Richard T. “Tavis” Winters

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also John 14:1-3

Richard “Tavis” Winters, 83, of Richmond, Virginia, entered peacefully into eternal rest Monday, April 28, 2025. Richard was a man of strong opinions and colorful language, with a deep pride in his Army service. Richard was born September 25, 1941, to the late Phillip Tavis Ruffin and late Fannie (Winters) Thomas in Dabney, West Virginia.

Richard‘s family relocated to Leeds, Alabama, when he was an infant. This is where he remained all of his adolescent years; with his mother, Fannie,stepfather, the late Ivory Frank Thomas and siblings. 

At the age of six, Richard accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at First Baptist Church Patrick City by Reverend J.G. Sanders.

Richard graduated with the “Class of 1961”, from Robert R. Moton High School in Leeds, Alabama.  Afterwards, Richard served with pride in the U.S. Army for eight years, including two tours in the Vietnam War.  He served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, participating in numerous combat operations and as a Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Drill Sergeant at Fort Lee, Virginia (Fort Gregg-Adams).  Following his discharge, from the Army he went on to work for General Motors, Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation and J.W. Fergusson & Sons Printing Company, retiring from the latter in 2005.

He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Cunningham (LaConya); parents, Tavis  Phillip Ruffin, Ivory Frank  (stepfather) and Fannie Thomas; and six siblings, Eddie Blocker, Frank Thomas (Renella Marbury), Roger Thomas (Betty Atkins), Doris Rhodes, James Thomas (Doris), and Reverend Jerry Thomas, Sr. (Debra).

Richard is survived by his son, Douglas Fuller (Francine Davy) of Ellenwood, Georgia, and daughter, Kimberly Winters-Washington (Roy) of Buford, Georgia, and their mother and his former wife, Frances Winston of Petersburg, Virginia. He’s also leaves behind a son Darrel Johnson (Renee) of Richmond, Virginia, and daughter, Tanya Jenkins of Birmingham, Alabama; seven grandchildren; Jamelia Cunningham, Kennedy Shaw, Doshaunda Fuller, Kendal Johnson, Richard Cunningham, Jr., Katelyn Jenkins and Caylee Fuller; two great grandchildren, Kiyah and Vercell Johnson; one sister, Shirley Rayford (Charles deceased) of Porter Ranch, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to cherish many memories. 

Richard Winters will forever reside in our hearts. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. We mourn his passing but, find peace in the belief that his spirit is at peace. 

A memorial service will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at First Baptist Church Patrick City, 7358 Mississippi Avenue, Leeds, Alabama, Pastor Sylvester Truss, eulogist.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.