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Obituaries
Richard Dale Pleasants
Richard “Rich” Dale Pleasants, 79, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024. He was a native of Clayton, N.C., and a resident of Yorktown, VA. Richard graduated from Clayton High School in 1963. He graduated from Campbell University in 1972 and the Medical College of VA with a Master of Health Administration in 1980. Richard served in the Air Force for 30 years and retired as a Colonel. He was involved with several churches, but most recently, he was a member of Bnai Avraham Messianic Fellowship, where he was formerly a deacon.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Milton Elcoye “Tom” and Zoie Mae Pleasants.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gail Pleasants; sister, Sheila Pleasants; close cousin, Frank Johnson; and many other relatives and friends.
Shelia says, “Rich was more than a big brother to me…he was my protector and trusted advisor. With a similar sense of humor, we shared many laughs and jokes over the years. Lots of them told over and over…but they were funny every time. I am SO very proud of the life he lived with humility and faith. He was a role model for me and had a sense of fairness to emulate. His suffering is now over…I will miss him more than I can say. His imprint on my life will go on, and he will ALWAYS live in my heart.”
A visitation will be held at Peninsula Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 2-4:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., followed by the burial at Peninsula Memorial Park.
9 Comments
Rich was a dear friend and a great man of God. He loved the Lord, his wife, the rest of his family, and our country. When I lived in Virginia and led a congregation, his devotion to following and serving the Lord was evident, and I was delighted when he agreed to be my head deacon. Most of all I enjoyed having breakfast with him and our dear friend Bart many Tuesday mornings. I will miss him very much, but I am comforted to know that he is no longer ill. Instead he is in the very presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. May God bring comfort to his wonderful and Godly wife Gail during this difficult time.
Rich was a wonderful leader and servant for his congregation. It was a privilege and honor to get to know him and spend time with him and Gail. He was a friend to me, my wife and kids over the past 15 years, and would often share his wisdom and life experiences, as well as humor, over meals, which we will miss. Rich is completely whole and well now with the L-rd, PTL. My family is keeping you, Gail, Rich’s wonderful wife, and your family and friends in our prayers. May our Heavenly Father give you peace and comfort during this time.
So sorry for the loss of Richard. I never got to meet him but felt that I knew him through his sister, Sheila. She always spoke of him so fondly and loving. Always emphasizing his Christianity and his love and devotion to Gail. Also his beloved USA! Rest in Peace❤️
Gail, I’m so very sorry for your loss. May you and all his loved ones feel the arms of God wrapped around you as He wipes away your tears.
Rich! “The Colonel” such a great sprit and a wonderful friend, now entered into rest. I am ever thankful and blessed to have known him.
Richard and I were grad members of the CHS 1963 class. Sadly I can only remember seeing Richard twice since graduating in May ‘63. First, I don’t remember the year but I saw him along with first cousin and life time close friend, Frank Johnson, at Clayton’s famous hot dog cafe, Jones’. Secondly, September 27, ‘23, at our 60th class reunion. He was using his walking and we spoke briefly. Since Monday that time of those few words has meant a lot more to me. Because during my career of 44 years as a high school teacher/coach I often would tell my students/players that all military and police trainees are my HEROS! , BEST trained people on plant earth, Amen!!
Finally, Richard D. Pleasants was not only my classmate but always be my hero, rest on peace without pain, my friend.
Rich had a charming personality. The memory of him taking the clean-up crew to the yacht club for lunch showed his big character. It’s good that he is no longer suffering. Prayed that he hears, “Well done my good servant” and that Gail and his family are comforted. Isaiah 57 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.
Rich always provided a high boost of morale to myself and my family during our years in fellowship together. It was my hope to reconnect with him again, and by our shared faith in Christ, it is still my hope. Deepest condolences to, and prayers for, his lovely wife, Gail, and his other surviving relatives.
I first “spoke” with Colonel Pleasants in 1997 when he interviewed me for a Squadron Commander position at a large USAF Clinic under his command at Randolph AFB, San Antonio, TX. He was incredibly professional and thorough. I knew I wasn’t the only candidate but was so impressed that I knew if I was selected by him, I would be in the best of hands. And as the Lord would have it, he did choose me. I will never forget the ceremony and his handing me my squadron’s flag. I was honored beyond words. And have to say what a sharp, handsome officer he was. Working for him was a total privilege. He took great care of his staff and because of that, the patients in our care received the best quality as OUTSTANDING Leadership will always trickle down with amazing results. Gail was a very supportive spouse too, which is critical in a successful command. Last time I got to see Rich was when he made a trip to San Antonio to visit friends in Oct 2007. We had a great lunch and time reminiscing about Randolph. We have stayed connected as friends since his retirement talking almost monthly. I will miss his voice and just knowing he is there. But we all know where he is now and wearing a pretty heavy crown with lots of jewels to reflect his faith and walk with the Lord. My heartfelt condolences to Gail and other family members for their earthly loss. But they all have a new guardian angel. How exciting the day for that big reunion with him!