DAWSON, Richard Angus, Jr., 88, of Sandston, passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. During his time in the Virginia National Guard, Richard had many different duties and by retirement, had achieved the title and rank of Command Sergeant Major. Richard joined the Central Virginia Mustang Club after picking up the hobby of restoring classic Fords, of which he had a 55 T-Bird and several Mustangs. He spent his retired years restoring them with a gentleman in Fredericksburg named Horace Brown, who would become a very dear friend. He enjoyed car shows, driving in parades and leisure boat rides on the James River. When he wasn't working on cars, he enjoyed watching football games, a good NASCAR race and, of course, a good meal on the town. Richard graduated from John Marshall High School, two years of college, followed by a lifetime of military service. He was a former civil engineer for the County of Henrico, Public Utilities Department. Richard was loved and admired by many and will be missed. The day will come when he and his significant other will be together again and that will be a joyous day for both. This is not the ending of life for Richard, but a new journey to join other family members, fellow soldiers and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard A. Dawson Sr. and Virginia R. Dawson; and is survived by his significant other for 41 years, Frances Brown; sister, Gloria Barnett (Ray); niece, Tammy Brown; great-nephew, Ricky; great-niece, Tina; Wayne Brown, who was like a son; and Harper Brown, who was like a granddaughter to Richard. The family will receive friends, Thursday, November 11, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, Va. 23231, where a funeral service will be held Friday, November 12, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, make contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project. Thanks goes out to the wonderful and caring staff at Morningside Assisted Living in the West End, who cared and became a friend to Richard for the last eight years. Online condolences may be made at nelsenrichmond.com.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Nov. 11 to Nov. 12, 2021.