Our beloved Richard Thomas Johnson, Sr. was born July 3, 1936 in Buckingham County, Virginia to the late Emma and Thomas Johnson.
Richard received his education from the Buckingham County Public Schools and reared by Ms. Hatchet and lived with her and her children. He was a family provider and worked for Buck Varner, Sammy Smith and his best friend Woodrow Sims as a pulpwood cutter most of his life and he also worked in the lumber yard for many dedicated years of service. Richard received his spiritual blessings at an early age and was at the church on Dixie Hill in Buckingham, Fort Union Baptist Church. He enjoyed being in church, with his church family and listening to the word of worship. If there was a funeral, Richard was going to be attending. A quite, gentleman with a giving spirit that would give you the shirt off his back. When he stepped out the house, you knew he would always have on his suspenders, a belt and one of his many hats.
Everyone loved him, especially his children. Richard was well-known in Farmville so he would talk to everyone, it didn’t matter who you were. There were times he would go to Walmart or Roses and talk to the customers coming and going. He was affectionately called “Uncle Richard or Mr. Richard by family and friends. Richard was very personable, enjoyed meeting new people and loved to be surrounded by family. It takes time for human beings to blossom into something special and Richard’s bloom was the pride and joy of his children. He was so proud of them and how they have developed throughout the years and had their own. Even though he was not a traveling man, Richard enjoyed going to visit his sisters Evelyn and Mildred all the time. The memories they shared with each other will never be forgotten. Our father enjoyed the parties we gave him, but always stated that he did not want us to spend a lot of money on him. After retirement, Richard would maintain lawns for family, friends and people in the community. If “Mr. Richard” did your yard, you knew it was going to be done correctly. He received much pride in working and did so until he was 80 years old.
He is preceded in death by his sister Emma Jean Johnson. On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, his heavenly father called him home to rest. He leaves a legacy of truth and honor within us along with cherish fond memories to his family: two daughters, Evelyn Jordan and Lisa Johnson; devoted son, Richard “Ricky” Thomas Johnson, Jr.; grandchildren, Larry Jordan, Shaqita Jordan, Johnathan Jordan, Matavius Johnson, Tiaria Johnson and Shatina Walker-Ford; a host of great-grands; two devoted sisters, Evelyn Booker and Mildred Johnson; devoted former wife and life-time friend, Virginia Lee; a host of nieces, nephews; his caring nurse Jennifer; devoted extended family friend, Christine Brown, other relatives and caring friends.
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