Mr. Richard DeShazor
Richard Deshazor, affectionately known for always saying he was 28, entered eternal rest on Monday, March 23, 2026, surrounded by his family at SOVAH Health in Danville, Virginia. Though he claimed 28 as his age of choice, he lived a full and remarkable 84 years.
Richard Deshazor was born on September 23, 1941, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia to the late James Allen Deshazor and Virgie Brandon Deshazor, whom he visited daily until their passing. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his eight brothers: Clyde, George, Raymond, Clay (Shirley), Harold (Mildred), Ozonie “Beer” (Laura), Curtis (Gladys, who survives), Lawrence (Geneva, and three sisters: Euola, Francis, and Odaris.
Raised in humble beginnings, Richard grew up in a log home joking that during the winters, there was more snow inside of the house than outside. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, beginning on the family farm at just seven years old and later working as a sharecropper alongside his father and brothers. He shared, he’d walked miles to attend a one-room schoolhouse, often placing cardboard in his shoes to protect his feet. These early experiences shaped the strength, discipline, and resilience that defined his life.
He was educated in the Pittsylvania County school system and attended Southside High School. During this time, he played semi-professional baseball and developed a love for sports, including basketball. He was also a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
On May 4, 1964, at the age of 23, Richard married his loving wife, Frances Gunn Deshazor, who survives him. Their union spanned over 61 years and was marked by commitment, devotion, and enduring presence. They stood by each other through life’s hardships, remaining devoted and were a constant presence in one another’s lives. In his later years, after he lost his sight, Frances remained faithfully by his side, caring for him with that same steady devotion.
From their union, Richard and Frances were blessed with three children—Vinnette Petty, Ronnie Deshazor, and Donna Deshazor—six grandchildren—Ronnie Deshazor (Jennifer), Andrew Petty (Briana), Johnathan Deshazor, Nikita Deshazor, Andrey Petty (Emily) and Trevor Deshazor—and ten great-grandchildren—Ronnie Jr., Brent, Ja’Mya, Odin, Elric, Ra’Nya, Winter, Elikai, Esmée, and Josie. His family was the center of his life. Though he rarely said it, he showed his love daily through his presence, his provision, and his actions. His great-grandchildren, especially, brought him immense joy and laughter and held a special place in his heart. Richard also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family, and friends whose lives he touched and whose memories of him will be treasured.
Richard worked at Dan River Mills for 36 years, where he rose to the position of supervisor while overcoming the racial barriers of his time. A man of many talents, he was known for his skill in painting and his ability to fix or build almost anything including carpentry, plumbing, flooring, small engine repair, and more. He took great pride in using his hands not only to make a living, but to build, repair, and provide for those he loved.
Those same skills became the foundation of the life he built for his family. Together with his wife, he purchased a house and transformed it into a home, raising generations within its walls. He was a present and involved father and grandfather, always making time for those he loved.
Richard was an avid hunter and fisherman, and this was one of the great joys of his life. He spent countless hours outdoors, whether in the woods or by the water, and took pride in the catches he brought home. More importantly, he shared those experiences with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, creating lasting memories on early mornings when he would wake them up to “find something to get into” often leading to a day filled with work, laughter, and life lessons.
To know Richard was to experience wisdom, humor, and honesty all at once. Spending time with him felt like an episode of Sanford and Son—filled with stories, witty remarks, strong opinions, laughter, and conversations about faith and life. The time spent with him was never wasted, there was always something to take with you when the conversation was over.
The void left by Richard’s passing will be deeply felt, but the memories he created be cherished forever. Richard was a man who loved to tell a story or a joke, share a laugh, and leave an impression on everyone around him. True to his nature, even at the end, he would always have a final thought or a piece of wisdom to leave behind: “One more thing, then I gotta let you go…”
“When I die, tell them I was happy.”
-Richard Deshazor
Celebration of Life Services will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment 447 Old South Main Street, Danville, Virginia. Elder Sallie Johnson, Eulogist, Sis. Angela Petty, Officiant. Interment will follow in Highland Burial Park, 3059 N. Main Street, Danville, Virginia.
A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 5:00 p.m.-7 p.m. at the chapel of J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment.
The family will be receiving friends from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m. daily at the residence of his daughter Ms. Vinnette Petty, 5740 Old Richmond Road, Danville, Virginia
The family is asked to assemble at the funeral home on the day of the service by 10:45 a.m.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed, allowing family and friends near and far to come together in prayer, reflection and remembrance. Please click here at time of service to join in the live stream.
Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 447 Old South Main St. Danville, Virginia., Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director., Elder Monica Martin, Funeral Directress (434)799-9262.
Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”