DATE: Sunday, May 25, 1997                  TAG: 9705230267

SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER      PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 
COLUMN: CLOSE-UP 

SOURCE: Scott McCaskey 

                                            LENGTH:   64 lines

PAUL D. VESTAL INSURANCE AGENT, COMMUNITY YOUTH SPORTS VOLUNTEER

Paul D. Vestal's wears a lot of hats; volunteer hats.

In his spare time off from being an Allstate insurance agent, the Western Branch resident is on the board of the Intercollegiate Foundation of Old Dominion University, president of both the Greenbrier Athletic Association, and the Hugh O'Brien Youth Foundation, and on July 1, will become the president of the Portsmouth Sports Club.

``I've always loved sports, and I love the people I've met doing volunteer work,'' said Vestal, 62.

A former varsity football and baseball player for Kempsville High School, Vestal became involved with the B.M. Williams Athletic Association - renamed the Greenbrier Athletic Association in the late 1980s - more than 30 years ago. A former coach, and president of the league for the last eight years, Vestal's efforts were officially acknowledged in April when the three baseball fields behind B.M. Williams school were named Vestal Park.

``It was opening day of the baseball season, and the dedication took me completely by surprise.,'' Vestal said.

As president of the Hugh O'Brien Youth Foundation, Vestal oversees an annual leadership seminar for high school sophomores from throughout the state. As a board member of the ODU Intercollegiate Foundation, he helps coordinate funding for athletic scholarships. At the Portsmouth Sport Clubs, Vestal also helps provide scholarships and recognition for outstanding athletes from around the area.

``He's one of those people that just can't say no,'' said Jackie R. Taylor, 51, the outgoing president of the Portsmouth Sports Club. ``He just picks up the ball, and runs with it.''

Full name: Paul D. Vestal

Birthdate: Oct. 29, 1934

Occupation: Insurance agent for Allstate

Hometown: Philadelphia

What brought you to Chesapeake? Lived in Virginia Beach, moved to Chesapeake to be near my first wife's family

Marital status: Married to Jeanie

Children: Debbie, 42; Don, 39, by first marriage; Robbie, 18, and Ryan, 20, stepsons

Pets: Blackie the cat

Hobbies: Fishing, horseback riding, cooking

Perfect day off: With my wife on the beach

Favorite music: Classical

Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Sunday brunch at the Holiday Inn Greenbrier

Favorite food: Ham, cabbage and cream potatoes

Favorite movie: Any John Wayne western

Favorite sport: Football and the Washington Redskins

Favorite game: Cards

Favorite local retreat: Hatteras

Favorite out-of-town vacation: Las Vegas

Biggest irritant: Disrespectful people and cussing

Last smart thing you did: Buying and learning how to use a computer

The thing you can't resist: Strawberries

Achievement you're most proud of: Staying healthy enough to play baseball with my kids, and being respected by my peers ILLUSTRATION: Photo by GARY C. KNAPP

Send Suggestions or Comments to webmaster@scholar.lib.vt.edu