Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard KMETZ Obituary
He joins the love of his life, Ethel, who passed away in December 1999 after 54 years of marriage.
Dick was born Aug. 31, 1926, to the late George and Catherine Quinn Kmetz in Coatesville, Pa. He served as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy in World War II and the Korean War. He enjoyed a long career with J. C. Penney Company and worked in Penney stores in Coatesville, Pa., Bridgeton, N.J., Columbia, S.C., Biloxi, Miss., and retired in 1986 from the Willow Lawn store in Richmond, Va. He retired a second time in 1999 from a 13 year career with Proctor and Gamble. Dick was always involved with his family- each one was a source of pride to him.
Left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Judy and her husband, Warren Vick of Poquoson, Va.; and his son, Richard Jr. and his wife, Valerie of Richmond, Va.; his four grandchildren, Gregg Vick and his wife, Trisha of Newport News, Va., and their children, Brandon and Megan; Larren Asby and her husband, Allen of Poquoson, Va., and their children, Christopher, Jacob and Logan; Richard "Joe" Kmetz III, and Jeffrey Kmetz, both of Richmond, Va. To his five great-grandchildren he was "Big Pop-Pop" and they all have wonderful memories of the times he spent with each of them.
He was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Christopher S. Vick.
Dick always put God first in his life and was definitely a "good and faithful servant." He was a member of Grove Avenue Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and was involved in many areas of the church. The Keenagers group was always a source of pride for him. He never met a stranger and always had a joke to tell. He stayed busy making cards for every occasion for everyone he knew. Anyone who had an e-mail address could expect to receive multiple e-mails everyday from Dick. Dick was involved in many civic organizations through the years and in all the states where he lived including the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the Retail Merchants Association where he served as the President of the Mississippi Retail Merchants. He was an active leader with the Boy Scouts of America where his last office was the District Chairman of the Pine Burr Area Council. For his service to the Boy Scouts, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the National Council.
The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd.; and again 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at Grove Avenue Baptist Church, where a celebration of his life will follow at 1 p.m. Interment in Mount Vernon Memorial Park, Glen Allen, Va.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grove Avenue Baptist Church, 8701 Ridge Road, Henrico, VA 23229. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard KMETZ
Patsy Butler
August 28, 2010
I just learned that Mr Kmetz passed away last March. I have many fond memories of him as he was my contact to come and sing for the "Keenagers" of Grove Avenue Baptist Church. I will miss him, but I believe he would not want to return from his heavenly home. God Bless the family and friends. With love, Patsy Butler
April 16, 2010
I continue to cherish the memorable thoughts of my friend Dick. Please know that I regularly keep you, his beloved family, tucked in thoughts and prayers.
--Floyd McConahy
April 6, 2010
I met Dick through a mistaken email connection and thoroughly enjoyed our exchanges. Dick prayed for my friends with cancer and faithfully sent greetings to my husband and I for our birthdays and wedding anniversaries. He certainly loved his Ethel and family members. I hope he is by her side. The world was a little better having Dick in it. I will miss him.
April 3, 2010
I will miss my brother Dick without a doubt, but I know he is where I would rather be and that makes me happy. Knowing Ethel is there also is icing on the cake! GOD bless his family and all the friends who will miss his smiling face for a time. With love, Sarah Stokes
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Margaret Gilbert
April 1, 2010
My heart breaks every time I think about how I will never get to speak to or hug Mr. Kmetz again. He was so special and dear to our family. There was just something about him that reminded me of my own father; it must be his deep love for the Lord, which spilled over to everyone else. I deeply mourn his loss and can only imagine what his precious family must be feeling. I rejoice in the fact that he is free from the burdens of this world, and is able to praise eternally our Lord and Savior! Hallelujah!!
Nema and James Westmoreland
April 1, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of Dick's home-going, but know He is rejoicing with the Lord at this moment. We first met him when we moved to Richmond and joined GABC. He and Ethyl were special to us and we shared a lot of great times with them. After we retired and moved to Oklahoma, we continued getting his Emails and his great cards. We enjoyed renewing our friendship during visits to Richmond in the past few years and we will miss him.
God bless you all. May you love and serve Him always as your Dad did.
April 1, 2010
Bro. Dick was a wonderful, fine, Christian man. He and Ethyl were sweethearts, how we loved them. While at GABC he and Ethyl were always taking us out to Sunday lunch. We truly enjoyed their fellowship. Than since retiring some 10 years ago, he was constantly sending us Christmas, Birthday and Special Days Cards. He loved to keep in touch through the computer. We will miss him! But we know just where he is....he is talking with Jesus and enjoying the fellowship of all those Saints in Heaven, especially Ethyl. We just pray for his sweet family, for their happiness and love for the same Lord that saved him all those years ago, so they too will all meet in heaven at the Lord's throne. We love you dear family of Bro. Dick and Ethyl Kmetz. Hugs Pastor Ron and Marlene Boswell
Amy Nugent
March 24, 2010
I am truly sorry for your loss. Mr. Kmetz great grandson is telling me of his passing. Death is always difficult for the loved ones, while he will be missed, he was loved by many. He is in a better place, a happy place, with is wife, his heavenly father, and still has the ability to bring the family closer. Such a tradgedy. Chris you truely blessed to have been a part of his life. I know he will forever live on in your heart!
