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Richard Anthony Obituary

ANTHONY, Richard Bryant Sr., 79, of Richmond, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 24, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jane Edwards Anthony; three sons and their wives, Dick and Pam Anthony of Richmond, Fred and Beverly Anthony of Roanoke and David and Becky Anthony of Richmond; grandchildren, Sara and her husband, Jon Lowery, Heather and her husband, John Larsen, all of Richmond, Matthew and his fianc‚e, Katie Jansma, of Baxter, Minn., Erin, Kristin, Adam, Alyssa, Tyler and Elizabeth; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Ellie; sister, Estelle Grant of Greensboro, N.C. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.O. Anthony Sr.; brothers, J.O. Anthony Jr. and J. Charles Anthony; sisters, Helen Schultz and Hurley Brooks. Mr. Anthony served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a lifelong educator retiring in 1988 from Henrico County Schools, having served for 28 years at Douglas S. Freeman High School, where he was principal from 1973 to 1986. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd. His funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at Immanuel Baptist Church, 3601 Monument Ave., with burial to follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Richard B. Anthony Sr. Memorial Scholarship in care of Douglas S. Freeman High School, 8701 Three Chopt Rd., Richmond, Va. 23229.


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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Jan. 26 to Jan. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Anthony

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Thomas Gannon

November 8, 2009

I knew Mr. Anthony to be a fair man. A person who listened and separated the facts from personal issues. Although often at odds I had nothing but respect this man. A good person is always missed whether you knew him or not.

Kelly (Stapleford) Teele

May 2, 2009

While Mr. Anthony was no longer principal at Freeman when I went there, his legacy lived on. His son was my SODA "person" in 6th grade and represented his father well. Thank you to his family for sharing him with our community all those years.

Patricia Class of '73 Schuelke-Jacobson

March 5, 2009

Mr. Anthony always made me smile. He was the best. God be with you all and thank you for letting him be a part of our lives. He was a very special man. Especially with some of the stuff he put up with. I only wish there where more like him in the school system today.

Frances Fitzgerald Frame

March 3, 2009

I am sorry to hear of Mr. Anthony's passing. He always had a smile, a wave, and an ear when you needed one. DSF and the community has lost a great mentor.
Class of 1971.

Diane Fitzgerald Leonard

March 3, 2009

What a wonderful man and a great loss. He always had a kind word to say.. May God be with the Anthony family at this time of grief and know that he is in a much better place! Diane- Class of 1975

Julie Stewart

February 25, 2009

To the Anthony family: my thoughts are with you. Mr Anthony was a great principal and I have fond memories.

Ken Hall (class of 84)

February 11, 2009

My thought and prayers go out to his family.

Leah Decker

February 4, 2009

To the Anthony Family:
Memories are the legacy of love. I remember a pre start of school field trip (August 1984) to Washington, DC for the science club who won the NASA space shuttle contest. Up to DC on the bus we all went, including several parents, Mr. Anthony and even Dr. Bosher (superintendent of Henrico County Schools). I was so cold on the bus that Mr. Anthony gave up his sports coat for me to wear. Later I stepped in mud and it was Mr. Anthony who took tissue and paper towels to clean all the mud off my shoe. What a wonderful & special principal and friend he was to all his students. He will be greatly missed.
DSF class of 1985

Carol Noel

February 3, 2009

Oh my, what a fair and honest man. If you went to DSF, you loved and respected Mr. Anthony. He will be missed and I am a better person thanks to his guidance. Thank you for sharing him with all of us!
Class of '69

Ricky Waller

February 3, 2009

To the Anthony family may God comfort you in your time of sorrow and to Mr. Anthony may you find eternal rest in your heavenly home with the knowledge of how many of us (REBELS) you helped steer down right path.

Dale Richmond

January 29, 2009

My prayers are with the Anthony family. I remember Mr. Anthony loved going to Nags Head. Our family went down there one year and ran into the there. He loved fishing there. He was a great person and a caring prinicpal.

Dale J. Richmond - Freeman class of 1981

Spencer Lewis

January 29, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the Anthony family. Thanks Mr. Anthony for providing such a wonderful educational environment during my years at Freeman.
Spencer Lewis DSF '77

Beth Bynum

January 29, 2009

Mr. Anthony was a wonderful man and such a great principal at DSF! I'm not sure I truly appreciated what a great principal he was until I had a child of my own in high school. He was firm but loving and approachable and never overbearing. What a great man - he will truly be missed! Fred, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Beth Robertson Bynum (DSF '80)

Jay Clarke

January 29, 2009

Richard Anthony was a good man. My thoughts gratefully return to him.

Laurie Meyer Kaplan

January 28, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mr. Anthony was a wonderful principal, and we were honored to have him graduate (retire) with us in 1986. May you find strength in your memories.

Dennis Bannon

January 28, 2009

My prayers are with the Anthony family.

