BERNARD EDWARD HASTINGS

HASTINGS, Bernard Edward, 78, of Amelia, Virginia, surrounded by his family and friends at his home, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior, his beloved wife of 54 years, Shirley Taffer Hastings; and his parents, Floyd Edward and Irene Flinn Hastings, on Saturday, February 16, 2013. He was the beloved father of three daughters, Connie Curtis (Robert), of Clarksville, Teresa McMillian (Knotty), of Amelia, Debbie Holliday, of Crewe; a son, Joey Hastings (Sheri Martin, "That Woman"), of Amelia. Bernard was the greatest "Poppa" of eight grandchildren and "Great-Pops" of six great-grandchildren, and many others who considered him their second dad and poppa. He is also survived by his three sisters, Francis Smith, Ceil Elder (James), and Doris Webb; and brother, Frank Hastings (Joan), all of Amelia. Bernard was a longtime mechanic of Goodman's Truck and Tractor in Amelia. He will be remembered for his love of hunting, fishing, and gardening, but mostly for the love he had for his family and friends. The family will receive friends, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Love Covenant Fellowship, 17897 W. Pridesville Rd., Amelia, Va. 23002, and also where a funeral Celebration of his Life will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 20, 2013. Burial will follow in Rennie Memorial Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Love Covenant Fellowship Missions, "Nana's Manna". Joseph McMillian Funeral Home of Blackstone is handling the services. www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com.

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