Richard M. Johnson III

Richard McKay Johnson, III "Ricky," 60, of 913 Weaver Ave., Petersburg, Va., entered into eternal rest on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, at his residence.

He was born May 4, 1948, in Petersburg, Va. He was the son of the late Richard McKay Johnson Jr. and Bertha L. Johnson-Battle.

Richard attended Peabody High School. He was a veteran (a paratrooper) of the United States Army. He attended beauty/barber school and also attended John Tyler Community College where he studied auto mechanics. He was an avid fisherman and self-proclaimed carpenter.

Richard was affectionately called "Rick James" and "Stump."

He leaves to cherish his memory two loving and devoted daughters, Sheilandice Monique Holmes and Riquita Deosha Williams of Petersburg, Va.; a loving and devoted mother, Bertha L. Johnson-Battle of Petersburg, Va.; two brothers, James G. Battle (Felita) of Richmond, Va., Larry A. Battle (Cheryl) of Petersburg, Va.; three sisters, Carolyn J. Burwell, Delores Y. Johnson, Carmen C. Jackson, all of Petersburg, Va.; four aunts, Grosalean H. Talley, Edmonia H. Lewis, both of Petersburg, Va., Bessie Johnson, Faustina Johnson, both of Birmingham, Ala.; one uncle, Walter L. Hill, of Ford, Va.; many loving nieces, Camille (the Rev. Keith) Royal, of Chester, Va., April Brown, of Petersburg, Va., Taylor Battle, of Richmond, Va., Awnya and Che-cora Battle, of Petersburg, Va.; great nieces, Asia and Tiara Royal of Chester, Va.; great nephews, Christopher and Justin Royal of Chester, Va.; many cousins, and friends, three devoted, Mary Prather, Deborah Smith, and Junie Williams.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, at the Mount Poole Baptist Church, 9515 Baltimore Road, Ford, VA 23850, with the Rev. Stephen W. Pugh officiating and Pastor Jeffrey L. Reaves Sr. delivering the eulogy. The remains maybe viewed one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the church cemetery.

A Christian wake will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2009 at the Chapel of William N. Bland & Son Funeral Home, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, VA 23803; (804)732-7841. The family will receive relatives and friends at the residence and will assemble there at noon on Tuesday. The family may be contacted at (804) 733-6306.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of William N. Bland & Son, Funeral Home, Petersburg, now serving from three locations, Hopewell, Petersburg and Waverly. Online condolences may be sent www.blandenterprisesinc.com.