Rexine Reeves Corbett
March 24, 2010
Judy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad but am thankful he was able to be a part of your family for such a long time. You were truly blessed to have been able to travel with him and enjoy the time you spent with him. I know you will miss him and I pray that wonderful memories of a loving father will help ease the pain of his passing.
Michelle Kmetz
March 24, 2010
As we laid My Uncle Dick to rest today, I have to say- he was a fabulous man to say the least! I've never met anyone like him nor will I ever. He was dearly thought of and loved. I am so glad I got the chance to know him! He was wise, kind, loving, and thoughtful & always had an encouraging word to say. Along with a great sense of humor & good advice, I always felt better after talking with him. He had a good perspective on things and gave you something to think about. Uncle Dick was a funny man too; I don’t think I’ve ever finished a conversation with him that he didn’t say something to make me laugh. It makes me very sad to think I will never have those talks with him again. Or read his emails and enjoy his cards. He never forgot a special day or better yet; we’d speak on the phone. There was never a time that he wasn’t upbeat. He always had that positive glow.
I always looked forward to his visits to Las Vegas with Warren & Judy. I was only able to make it to Virginia once to visit a couple years ago to visit and was so glad I did! That was the last time I saw him in person. I wish I could have been there today, but even though our family wasn’t all together today physically, in spirit we were. I was especially grateful that my son Brandon, got to spend time with him. There is not much left of really good, old fashioned/modern at same time, wonderful people left today. Uncle Dick WAS the person we all wished we WERE!!
I really don't have enough space or words to tell everyone how wonderful he was. If you were lucky enough to have him in your life, you'll know what I mean. Although I will miss him very much, I know that he is with Aunt Ethel and very happy. That is a great comfort. He led an amazing life and I am certain we’ll see each other again. Until then, we will continue to cherish his memory and know that we’ll be together someday. Love you always Uncle Dick ~ Michelle
March 22, 2010
Our history with Dick goes back to Penney's at old Newmarket Shopping Center, Newport News, in 1960. I learned a lot from him and, although I chose a different career, I always respected him and enjoyed his company. Dick was a good and decent man and we loved him. We mostly kept in tuoch by E-Mail in recent years but we valued that connection. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with the family during this difficult time.
Paul and Shirley Kearney
Charlie and Cathy Haygood
March 22, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of loss. This is a time for remembering Dick's many accomplishments both in his Christian, personal and professional life.
Tammy Bowdoin
March 22, 2010
I pray that you all will be comforted by the many wonderful memories of times spent you with Pop-Pop. He was such a wonderful person to be with. My husband and I had the opportunity to spend time with him during family functions. Each time he was quick to tell a joke and give a smile and we thought he was the sweetest fellow ever. He was indeed a treasure for your family, his friends and his church. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you deal with the loss of such a beloved family member.
Andrew Stevens
March 22, 2010
We will all miss the smiles and laughs that we had with Mr. Kmetz. I have been blessed to know him for the majority of my life and will miss him greatly. My prayers are with everyone through this tough time.
Kay Seymour/McMurray
March 22, 2010
Mr. Kmetz hired me 38 years ago with JCPenney. He taught all of us so much about retail,life and faith.
I have enjoyed keeping in touch with him over the years. And will deeply miss the phone calls and emails.
May God be with you Judy,Richard and your families.
Thanks for the memories
March 22, 2010
I hadn't talked with Dick in several years, since I left Grove Avenue Baptist back in late 1999. But, he was very kind and funny. I thought a lot of him. He always wore a smile and always took the time to speak with me. I know he is rejoicing with the Lord now!
Linda Davis, Gum Spring, VA
March 22, 2010
Dick Kmetz, You were a true christian, friend and encourager. Although we were born in the same town, Coatesville Pa., we never met until several years ago via email.
Your emails always encouraged us, kept us in the loop for your church and just let us know we had a friend in Richmond.
Thank you for your phone calls and for being our friend.
Bill & Marion Maxwell
Lancaster County, Pa.
Floyd McConahy
March 21, 2010
I first met Dick when my wife and I moved here from Florida in 1992 and joined GABC. Dick and Ethel were easy to become very best friends with. He and I often worked together in the church serving various ministries. I'll never forget Dick and the friendship we had. I will continue to pray for you, his family, as you grieve this loss in your lives.
Floyd E. McConahy
March 21, 2010
Jim and I dearly loved talking with your father when my dad occasionally was able to get to a Sunday church service or Keenagers lunch to visit with his beloved friends. He is so proud of the way Dick, and Shirley, took over Keenagers when he could no longer see well enough to be in charge and mom's health didn't always allow her to go. We have all missed the e-mails these past months and wished we could have sent cards to Dick like he so generously sent to mom and dad for years. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, Judy and Richard, and all Dick's family. God will guide you in these next days and weeks and be your comforter.
