Warren Allen Richard

Warren Allen Richard, 87, passed away at his home in Springfield, Va., on Dec. 23, 2018. He was predeceased by his eldest son, Kenneth Dale Richard, who passed away on Nov. 12, 2016, from stomach cancer, and by his parents, Eunice Woolwine and Clarence Richard. Warren was born on March 28, 1931, in Floyd County, Va. He met the love of his life, Rheba, in high school, and they married in 1950, over 68 years ago. They shared a deep, amazing love they professed to each other daily, and there was nothing he would not do or sacrifice for her. His dying wish was to ensure she continues to receive the love and care he had given her throughout their lives together. Warren joined the U.S. Navy in 1951 and served until 1955. Upon his honorable discharge, he entered the trucking industry, first with Brooks and then Hemingway before a long and successful career with Estes Express Lines (1969 to 1997). Warren began as an office manager, moving up through the company to retire as a member of the national sales team. His success was rooted in his work ethic – doing whatever needed to be done, including everything from driving the tractor trailers when they were down a driver to walking miles in blowing snow to help dig out the trucks. Warren took up golf in his mid-30s. He loved the game and continued to play on a regular basis until a few years ago. After retirement from the trucking industry, he spent a lot of time, both working and playing golf, at Greendale Golf Course in Alexandria, Va. To his neighbors, he was known as the "go-to" guy for practically everything: helping youngsters with their homework, taking over Mr. Handyman duties for the not-so-young and being a great resource and friend to everyone in between. He was also an active member of the Franconia United Methodist Church from 1970 until his death. Warren was the most caring, kind, gentle, generous, patient and loving person most people will ever meet. Not only was he the best husband ever, he was a great dad, grandfather and great grandfather – or, as the grandkids called him, "Big Daddy." Although he was known to be rather quiet, he was very witty and had a teasing sense of humor he passed on to his kids and grandkids. He will be sorely missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Rheba Richard; children, Debra, Larry (Terri) and the late Kenneth Richard (Judy Johnson); brother, Cletis Richard; grandchildren, Christopher Richard, Justin Richard (Ronnie), Heather Dudney (John), and Thomas Richard; and great grandson, Charles Dudney. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at Franconia United Methodist Church, 6037 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, Va., 22310, with viewing at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. Interment will take place at Quantico National Cemetery on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Franconia United Methodist Church or to your favorite charity.

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Warren Allen Richard

March 28, 1931 - December 23, 2018