John David Tobias Sr.

On April 20, 2024, John David Tobias, Sr transitioned peacefully at the age of 95 years old.  He was born on July 20, 1928, to the late Horace Tobias and Annie Bell Martin Tobias in Newberry, South Carolina.  The family relocated to Newport News, VA when he was nine years old.  He was an incredible loving and caring father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.  He served in the U. S. Army during World War II and was a proud World War II Veteran.  He was a gifted leader, a man of wisdom, a sports enthusiast (the Washington Commanders was his favorite team), and most importantly a devout Christian worshipper. He loved to study God’s Word!

His 95 years of life are exemplary of an accomplished and faith filled life.  His career and civic resumes are impressive!  His accomplishments have left and will continue to leave a mark that cannot be erased. 

John married Juanita Rainey and during that union of 25 years was birthed four children (Sheila, Jeffrey, Tyrone, and Tracy). Prior to that union he had a son, John (Johnny) David Tobias, Jr. who preceded him in death.  John’s legacy and inheritance will continue to live on through his children Sheila Tobias-Williams (Lawrence), Jeffrey Tobias (Vivian), Tyrone Tobias (Phyllis), Tracy Tobias (Ami), his sister Viola T. Plenty, grandchildren, great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Two of his siblings Frances Warren and Bennie Tobias preceded him in death.    

John served in the United States Army. He was a World War II U. S. Army Veteran.  He bravely served in World War II for a duration of approximately sixteen months.  He traveled with the U. S. Army to Europe on the Queen Elizabeth ship. Once World War II was over, he returned to the United States on a ship by the name of the Sea Pike. 

After departing from military service in the U. S. Army, John decided to attend Automobile Body and Fender Trade School in Chicago, IL. He attended the Automobile and Body Fender Trade School for 51 weeks. 

After completing his training in Chicago, he returned home to Newport News, VA.   Unfortunately, he was unable to find automobile body and fender repair employment.  Eventually, he was fortunate to land a civil service job at Ft. Eustis where he was employed as a storekeeper for two years in a warehouse.  His job responsibilities included shipping and receiving.

After leaving his civil service position at Ft. Eustis, John was hired at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, also known at that time as the Newport News Shipyard. This was the beginning of a long-term career.  He was employed at the Shipyard for a total of 41 years (1952-1993) until his retirement in 1993.  His career in the Shipyard was very successful. He worked as a Shipfitter.  He always enjoyed learning and pursuing advancement in his career field. He attended Apprentice School at night and worked during the day. He learned to master Shipfitter blueprints and matriculated from Elementary to Advanced blueprint proficiency. While a front-line employee he actively participated in the Peninsula Shipbuilding Association (PSA) where he served as a delegate and vice-president. He was also a National Labor Representative for the PSA.  Approximately 18 years prior to retirement, he was promoted to supervisor and thus was no longer able to participate in the PSA. He achieved numerous accolades and was part of historical achievements while employed at the Shipyard. One of his most boasted about achievements was that he was one of the shipfitters who helped to build the USS Enterprise, the first nuclear and largest aircraft carrier, completed in 1961. He had the opportunity to work and supervise workers on many other aircraft carriers built at the Newport News VA Shipyard.  Such as the USS Nimitz and JFK aircraft carriers.  Because of his stellar work, leadership, knowledge, and expertise he was asked to return to the Shipyard temporarily after retirement to train personnel in areas that few employees were proficient in.

John was a Prince Hall Mason, Union Light Lodge 268 Free and Accepted; A 32nd degree Mason which is the highest “earned” degree. During his active service as a Prince Hall Mason, he served as Master of Union Light Lodge 268.

John was a long-time member of Zion Baptist Church in Newport News, VA until he moved to Williamsburg, VA and later to the Atlanta, GA area to be with his children.  He loved worshipping and serving at Zion.  While an active member of Zion Baptist Church he served in many leadership roles.  These roles were Superintendent of Sunday School, Chairman of the Trustees Board, Chairman of the Deacon Board, President of the Gleaners Board, Head Usher, and Blood Mobile Chairman.

John exemplified the importance of worshipping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in spirit and in truth, love, astounding work ethics, and leadership gifting.  Yes, his life has mattered, and he created a legacy that will continue to motivate all his offspring for years to come to Soar and Excel!

The family will greet visitors from 2 to 4 PM on April 28, 2024, at Smith Brothers Funeral Home.

John’s Graveside Memorial Celebration Of Life Service will be on April 29, 2024, at 11am at Hampton Memorial Gardens Chapel.

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