Beverley Randolph Wellford ("Ranny") was born on 12 June 1943 in Richmond, Virginia, and died there on 6 May 2022. No traditional obituary could capture his unique personality, but a few snippets remembered from his life might.
He was a highly accomplished tennis player, winning many local and State championships as a teenager. At St. Christopher's School he was the top-ranked player and co-captain in his senior year of 1961. In 1966 he was captain of the tennis team at the University of Virginia. His strategy for tennis matches emulated his shrewd persona – instinctively calculating the odds of his next move. He was a patriotic veteran, serving in the Army Medical Service Corps as commanding officer of the 29th Evacuation Hospital at Fort Devens in Massachusetts, and he ultimately became a captain. His respect for warriors extended to those of the past, including his ancestor Major Philip Wellford, CSA – exemplified by membership in Lee-Jackson Camp No. 1, SCV.
Ranny thoroughly enjoyed his time at UVA, especially social activities. He followed his father's footsteps as a member of St. Anthony Hall, and he wore a path from the fraternity house down to the Corner to the University Billiard Parlor (one later frequented by his younger brother Tenny), where Ranny reigned as 8-ball champion. Card games, tavern hopping, road trips, and bird hunts were also vital pastimes for him while at UVA. His playful and mischievous nature was evident in his participation in what was characterized by UVA's History Officer as the most well-known and notorious stunt ever perpetrated at the school. One night in the Spring of 1965, Ranny and his fellow pranksters led a Black Angus calf up to the top of the Rotunda and tethered it there. None of the identities of those involved was revealed until one admitted his role in 1997. Ranny remained true to his pledge not to speak about the matter to UVA authorities.
Ranny and his older brother Mac were among the founding members in 1969 of the West End Bottle Club in Richmond, a group devoted to Bacchanalian festivities. When The Westmoreland Club was reactivated in 1972, after having been dormant since shortly before World War II, Ranny was one of a handful of initial members. He exhaustedly researched the early minutes of the Club, unearthing interesting information about its procurement of barrels of whiskey during prohibition. He later became its president. Ranny was also a long-time member of The Country Club of Virginia and The Richmond German.
Ranny enjoyed traveling to places such as the Canary Islands, Belize, Haiti, Europe, and New Zealand. He especially enjoyed his annual 2-week trek to Tobago with two of his St. C classmates, where the trio would shock and awe the locals by their Dionysian lifestyle.
For several decades he was the longtime organizer of a celebrated annual touch football game, known as the Wickham Bowl. For over 30 years he served as a loyal crewman on a friend's Chesapeake Bay Deadrise, the "Lady Jane," on eventful voyages, including to Tangier Island for duck hunting. While he continued his passion for tennis through early morning matches at CCV, he also dabbled in golf with the Robert C. Bryan Golf Pilgrams. He was loyal and generous, championing his loved ones' passions, supporting their endeavors, and providing (un)solicited counsel. Without notice or fanfare, he often left stacks of freshly chopped firewood at the homes of friends and family. Every Thanksgiving he would smoke scores of turkeys and distribute them to friends.
He was keenly interested in family history, instilled at an early age by his parents through trips with Mac and younger sister Peggy to the Thompson family house in Williamsburg, as well as to "Squirrel Hill" and "Oak Hill" in Maryland. Throughout his life he faithfully attended family gatherings at "Sabine Hall," "Toddsbury," and "Woodside," as well as at those of the Lamb family. He eagerly shared his fondness of the outdoors with family and friends, and he orchestrated many memorable adventures in Powhatan County ("Hunter's Fare") and Bath County ("Ramrod"), which frequently culminated with verses out of the Ramrod Song Book (many sung from memory) while taking in the stars.
He was especially helpful with youngsters as a football coach (most notably to the Beetles) and as assistant Boy Scout leader. He helped Troop 400 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with hikes and as drillmaster for their Richmond parade marches. He had an amazing memory, and could recite long poems with little preparation. He regaled partygoers with his ability to recite old-fashioned sermons and the entire "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam."