Frank Overbey

January 28, 2009

O the memories I have of Mr. Anthony. Shop teacher at Tuckahoe Middle, principal at Freeman, surf fisherman at Hatteras, and sportsman everywhere.

It seems I get to tell one of my "Mr. Anthony stories" every few months to friends, young and old. A tough guy, but always fair. Don't get on his bad side though !! He was a great guy and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Frank Overbey DSF 69'

Glenn Graham

January 28, 2009

Mr. Anthony was such a beloved principal while I was at Douglas Freeman High School (Class of 1976). He made an effort to relate to every student, earn our respect and keep us motivated. I have always cherished my graduation photo of Richard Anthony shaking my hand while handing me my diploma and sharing that brief moment of joy and accomplishment. He will always remain in our hearts.

Cindy and Scott Hill

January 28, 2009

We are so fortunate to have known and loved Mr. Anthony. He was an inspiration to us all. We will always treasure our memories as neighbors and friends.

Please know that I had planned to be at the funeral today, but an ice storm prevented me from making the trip from Blacksburg.

Our hearts and prayers will be with your family in the difficult days ahead.

David Dickinson

January 28, 2009

Mr. Anthony was a long time friend of my family. He was in many ways my guiding light my years at Freeman. What a man, to have touched sooooo many people in such a god way. Mr. Anthonys spirit will love on and on in the hearts of all that knew him.

Flo Weinberg

January 28, 2009

My family and I are so sad to learn of Mr. Anthony's death. He was a wonderful man and good friend. Always smiling, he was very caring and thoughtful and touched many families at Douglas Freeman. When my children reflect back on their highschool years they always talk affectionately about Mr. Anthony and remember how he walked the halls at Freeman and knew everyone by name. They also remember the candy he had in his pockets!! He was very special and we were fortunate that he was at Freeman while my children were students there.

Ron Brooks "71"

January 28, 2009

To the Anthony family,
Durning this time of loss please take comfort in the knowlegde that Mr. Anthony touched and meant so much to so many people, especially to those students that went to Freeman

Turner Broughton

January 27, 2009

Our condolences to the Anthony Family. Though I know only David, his loving description of his father, as well as the article in the paper, reveal a man who had a life that was well-lived.

Brian & Judith Weaver

January 27, 2009

To all the Anthony family,
We all hope that our lives have been well spent...certainly his was...God blessed all of us in letting us be a part of his! Dick and Matthew were a part of our Youth Wrestling League adding to our knowledge that he raised the same values in his children and grandchildren. The Freeman Rebels spirit and values were built on the shoulders of men like Mr. Anthony. God comfort you all.
Classes '67 & '69

KIM NOLAN

January 27, 2009

TO THE ENTIRE ANTHONY FAMILY-

I REMEMBER MR ANTHONY SO FONDLY FROM MY DAYS AT FREEMEN AND AFTERWARDS. NO MATTER WHERE YOU MIGHT RUN INTO HIM HE NEVER FORGOT ONE OF HIS DSF GRADS. HIS SMILE RADIATED THE HALLS AT FREEMAN AND HIS INTEGRITY WAS INSTILLED IN ALL OF US. HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.

GOD BLESS, KIM FARRELL NOLAN (CLASS OF 86)

Shirley Trible

January 27, 2009

I've known Mr. Anthony since I was 14 years old, first as assistant principal at DSF and later as my boss. He was a wonderful man and influenced so many kids. He will be fondly remembered.

Katie Fleming Casey

January 27, 2009

Dear Mrs. Anthony and family,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Thanks for sharing a great man with us. I remember when you all stopped by the Fleming York Beach, Maine trip back in the 70s.
My prayers are with you all. God bless. Katie Fleming Casey DSF'88

Wayne Brooks

January 27, 2009

"Mister" Anthony was a great influence in my life as a student at DSF where he was my firm but fair and friendly shop teacher. I also appreciated seeing and knowing him at Immanuel Baptist Church in my visits home over the years.

What a joy to know that as a believer in Jesus he is in glory with the Lord and we will see him again. We will be praying for the family.

Wayne Brooks DSF '63

Bill and Nancy Phillips

January 27, 2009

We very much wanted to come to Richmond for Dick's funeral but the ice storm here in the valley prevented us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jane and the boys and the family.

John Martin

January 27, 2009

Mrs. Anthony, Dick, Fred, & David, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Mr. Anthony and all of you helped me get through a not so easy time in my life. Thank you for sharing your family vacations and your friendship with me. Those fond memories will never be forgotten.

Patrick Hebert

January 27, 2009

My sincere condolences to the Anthony family. Mr. Anthony was a great leader, motivator and inspiration to all who knew him, especially those who passed him in the halls of DSF. My prayers are with you all. Class of 81.

