wooden Nickel Band won Traditional Country Band of the year. Together band members produced two CD's "Buckhorn Drive" and the second recorded in Nashville, "Wooden Nickel Style". Throughout his musical career, Jeff has performed up and down the east coast from New York to Florida and in Colorado. Jeff and the bands could be found playing at numerous bars and clubs in the Hampton Roads and Fredericksburg areas. In addition to local venues, Jeff has performed on stage with the band at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, opening at the field for the Baltimore Orioles, at the Louise Mandrell Theatre, The Virginia State Fair, and numerous annual county fairs and festivals, the college circuit, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and the PGA tour. Some of the bands that Jeff performed with have played the opening act for nationally known recording artists, such as Willie Nelson, Rascal Flatts, Confederate Railroad, Kellie Pickler, Diamond Rio, Montgomery Gentry, The Band Perry, Dixie Chicks, and Marty Stewart. Jeff was a legendary drummer and could play alongside the best of the best. He will always be remembered as an influential drummer on the music scene inspiring many to follow in his footsteps.

Jeff was not only a phenomenal musician, alongside his pursuit of his music career, he worked as an HVAC maintenance technician for Franklin City schools for 14 years. Much like music, Jeff had no formal HVAC instruction. He worked hands on through the ranks learning the HVAC trade. Previously, he worked for S. W. Rawls and Forest Pine Apartments as an HVAC technician.

Although Jeff enjoyed both of his careers, he was a family man above all. His favorite and most memorable moments were those times spent with family and friends. He could be found at home where he was often at times listening to good music in the garage, sitting around the fire pit, or taking a dip in the pool with Kim and the kids. He loved entertaining even at home. He took pride in his home and worked meticulously with Kim in the yard. He was an avid Steelers fan and had looked forward to attending many more games with Kim. They had a blast when they were able to see the Steelers games for their anniversary a couple of years ago to Pittsburg and again in Baltimore. He and Kim enjoyed antique shopping together. Jeff was a longtime KISS fan and his all time musical hero was Peter Criss. He loved good conversations with friends and you could especially catch his attention if you wanted to talk fast cars, Mustangs or Camaros with him.

Jeff was certainly mechanically inclined and could work on most anything. Of all his loves, interests, and achievements, Danielle and Tyler were his greatest and most treasured. He was so proud of both their achievements both academically and professionally. Jeff took great pride in being a daddy. He was always actively involved in their school events and activities. He loved cheering on Danielle in volleyball and Tyler in baseball. He taught all the kids to ride 4 wheelers. Danielle was the apple of his eye and certainly "Daddy's Girl". Tyler was his side kick and clone. He was their hero and best friend. Jeff supported their endeavors with his whole heart. He was so proud of Tyler's fire service career choice and boasted about Tyler's position as a paid fireman with Franklin Fire and Rescue to anyone who would listen. His pride radiated from him when he spoke of Danielle's success in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as an outside machinist work leader.

Jeff will be missed terribly by all who know and loved him. His quick wit, contagious laughter, and friendship will be cherished and remembered forever.

Jeff was predeceased by paternal grandparents, Lonnie Bess Sr. and Margaret Elizabeth Breston Bess and his maternal grandparents, Zack Foster and Maude Anna Gibbs Foster.

Left to cherish the precious memories of his life are his wife and best friend of 27 years, Kimberly DeVites Bess, daughter, Danielle Taylor Bess (Brent), and son, Jeffrey Tyler Bess (Madison), parents, Lonnie and Betty Bess, sister, Christie Bess Harrell (Bob), father and mother in law, John E. and Lanna DeVites Jr, brother in law, John E. DeVites III (Claudia), nephews James Simpson (Andy), Reid Harrell, niece, Kalyn DeVites, great niece, Lonnie Simpson, and his little buddy and shadow, his yorkie dog Harley. Along with many other family members, his brothers in music, and countless friends.

A celebration of Jeff's life will be held on Saturday, June 27 ^th from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home, 3515 Robs Dr Suffolk, Virginia. Dress will be casual.  The family will also be receiving friends on Saturday from 5 – until.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the gofundme page link https://www.gofundme.com/f/amazing-father-husband-and-drummer-jeffrey-bess