In his middle age, he often went to Scottish Games, decked out in the plaid regalia of the McDonald Clan, where he would try to toss the caber. At Christmastime he dressed up as Santa Claus, and visited the children of many of his friends, spreading his unique brand of cheer wherever he went. While attending the University of Baltimore School of Law, he became interested in fox hunting and he rode to the hounds in Virginia and Maryland. This triggered his interest in horse racing, and in later years he owned horses, including a filly named Country Recital that won the Grade III Chrysanthemum Handicap in 1986. After passing the Virginia bar exam, he practiced law at Wellford & Taylor with his father and Mac, when the former was Commissioner of Accounts. After his father's retirement in 1994, Ranny became a sole practitioner. He was respected and popular with Richmond judges, not only for his legal acumen, but also for his colorful and distinctive courtroom demeanor—known as well by his Main Street moniker of "The Hat." In retirement, he attended monthly Tall Pines lunch meetings of his St. C classmates, as well as luncheons with some UVA friends at the Foundry Golf Club.
Ranny was the second son of McDonald Wellford and May Margaret Thompson Wellford, both of whom predeceased him, as did McDonald Wellford Jr. and McDonald Wellford III ("Mackie"). He is survived by many beloved friends and relatives. A graveside service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery at 11:30AM on Friday, May 13th followed by a reception at CCV – Westhampton. Any memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's School, 227 S. Cherry Street, Richmond, VA 23220. PAX NOBISCUM
He was a highly accomplished tennis player, winning many local and State championships as a teenager. At St. Christopher's School he was the top-ranked player and co-captain in his senior year of 1961. In 1966 he was captain of the tennis team at the University of Virginia. His strategy for tennis matches emulated his shrewd persona – instinctively calculating the odds of his next move. He was a patriotic veteran, serving in the Army Medical Service Corps as commanding officer of the 29th Evacuation Hospital at Fort Devens in Massachusetts, and he ultimately became a captain. His respect for warriors extended to those of the past, including his ancestor Major Philip Wellford, CSA – exemplified by membership in Lee-Jackson Camp No. 1, SCV.
Ranny thoroughly enjoyed his time at UVA, especially social activities. He followed his father's footsteps as a member of St. Anthony Hall, and he wore a path from the fraternity house down to the Corner to the University Billiard Parlor (one later frequented by his younger brother Tenny), where Ranny reigned as 8-ball champion. Card games, tavern hopping, road trips, and bird hunts were also vital pastimes for him while at UVA. His playful and mischievous nature was evident in his participation in what was characterized by UVA's History Officer as the most well-known and notorious stunt ever perpetrated at the school. One night in the Spring of 1965, Ranny and his fellow pranksters led a Black Angus calf up to the top of the Rotunda and tethered it there. None of the identities of those involved was revealed until one admitted his role in 1997. Ranny remained true to his pledge not to speak about the matter to UVA authorities.
Ranny and his older brother Mac were among the founding members in 1969 of the West End Bottle Club in Richmond, a group devoted to Bacchanalian festivities. When The Westmoreland Club was reactivated in 1972, after having been dormant since shortly before World War II, Ranny was one of a handful of initial members. He exhaustedly researched the early minutes of the Club, unearthing interesting information about its procurement of barrels of whiskey during prohibition. He later became its president. Ranny was also a long-time member of The Country Club of Virginia and The Richmond German.
Ranny enjoyed traveling to places such as the Canary Islands, Belize, Haiti, Europe, and New Zealand. He especially enjoyed his annual 2-week trek to Tobago with two of his St. C classmates, where the trio would shock and awe the locals by their Dionysian lifestyle.
For several decades he was the longtime organizer of a celebrated annual touch football game, known as the Wickham Bowl. For over 30 years he served as a loyal crewman on a friend's Chesapeake Bay Deadrise, the "Lady Jane," on eventful voyages, including to Tangier Island for duck hunting. While he continued his passion for tennis through early morning matches at CCV, he also dabbled in golf with the Robert C. Bryan Golf Pilgrams. He was loyal and generous, championing his loved ones' passions, supporting their endeavors, and providing (un)solicited counsel. Without notice or fanfare, he often left stacks of freshly chopped firewood at the homes of friends and family. Every Thanksgiving he would smoke scores of turkeys and distribute them to friends.