Debbie Corns

January 27, 2009

I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Anthony's passing. He was a great friend , mentor and supporter to our softball team. We always enjoyed his fireballs that he was never without. He will be greatly missed. Thanks for the goodtimes.

Debbie Corns (Class of 81")

Karnette Lomax

January 27, 2009

Dear Family,

You have my deepest condolences. Mr. Anthony was a wonderful man. I remember him being extremely kind and supportive. Love, The Lomax Family (Class of 1983 and 1985)

Joseph Mason

January 27, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of his passing, he was a great person. I remember that his office was always open, whether it was a school problem or a personal problem he was there to listen. He will truly be missed. He made my time at school enjoyable. Class of 87

the rengnerth family

January 27, 2009

we are so sorry to hear of mr. anthonys passing. all of my children were under his leadership at douglas freeman. my husband loved talking to him about fishing at cape hatteras. He was more than just a principal but also a community leader and great man.he will be missed

Brian & Deb Jansma

January 27, 2009

Our prayers and love are with you at this time. We had the priviledge of meeting Dick only once but we were immediately accepted and blessed. God bless you and comfort you.

Tim Lydon

January 27, 2009

Our Deepest Sympathy to the entire Anthony Family.

Marla Gallaher

January 27, 2009

Mr. Anthony was a wonderful principal and a caring man. I always remember waving at him as he drove through the neighborhood in his red jeep, and he'd always wave back and smile! He was an inspiration and a great leader. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

DSF '87

Faiz Oley

January 27, 2009

On behalf of his other family (The Westbury) we would like to offer our condolences to the Anthony family. He will be missed but remembered. Its gonna be hard to solve the worlds problems without him at the coffee table and even harder to find some one who gives free advice on firearms. God be with you during these tough times. He was loved and admired by all of his peers up here.

David Simmons (Class of 1978)

January 27, 2009

What a true Icon!!! Through his leadership, devotion and dedication, Mr. Anthony touched the lives of so many who knew him. His smile, patients and encouragement changed the lives of so many of his students, school and community. You will be truly missed but never forgotten. What a terrific man!

Cindy Adams

January 26, 2009

Mr. Anthony was a great PrinciPAL...that is the way I learned to spell the word "principal" & he truly was a "pal".

I was fortunate enough to run into Mr. & Mrs. Anthony a few years ago, at Regency Square (where I was part of the "ground breaking", as we/the Douglas Freeman Color Guard Squad" were invited to participate). Mr. Anthony & I laughed about our "ages" and I was able to introduce him to my son, Taylor, that day. Yep...he knew me right away...he never forgot anybody!

"Mister Anthony" was such a positive influence on all of us Freeman Rebels, wasn't he?

My love and deepest sympathy is expressed to his entire family.

Cindy Cook Adams (Class of 1976)

Leslie Ellmore

January 26, 2009

I was so sad to hear of Mr. Anthony's passing. He truly was a legend at DSF, and will be greatly missed. I will always remember Mr. Anthony's caring spirit, his compassion, and ability to lead and unite. He gave students a sense of security, and they knew when he meant business!
Please accept my condolences.
Sincerely,
Leslie Laughter Ellmore

Phil Stone

January 26, 2009

Mr. Anthony taught me at DSF in 1961... He was a special teacher that always was available to help students with problems as well as encourage them to do their best! He had an impact on my life! Thanks Mr. Anthony!

Jeff Clark

January 26, 2009

As a teenager, I was friends with Alex Goolsby, and we used to shoot hoops in Mr. Anthony's driveway. I lived up on Forest Ave. What a great man ...always so friendly and upbeat to kids, and that's the most important thing. --Jeff Clark DSF '74

Charlene Pitchford

January 26, 2009

God know best. In these times it is better to remember "What the person did the best" and also remember the many "wonderful events he went to and what he would have said". I am sure if he were here today,he would not want us to be sad, but rather for all to say "God know best".

Terry and Dennis Spurrier

January 26, 2009

Mrs Anthony and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Mr. Anthony's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. What a wonderful man who touched so many lives in such positive ways. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and he will be greatly missed by all.

Lisa Looney (class of '87)

January 26, 2009

Mr. Anthony was a DSF icon- what a wonderful tribute to his memory that so many Rebels will always remember him as a wonderful, positive influence. He will be missed by many.

LynneDee and Allan Weiman

January 26, 2009

Dick, Pam and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Mr. Anthony's passing and we wanted you to know that you are in our hearts and our prayers.

Rusty Gross

January 26, 2009

Mr. Anthony will be missed by all that attended D.S.F.
He was considered by myself and all my friends who had the luck to know him to be a mentor even after we went on to our endeavors.
He never forgot some of the zany thing we did growing up and always would shake his head and let us know he was proud of us.
Thank you Mr. Anthony for being a part of the lives of so many people during and after the days at D.S.F.
My sympathy to the family during these trying times.

