Richard J. Battenfield

BATTENFIELD, Richard J., 84, of Glen Allen, Va., departed this life on Monday, September 13, 2010. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Bettie P. Battenfield; his brother, Chris Battenfield and his wife, Jo, of Mechanicsville, Va.; his sister-in-law, Emily Gill of Richmond; and his brother-in-law, Beck Payne and his wife, Jean, of Aberdeen, Miss.; and four devoted daughters, Janice Green, Debbie Davis, Christy Cottrell and Kim Watts, all from the Richmond area. He is also survived by two sons-in-law, David Cottrell and Mark Watts. "Dickie Bird," as he was lovingly referred to by his grandchildren, was blessed with seven grandchildren, preceded in death by Daniel Connock, and survived by Danielle Taupier, Tony Biondi, Janelle Connock, Shawn Davis, Jamie Davis and Leah Cottrell. Dick was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1926. The family moved to Louisa County, Va., during the Great Depression. He later moved to Glen Allen, where he and his wife were proud residents for over 60 years. Dick worked for National Linen for over 20 years and then founded Battenfield Construction. He and his wife enjoyed an early retirement and spent 25 years wintering in Key Largo, Fla., with great friends and memories they both cherished. All who knew Dick would say he was a hardworking man who sported cool cars and loved practical jokes. He has a way of making you laugh, even in the toughest of times. We would like to thank his personal aide, Gloria Scott, for her compassionate care for our parents, as well as the staff, nurses and hospice care provided by Chestnut Grove. The family will have visitation on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bliley's-Staples Mill, 8510 Staples Mill Road. A chapel service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 17, at Bliley's-Staples Mill, followed by interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.