He was keenly interested in family history, instilled at an early age by his parents through trips with Mac and younger sister Peggy to the Thompson family house in Williamsburg, as well as to "Squirrel Hill" and "Oak Hill" in Maryland. Throughout his life he faithfully attended family gatherings at "Sabine Hall," "Toddsbury," and "Woodside," as well as at those of the Lamb family. He eagerly shared his fondness of the outdoors with family and friends, and he orchestrated many memorable adventures in Powhatan County ("Hunter's Fare") and Bath County ("Ramrod"), which frequently culminated with verses out of the Ramrod Song Book (many sung from memory) while taking in the stars.
He was especially helpful with youngsters as a football coach (most notably to the Beetles) and as assistant Boy Scout leader. He helped Troop 400 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with hikes and as drillmaster for their Richmond parade marches. He had an amazing memory, and could recite long poems with little preparation. He regaled partygoers with his ability to recite old-fashioned sermons and the entire "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam."
In his middle age, he often went to Scottish Games, decked out in the plaid regalia of the McDonald Clan, where he would try to toss the caber. At Christmastime he dressed up as Santa Claus, and visited the children of many of his friends, spreading his unique brand of cheer wherever he went. While attending the University of Baltimore School of Law, he became interested in fox hunting and he rode to the hounds in Virginia and Maryland. This triggered his interest in horse racing, and in later years he owned horses, including a filly named Country Recital that won the Grade III Chrysanthemum Handicap in 1986. After passing the Virginia bar exam, he practiced law at Wellford & Taylor with his father and Mac, when the former was Commissioner of Accounts. After his father's retirement in 1994, Ranny became a sole practitioner. He was respected and popular with Richmond judges, not only for his legal acumen, but also for his colorful and distinctive courtroom demeanor—known as well by his Main Street moniker of "The Hat." In retirement, he attended monthly Tall Pines lunch meetings of his St. C classmates, as well as luncheons with some UVA friends at the Foundry Golf Club.
Ranny was the second son of McDonald Wellford and May Margaret Thompson Wellford, both of whom predeceased him, as did McDonald Wellford Jr. and McDonald Wellford III ("Mackie"). He is survived by many beloved friends and relatives. A graveside service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery at 11:30AM on Friday, May 13th followed by a reception at CCV – Westhampton. Any memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's School, 227 S. Cherry Street, Richmond, VA 23220. PAX NOBISCUM
Beverley Randolph Wellford ("Ranny") was born on 12 June 1943 in Richmond, Virginia, and died there on 6 May 2022. No traditional obituary could capture his unique personality, but a few snippets remembered from his life might.
He was a highly accomplished tennis player, winning many local and State championships as a teenager. At St. Christopher's School he was the top-ranked player and co-captain in his senior year of 1961. In 1966 he was captain of the tennis team at the University of Virginia. His strategy for tennis matches emulated his shrewd persona – instinctively calculating the odds of his next move. He was a patriotic veteran, serving in the Army Medical Service Corps as commanding officer of the 29th Evacuation Hospital at Fort Devens in Massachusetts, and he ultimately became a captain. His respect for warriors extended to those of the past, including his ancestor Major Philip Wellford, CSA – exemplified by membership in Lee-Jackson Camp No. 1, SCV.
Ranny thoroughly enjoyed his time at UVA, especially social activities. He followed his father's footsteps as a member of St. Anthony Hall, and he wore a path from the fraternity house down to the Corner to the University Billiard Parlor (one later frequented by his younger brother Tenny), where Ranny reigned as 8-ball champion. Card games, tavern hopping, road trips, and bird hunts were also vital pastimes for him while at UVA. His playful and mischievous nature was evident in his participation in what was characterized by UVA's History Officer as the most well-known and notorious stunt ever perpetrated at the school. One night in the Spring of 1965, Ranny and his fellow pranksters led a Black Angus calf up to the top of the Rotunda and tethered it there. None of the identities of those involved was revealed until one admitted his role in 1997. Ranny remained true to his pledge not to speak about the matter to UVA authorities.
Ranny and his older brother Mac were among the founding members in 1969 of the West End Bottle Club in Richmond, a group devoted to Bacchanalian festivities. When The Westmoreland Club was reactivated in 1972, after having been dormant since shortly before World War II, Ranny was one of a handful of initial members. He exhaustedly researched the early minutes of the Club, unearthing interesting information about its procurement of barrels of whiskey during prohibition. He later became its president. Ranny was also a long-time member of The Country Club of Virginia and The Richmond German.
