Mr. Joseph Decormis “J.D.” Small Jr., of Onley, VA, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, at his residence. Though deeply missed, he is now joyfully reunited with the love of his life, Pauline.
Born on March 18, 1943, to Joseph Decormis Small and Marguerite Beatrice Small, J.D. was a devoted son and a protective big brother. After long nights riding back roads with friends or playing cards, he always checked in on his little sister, Teresa, ensuring she was safe before he could rest. With her asthma, he kept a watchful eye, never letting worry keep him from being the caring brother she could always count on. As she grew older, he made sure any boy who came calling treated her with the respect she deserved.
J.D. had a natural gift for sports. During his years at Onancock High School, he excelled in nearly every game that had a ball — basketball, football, baseball — and he even went to states for track. Some of his trophies still stand proudly at OHS. His talent on the baseball field took him all the way to Florida for spring training tryouts.
But the major leagues weren’t what was pulling at his heart — it was a sweet girl he had met at a dance. That girl was calling him home, and he knew where he truly belonged. So in what would become the best decision of his life, he left Florida and returned to the Eastern Shore of Virginia into the waiting arms of Pauline Isdell. They married in 1962, built a life together, and raised two children, Trey and Paula — creating a love story that would last a lifetime.
J.D. was never afraid of hard work. Before starting a family, he worked as a repo man and in social services. In 1973, he found his calling in the insurance business, where he remained until his retirement in 2014 — though even then, he couldn’t quite stay away and continued freelancing. In the 1980s, he and Pauline took over the family business and ran Redwood Gables (although some might argue that the name will always be Marguerite’s).
When he wasn’t working, J.D. found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He and Pauline loved to dance, whether at the Armory or in Pocomoke City. Every summer, they packed up the kids for trips to Ocean City, creating memories by the shore. For a time, he even had a boat, and if he wasn’t on the road or at the restaurant, he could almost certainly be found down at the docks in Onancock. He’d load Trey and Paula into the car, head to Cherry Jane’s for a pack of Nabs and a milkshake, and spend hours watching the boats and tides roll in.
In his later years, he found comfort in the familiar — watching “Big Bang Theory” and “Married with Children” and, more than anything, worrying about his grandchildren. His family was his greatest pride, and the bonds he built will forever be cherished. J.D. lived a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
J.D. is survived by his children, Trey Small and his wife, Jennifer, of Onley, and Paula Small, of Onley; his sister, Teresa Erdman, of Onancock; his grandchildren, Caylee Small and Cole Siegle, of Onley, Paul Thornton, of Exmore, and Wyatt Chesser, of Onley; his great-grandchildren, Skylar Thornton and Evelynn Jo Ann Thornton; and a host of extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Decormis Small and Marguerite Beatrice Small (née Killmon); his wife, Pauline Isdell Small; his sister, Jo Ann Drummond; his great-grandchildren, Roreigh Thornton and Joey Thornton; his nephew, Bobby Scott; and his brothers-in-law, Keith Marshall, Ed Drummond, and Jerry Erdman.
A graveside memorial service honoring J.D.’s life will be held at Fairview Lawn Cemetery on Saturday, April 5, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Andy Cobb officiating.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