Rusty Gross(class of 63)

Thomas Harlow class of 84

January 26, 2009

He was a great man who i always looked forward to seeing. He always waved and smiled. I WILL MISS SEE HIM but he will be a pleasure in heaven.

Philip Parker

January 26, 2009

I for one will truly miss such a remarkable man. My prayers are with his family. Please know, that while we will miss his contagious smile, a part of him is in all of us that he touched and guided. He is one of the very few who truly understood the intent of the rules and how to apply them, regardless of what any handbook may have stated. He created more responsible adults (young and old) in this community than could ever be counted.
Philip Parker, Class of 82

JAMES RICHMOND

January 26, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Michael Binns

January 26, 2009

We still called him Mr Anthony no matter how old we got. I guess because he gave some of us such an "impression" in shop class, when we were misbehaving. He helped out many of us and was always a joy to see and talk with up at Westbury Drug Store. I will miss seeing you and talking and laughing about old times.

Michael Binns

Rob Ledford

January 26, 2009

Mr. Anthony was a great mentor, and was always cheerful to see me in the hallways (and the office). I am deeply saddened of his passing and my prayers are with his family.

Rob Ledford, DSF '86

Cindy Reynolds

January 26, 2009

We were saddened to hear of Mr. Anthony's passing. I remember him walking the halls of Freeman, making sure all were where we were supposed to be. I remember him as a great listener and the pride he took in all his students and the school itself. He never forgot a face. I ran into him many years after graduation and was amazed at what he recalled about the time I was there. He will be missed in the lives of the "Freeman Family". Our deepest, heartfelt sympathies to all his Family.
Gerald and Cindy (Jones) Reynolds
DSF Class of 72 & 76

Annette Ardler

January 26, 2009

I'm so sad to hear of Mr. Anthony's passing. He always had a smile on his face no matter what. Mr. Anthony really cared for all his students and his committment to educational excellence showed. He will be missed. Annette (Class of 1983)

Rev. Ernest L. Gardner, III

January 26, 2009

I remember Mr. Anthony as a great community figure. Not just a principal for our great school, but one who cared for the whole community. Once when heavy snow halted classes, Mr. Anthony drove his 4-Wheel drive through my neighborhood stopping to chat with dad and I. How many colleagues today would do the same?

Craig Wallerstein

January 26, 2009

I am very sorry to hear of Mr. A's passing. It seems that I spent a lot of time getting to know Mr. A back in the day. He was an honest and fair man. I often wondered how much of his advise brought me to where I am today!

He will be missed.

Lonnie Grant Jr

January 26, 2009

Uncle Pete was a great father and great Uncle - he was always the favorite among the neices and nephews! My thoughts go to Aunt Jane, and the boys and their families.
All the neices and nephews will greatly miss their " Uncle Pete" and his pocketful of fireball candy he always had for the kids!

Stephanie Jones Hudnell

January 26, 2009

I was saddned to hear Mr. Anthony has left us. What a great Principal that truly cared for his students and wanted everyone of us to succeed. You will truly be missed but never forgotten. Thanks for all that you taught me....It did make me a better person.

Shari Norton Greenwell

January 26, 2009

The one thing I remember about Mr. Anthony, was his smile. He was a great man and a great principal! (Class of 1985)

Chris Workman

January 26, 2009

To a man and family I truely loved.

Donald Green

January 26, 2009

Mr. Anthony was a great Principal and a great human being. I truly appreciate the opportunity I had to graduate DSF under his leadership.

In about 1995 or so I was camping in Hatteras with a bunch of friends. As we pulled into the campground, I saw an RV with a very familiar red Jeep Scrambler. After we got set up, I went to the RV and knocked. Sure enough, it was Mr. & Mrs. Anthony. He came down to our campsite and met my friends and socailized with us for quite a while.

The family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Donald Green, DSF '86

Greg Rengnerth

January 26, 2009

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Kathryn Justice-Schill

January 26, 2009

I knew Mr. Anthony when I was a student at Dougles Freeman High School, he was always fair and friendly. He will be missed but the people's lives he touched will never fade. My condolences to his family for their loss.

Darin Williams

January 26, 2009

So sorry to hear about Mr. Anthony. We always enjoyed seeing him on our neighborhood dog walks, and he always made us smile.

Chris & Carol Sumrell

January 26, 2009

Uncle Richard was a very very special man. All of the Edwards grandchildren loved him because he made each of us feel so special. Who can forget the home movies, shooting guns down by the pond and his great sense of humor. He will certainly be missed by everyone. He made a huge impact on my life as a teenager when I needed it the most. I do know he is in a better place and will suffer no more. We love all of you.

Martha Walsh

January 26, 2009

My heart and prayers are with the family at this sadden time. Mr. Anthony was a good man and will be truely missed by his students at DSF.

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