Ranny enjoyed traveling to places such as the Canary Islands, Belize, Haiti, Europe, and New Zealand. He especially enjoyed his annual 2-week trek to Tobago with two of his St. C classmates, where the trio would shock and awe the locals by their Dionysian lifestyle.
For several decades he was the longtime organizer of a celebrated annual touch football game, known as the Wickham Bowl. For over 30 years he served as a loyal crewman on a friend's Chesapeake Bay Deadrise, the "Lady Jane," on eventful voyages, including to Tangier Island for duck hunting. While he continued his passion for tennis through early morning matches at CCV, he also dabbled in golf with the Robert C. Bryan Golf Pilgrams. He was loyal and generous, championing his loved ones' passions, supporting their endeavors, and providing (un)solicited counsel. Without notice or fanfare, he often left stacks of freshly chopped firewood at the homes of friends and family. Every Thanksgiving he would smoke scores of turkeys and distribute them to friends.
He was keenly interested in family history, instilled at an early age by his parents through trips with Mac and younger sister Peggy to the Thompson family house in Williamsburg, as well as to "Squirrel Hill" and "Oak Hill" in Maryland. Throughout his life he faithfully attended family gatherings at "Sabine Hall," "Toddsbury," and "Woodside," as well as at those of the Lamb family. He eagerly shared his fondness of the outdoors with family and friends, and he orchestrated many memorable adventures in Powhatan County ("Hunter's Fare") and Bath County ("Ramrod"), which frequently culminated with verses out of the Ramrod Song Book (many sung from memory) while taking in the stars.
He was especially helpful with youngsters as a football coach (most notably to the Beetles) and as assistant Boy Scout leader. He helped Troop 400 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with hikes and as drillmaster for their Richmond parade marches. He had an amazing memory, and could recite long poems with little preparation. He regaled partygoers with his ability to recite old-fashioned sermons and the entire "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam."
In his middle age, he often went to Scottish Games, decked out in the plaid regalia of the McDonald Clan, where he would try to toss the caber. At Christmastime he dressed up as Santa Claus, and visited the children of many of his friends, spreading his unique brand of cheer wherever he went. While attending the University of Baltimore School of Law, he became interested in fox hunting and he rode to the hounds in Virginia and Maryland. This triggered his interest in horse racing, and in later years he owned horses, including a filly named Country Recital that won the Grade III Chrysanthemum Handicap in 1986. After passing the Virginia bar exam, he practiced law at Wellford & Taylor with his father and Mac, when the former was Commissioner of Accounts. After his father's retirement in 1994, Ranny became a sole practitioner. He was respected and popular with Richmond judges, not only for his legal acumen, but also for his colorful and distinctive courtroom demeanor—known as well by his Main Street moniker of "The Hat." In retirement, he attended monthly Tall Pines lunch meetings of his St. C classmates, as well as luncheons with some UVA friends at the Foundry Golf Club.
Ranny was the second son of McDonald Wellford and May Margaret Thompson Wellford, both of whom predeceased him, as did McDonald Wellford Jr. and McDonald Wellford III ("Mackie"). He is survived by many beloved friends and relatives. A graveside service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery at 11:30AM on Friday, May 13th followed by a reception at CCV – Westhampton. Any memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's School, 227 S. Cherry Street, Richmond, VA 23220. PAX NOBISCUM
He was a highly accomplished tennis player, winning many local and State championships as a teenager. At St. Christopher's School he was the top-ranked player and co-captain in his senior year of 1961. In 1966 he was captain of the tennis team at the University of Virginia. His strategy for tennis matches emulated his shrewd persona – instinctively calculating the odds of his next move. He was a patriotic veteran, serving in the Army Medical Service Corps as commanding officer of the 29th Evacuation Hospital at Fort Devens in Massachusetts, and he ultimately became a captain. His respect for warriors extended to those of the past, including his ancestor Major Philip Wellford, CSA – exemplified by membership in Lee-Jackson Camp No. 1, SCV.