Floyd McConahy; Jim and Sandy Contner
Christy & Bubba Hughes
March 21, 2010
My family loved Mr. Kmetz and always loved seeing him at Wed. dinners, etc. He was special to all the GABC children and as others said, was known as the candy man or man with the candy. After I moved away, I was on his email list and loved being kept up-to-date with GABC news. He was always smiling, and seeing his pix today brings joyful tears. I am certain that Mr K is in heaven right now giving out candy and hugs to all the children. We love you and will miss you always, Mr. Kmetz!
March 21, 2010
When we moved to Richmond in 1982, we met Dick at Church he greeted us with a big smile and open arms. He welcomed us to Richmond, but most of all to Church. Our sons loved him as a second grandfather and he was like my Richmond father. I loved getting his e-mails and our family loved getting the special birthday cards he made. Enjoyed his fellowship and love. He was not only a Christian in name, but he lived and fulfilled the life of a true Christian. We know he is with the Lord and with the love of his life Ethel.
Conley and Jean Ann Grimes
Andi Jamierson
March 21, 2010
My daughter always called Mr. Kmetz "Candy Man" and he always made her and my son laugh. He was such a sweet man and he always made you feel special no matter who you were. I am sad that he's passed, but happy that he's in the arms of the Father and with his Ethel once more.
Douglas & Amy Moore
March 21, 2010
I met Mr Kmetz in 2002 at GABC. He was such a warm and loving presence when I came to visit the woman whom I would later marry. My wife and I thought so much of Mr K that we were honored to ask him to be an usher in our wedding. Like so many others, we enjoyed his home-made greeting cards. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
God and Country
Tal Martin
March 21, 2010
I feel Dick was part of the foundation of Grove Avenue Baptist Church. He was my deacon and friend. He never, ever saw me without calling out"hello Tal". A true gentleman and Christian, he is now with his beloved Ethel. And I am sure he is hearing Jesus say "Well Done, true and faithful servant". I will join you, my friend, in the sweet bye and bye.
Walter and Sarah Kmetz
March 21, 2010
While we never met Dick, we conversed with him by phone and by email. He seemed to be such a genuine and kind person.
He reached out to us when we moved to Richmond and I am sorry I never took the time to meet him face to face.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Crystal Flippo
March 21, 2010
I will always have fond memories of Mr Kmetz and how he impacted so many lives. During my mothers sickness he never missed a beat in sending her get well, birthday, and holiday cards. My grandma has been home bound and always got holiday and birthday cards that she so looked forward too. He was so thoughtful and faithful to The Lord, his church, and all that knew him. I remember one of my first times at Grove and many following Sundays as a 2nd grader getting candy! He will be greatly missed but we know he is with his loving wife and Jesus.
Eloyce Smith
March 21, 2010
Your father and Pop-pop was my favorite JCPenney store manager when I worked in the advertising department at the Midlothian, VA store. I know you will sorely miss him as will everyone who knew him.
Dana Pelno
March 21, 2010
Dear family,
While I am so happy he is finally back with his precious Ethel, I can't tell you how very much we will miss him and his smiling face! The kids know him as the "Candy Man" at church.
I have been on the email list for a long time and he was so faithful to always get out all the prayer requests to us and I hope and pray someone will inherit that list to keep the prayers going. He was our "Town Crier" an we depended so much on him.
His gift with the Keenagers and the Fellowship Fund also will always be a treasured memory. I hope someone will mark off his usual seat in church in honor of him - he was ALWAYS there.
Many of us depended on him a lot, he was always there for us.
The first of October every year I got the most wonderful Birthday card, and since my birthday wasn't till the 31st, man did he ever kid me about that, his was ALWAYS the FIRST card. This past year I didn't get one and said in prayer meeting one Wednesday night, I didn't get my card from a certain someone on the first of the month like I always do!!! The next Wednesday there was a card in my Bible he had slipped in!!! He never forgot -he was just not well I think this year.
There will be a big hole in Grove Avenue, God made some that everyone will remember and Mr. "D" will be in that number.
I know I speak for many when I say we loved him so much.
You were blessed to have him and just know you are not alone we will always be there for you because you are part of the family of God as he was.
May God hold you in the palm of His Hand during this time of Earth's Loss but Heaven's Gain!
With much love and prayers, Dana
Bruce Cobb
March 21, 2010
Dick was my friend and brother. He is with the two people he loved most, God and Ethel. He willl be truly miss by all, especially me.
Ben & Betty Wray
March 21, 2010
We all have lost a true friend.
God Bless.
Mary & Al Clark
March 21, 2010
Our family loved Mr. Kmetz; what a treasure to know him. During the years we lived around the corner from him, each time he drove down our street he stopped to give candies to my children. I was on his email list and loved being kept up-to-date with the Grove Avenue prayer list. He was always smiling, encouraging, giving, caring, and loving others. The world lost an angel while heaven gained one. We love you and will miss you, Mr. Kmetz!
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Make a Donation
in Richard KMETZ's name
Memorial Events
for Richard KMETZ
How to support Richard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard KMETZ's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
