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Obituaries
Col. Richard “Rich” Dale Pleasants
Col. Richard “Rich” Dale Pleasants, 79, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024.
He was a native of Clayton, NC, and a resident of Yorktown, VA. Richard graduated from Clayton High School in 1963 and Campbell University in 1972. He earned a Master of Health Administration from the Medical College of Virginia in 1980. Richard served in the Air Force for 30 years, during which time he received several commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. As a dedicated servant of the Lord, Richard was an active member of several churches. His most recent church family was the Bnai Avraham Messianic Fellowship, where he served as 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, Shelia 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 2:00 to 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.
Donations may be made in Richard’s honor to Bnai Avraham Messianic Fellowship (BAMF) through Colonial CPA Group c/o Robin Toledo, 3526 George Washington Highway, Suite A, Yorktown, VA 23693.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.
6 Comments
Now residing with Jesus, a fine man and brother in law whose calm spirit will be truly missed.
Rich was a great MSC, Air Force officer, and wonderful human being. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Rich.
Richard was missed at the Clayton High School 61st class reunion this week, but he was not absent in our hearts and thoughts.
Yes, Rich is with Jesus now. He is a fine Christian man and my best friend, rest in peace…
If anyone deserves a place in heaven, it is Rich. “Uncle Rich” and godfather to my daughter. So many memories of the Air Force years. A kind man and friend. He was a loving husband and my heart and prayers for Gail. May the Lord give her peace and strength.
A little more than 30 years ago, I met Gail, who introduced me to Rich. Unfamiliar to my ear, was his North Carolinian accent — which periodically had me looking to Gail for an interpretation.
It followed that becoming best friends with Gail meant also becoming friends with Rich, her best friend. As I grew to love her as a sister, I grew to love him as a brother.
Two commonalities between them were quickly evident. Both loved cats. More importantly, both loved God.
After they moved back east, Rich and I often traded jokes over the phone. At other times, we talked a little while until Gail returned home from the store.
In a way, it has been difficult to write about him apart from her. While each — each was very much his or her own person — they were so much one entity as husband and wife.
Rich honored God with the way he conducted his life. He and Gail prayed together daily. Rich served God in his congregation.
He loved and honorably served this country.
I appreciate the opportunity here to honor him with a few words.