Ranny thoroughly enjoyed his time at UVA, especially social activities. He followed his father's footsteps as a member of St. Anthony Hall, and he wore a path from the fraternity house down to the Corner to the University Billiard Parlor (one later frequented by his younger brother Tenny), where Ranny reigned as 8-ball champion. Card games, tavern hopping, road trips, and bird hunts were also vital pastimes for him while at UVA. His playful and mischievous nature was evident in his participation in what was characterized by UVA's History Officer as the most well-known and notorious stunt ever perpetrated at the school. One night in the Spring of 1965, Ranny and his fellow pranksters led a Black Angus calf up to the top of the Rotunda and tethered it there. None of the identities of those involved was revealed until one admitted his role in 1997. Ranny remained true to his pledge not to speak about the matter to UVA authorities.
Ranny and his older brother Mac were among the founding members in 1969 of the West End Bottle Club in Richmond, a group devoted to Bacchanalian festivities. When The Westmoreland Club was reactivated in 1972, after having been dormant since shortly before World War II, Ranny was one of a handful of initial members. He exhaustedly researched the early minutes of the Club, unearthing interesting information about its procurement of barrels of whiskey during prohibition. He later became its president. Ranny was also a long-time member of The Country Club of Virginia and The Richmond German.
Ranny enjoyed traveling to places such as the Canary Islands, Belize, Haiti, Europe, and New Zealand. He especially enjoyed his annual 2-week trek to Tobago with two of his St. C classmates, where the trio would shock and awe the locals by their Dionysian lifestyle.
For several decades he was the longtime organizer of a celebrated annual touch football game, known as the Wickham Bowl. For over 30 years he served as a loyal crewman on a friend's Chesapeake Bay Deadrise, the "Lady Jane," on eventful voyages, including to Tangier Island for duck hunting. While he continued his passion for tennis through early morning matches at CCV, he also dabbled in golf with the Robert C. Bryan Golf Pilgrams. He was loyal and generous, championing his loved ones' passions, supporting their endeavors, and providing (un)solicited counsel. Without notice or fanfare, he often left stacks of freshly chopped firewood at the homes of friends and family. Every Thanksgiving he would smoke scores of turkeys and distribute them to friends.
He was keenly interested in family history, instilled at an early age by his parents through trips with Mac and younger sister Peggy to the Thompson family house in Williamsburg, as well as to "Squirrel Hill" and "Oak Hill" in Maryland. Throughout his life he faithfully attended family gatherings at "Sabine Hall," "Toddsbury," and "Woodside," as well as at those of the Lamb family. He eagerly shared his fondness of the outdoors with family and friends, and he orchestrated many memorable adventures in Powhatan County ("Hunter's Fare") and Bath County ("Ramrod"), which frequently culminated with verses out of the Ramrod Song Book (many sung from memory) while taking in the stars.
He was especially helpful with youngsters as a football coach (most notably to the Beetles) and as assistant Boy Scout leader. He helped Troop 400 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with hikes and as drillmaster for their Richmond parade marches. He had an amazing memory, and could recite long poems with little preparation. He regaled partygoers with his ability to recite old-fashioned sermons and the entire "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam."
In his middle age, he often went to Scottish Games, decked out in the plaid regalia of the McDonald Clan, where he would try to toss the caber. At Christmastime he dressed up as Santa Claus, and visited the children of many of his friends, spreading his unique brand of cheer wherever he went. While attending the University of Baltimore School of Law, he became interested in fox hunting and he rode to the hounds in Virginia and Maryland. This triggered his interest in horse racing, and in later years he owned horses, including a filly named Country Recital that won the Grade III Chrysanthemum Handicap in 1986. After passing the Virginia bar exam, he practiced law at Wellford & Taylor with his father and Mac, when the former was Commissioner of Accounts. After his father's retirement in 1994, Ranny became a sole practitioner. He was respected and popular with Richmond judges, not only for his legal acumen, but also for his colorful and distinctive courtroom demeanor—known as well by his Main Street moniker of "The Hat." In retirement, he attended monthly Tall Pines lunch meetings of his St. C classmates, as well as luncheons with some UVA friends at the Foundry Golf Club.
Ranny was the second son of McDonald Wellford and May Margaret Thompson Wellford, both of whom predeceased him, as did McDonald Wellford Jr. and McDonald Wellford III ("Mackie"). He is survived by many beloved friends and relatives. A graveside service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery at 11:30AM on Friday, May 13th followed by a reception at CCV – Westhampton. Any memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's School, 227 S. Cherry Street, Richmond, VA 23220. PAX NOBISCUM
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