Richard Edward Christmas

Our beloved, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Richard Edward Christmas, entered into rest on July 30, 2022. Richard was born on April 12, 1959 to the late Blanche Marie Christmas. Richard was adopted and became also the son of his grandparents, the late Ralph Christmas, Sr. and Frances Goldie Ragland Christmas. Richard touched so many lives in many many ways and was always willing to help others.

Richard attended Louisa County Public School and later received his GED and also attended classes at Piedmont Virginia Community College. Richard married Gwendolph Johnson on May 19, 1979 and celebrated 43 years of marriage. He became an active member and Deacon of the Springfield Baptist Church in Gordonsville, Virginia. Richard also served as a musician for the Church playing the keyboard for the choirs. He also enjoyed playing the guitar with his group "The Faith Redeemers". Richard loved fishing, boating, talking with his numerous friends, family and cousins, working with his backhoe and playing with his dogs. Richard really enjoyed retirement, especially after not having to drive his long commute back and forth to work at Dominion Energy, especially after having done so for over 40 years! So it was a blessing that he was able to retire in 2018.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Blanche Marie Christmas Batchelor, and Ralph and Frances Christmas; his daughter, Natalie Dawn Christmas; 3 brothers: William Christmas, Curtis Christmas, and Richard A. Christmas; five sisters: Frances Washington, Virginia Batchelor, Gracie Carter, Merry Christmas, and Isabelle Grooms; father-in-law, Wallace June Johnson; sister-in-law, Nancy G. Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Gwendolph Johnson Christmas; one beloved daughter, Hope Renee Christmas; two sons: Richard Anthony Christmas and Donnie Burgess (Carla); one granddaughter, Leilani Burgess; one grandson, Dakhari Burgess; five brothers: Ralph Christmas, Jr., Arthur Christmas (Joyce), Billy Rae Batchelor, Jr, Eric Batchelor (Tameik), and Thomas Batchelor; five sisters: Ruth Quarles (Larry), and Emily Clark (Robert), Beverly Ferguson (Rob), Theresa Diane Batchelor, and Itina Batchelor. A special mother-in-law, Ethel Kathleen Johnson; a sister-in-law, Brenda J. Harrison (Frederick) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.