Richard Matthew Foutz

Richard Matthew Foutz, 70, of Rocky Mount, was ushered into his Heavenly home on Wednesday, August 24, 2011, after a courageous battle with lymphoma. Born and raised in Vinton, Va., he was preceded in death by his father, Elliot M. (John) Foutz; and by his loving and lovely wife, Carrie Holland Foutz.
Carrie and Richard were blessed with three wonderful sons, Matt Foutz and wife, Hila, of Martinsville, Scott Foutz, of Rocky Mount, and Chad Foutz and wife, Tammy, of Owensboro, Ky. Richard delighted in his grandchildren, Holland, Eli, Kailee and Tyler Foutz. He is also survived by a large and loving family including his mother, Ruth L. Foutz, of Vinton; brothers, Geryle Foutz and wife, Norma, Robert E. Foutz and wife, Doris, of Blue Ridge, Elliot M. Foutz Jr. and wife, Donna, of Vinton, Wiley E. Foutz and wife, Carol, of Vinton, and John W. Foutz, of Vinton; as well as his sisters, Susie F. Campbell and husband, Earl, of Vinton, Patsy F. Dingledine and husband, Charlie, of Vinton, and Mary F. Workman, of Roanoke; as well as many special nieces, nephews and extended family of Foutzs and Hollands. He is also survived by special friends, Sandra Coleman, and Garmon and Stella Flora.
Richard will always be remembered for his fun-loving, youthful approach to life, his delight in others' success, and his love of family, church, community, and athletics. He was inducted into Ferrum College's Sports Hall of Fame as a baseball and football standout. He was named Hank Norton's first MVP and All-American, exemplifying the highest ideals of athletics and sportsmanship at Ferrum College.
He earned a full football scholarship to the University of Richmond and completed a master's degree at Radford University. Fondly remembered as "Coach Foutz," he served 10 years as head football, track and junior varsity basketball coach at Franklin County High School, leading the teams to several championships. He was named High School Football Coach of the year in 1965. Following his years as coach, Richard was the Athletic Director of FCHS for an additional 10 years. He taught physical education at Burnt Chimney Elementary from 1987 until 2000 when he retired to care for his wife, Carrie, as she fought leukemia.
He is remembered and cherished by many for his positive influence on the youth in Franklin County and for his support of athletes and sports programs, including Little League baseball, Babe Ruth League and Sandlot Football for which he served as umpire and coach for many years.
He was an avid golfer and enjoyed his time on the greens with friends. He also enjoyed playing the guitar and performed with friends on stage at the Grand Old Oprey in Nashville on several occassions. He was a long-time and active member of Franklin Heights Baptist Church.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Richard's life at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 28, 2011, at Franklin Heights Baptist Church with the Rev. J. Larry Holland and the Rev. Mark Griffith officiating. Interment will follow in the Holland Family Cemetery, Glade Hill. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hank Norton Center, c/o Ferrum College, P.O. Box 1000, Ferrum, VA 24088 or to Franklin Heights Baptist Church. His family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at Franklin Heights Baptist Church. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.