Harold McArthur Townsend

Harold M. Townsend, 82, of Colonial Heights, Virginia passed away on March 12, 2026. Harold was born on May 6, 1943, in Rawlings, Virginia to the late Willard Waverly & Lena Wynn. He grew up farming and developed a love of hunting from an early age. He played several sports, of which basketball was his favorite. As a child he joined Concord Presbyterian Church where he confessed his faith in God. He graduated from Chowan College in 1963 and went to work for the Hopewell News. He was also a Sergeant in the Army National Guard, serving from 1965 – 71 as a member of the 276th combat engineers. He spent the majority of his career working as a construction inspector for VDOT and later, a consulting company. He was a member of American Legion Post 141, the NRA, and formerly Crowder Hunt Club. He also enjoyed camping and fishing and was a proud grandfather to his grandsons. 

He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife of 46 years, Jane Ratcliffe, and a sister, Paige. He is survived by his wife, Mary Townsend of Chesterfield; a son, Tommy Townsend (Robyn) and grandsons Noah and Benjamin all of Stanley, NC; brother Gene Townsend of Solomons, Maryland; sister Barbara (Lynn) Wagner of Chesterfield; brothers Wayne Townsend of Richmond; Willard Townsend, Jr. (Patti) of New Kent; nephew David Townsend (Sabrina) and great niece Abby of Hollywood, Maryland; niece Susan Balding (Bill) of Great Falls; nephew John Wesley Townsend (Katie), great nephew Jack and great niece Perkins of Mechanicsville; nephew Will Townsend (Katie), and great niece Waverly of Quinton. 

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia, 23834. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Graham Cemetery, 14293 Constitution Hwy, Orange, VA, 22960. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.