Richard M. Whitfield, Sr.

1944 - 2022

Richard Milton Whitfield, Sr. peacefully entered eternal rest on September 15, 2022 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on December 14, 1944 in Southampton County, Virginia to the late Wingfield Whitfield, Sr. and Willie Beatrice J. Whitfield.

Richard committed his life to Christ and was baptized at Union Grove Baptist Church, South Chesterfield County, VA, where he was a dedicated, active, and faithful member.  He served as Treasurer of the UGBC Trustee Ministry, President of the Harold E. Braxton Memorial Choir, and was a member of the Male Chorus and the Sanctuary Choir. 

Richard graduated from Riverview High School, Courtland, VA, with the class of 1964.  He was Vice-President of his class and participated in many activities and sports.  He sang the bass line in the choir and was a member of the Future Farmers of America.  In addition, Richard played three sports during his high school career - baseball, basketball, and football. 

After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army.   As a member of the 82nd Airborne (Fort Bragg, North Carolina) Richard went on to serve one tour of combat duty in Vietnam.  After returning home, he was employed by Honeywell (formerly Allied Chemical), for a period of 33 years as a Lab-Tech Trainer for Spectra. 

His interests and hobbies included traveling, singing, watching westerns, and gardening to name a few.  He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed taking his boat out on the Chesapeake Bay, often taking friends and family along.  Additionally, Richard took special pride and care in decorating his home both inside and out during the Christmas holidays. For several years, he was awarded first place in the lighting contest for the most beautifully decorated house by the Matoaca Ladies Club.  He received the Community Gem Award sponsored by the Alease Cooley Memorial Tent for dedicated service to family, church, community, and mankind.  Richard loved sports and was a diehard fan of the Dallas Cowboys.  Also, he was supportive of the youth and high school sports programs in the Matoaca community.  He was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans and Combat Veterans Support Group where he served as a dedicated facilitator.

Richard was preceded in death by his siblings, Elsie Mae Williams, Wingfield Whitfield, Jr., Blois O. Dalton, and Beatrice A. Whitfield. 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Katie Gray Whitfield; two adoring children, Richard “Ricky” M. Whitfield, Jr. (LeVonda) and Dr. Kiesha Whitfield Howard (Christopher); grandchildren, Terrence C. Hunter-Whitfield, Richard M. “Trey” Whitfield,  III, Taylor N. Whitfield, Parker A. Howard, Isaiah N. L. Moore and Ashley Howard; great grandson, Noah Tramble; dear family friend, Katina C. Whitfield;  six siblings, Juanita Louise Weaver of Prince George, VA, George R. Whitfield (Alice) of Norfolk, VA, Areatha W. Wright (Sylvester) of Richmond, VA, Judson T. Whitfield (Lucinda) of Portsmouth, VA, Yvonne W. Hill (Roger) of Newsoms, VA, and Clarence Williams of Newsoms, VA; and a sister-in-law, Mollie A. Whitfield of Durham, NC.  In addition, Richard is survived by many close friends: Stuart Billips, Sunny Branch, Wallace Bouldin, Jr., George Clarke, Silas Dodson and two long term friends Charles S. Daniels Russell Harris, Sr. He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family members, and friends.

Services will be held 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., Pastor, Rev. Dr. William E. Johnson III, eulogist. Interment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park. 

The family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Monday September 26, 2022 at the funeral establishment.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.