Richard T. Dennis, 70, lovingly known as "PawPaw", "Joppa", and "Richard T" of Petersburg, Virginia, departed this earthly life and entered his heavenly home on September 19, 2025.

Richard was born on June 24, 1955, in Carson, VA, to the late Warrington Dennis and Martha Giles Dennis. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Robin Graves Dennis; his brothers, James Giles and Jack Dennis; and his sisters, Geraldine Jackson and Earnestine Massenburg.

Richard accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Little Mount Baptist Church in Sussex County, Virginia. He also attended and fellowshipped with Bishop Victor Wheeler of Victory Ark Ministries, Petersburg, VA. He attended Sussex County Schools and began his working life as a farmer. He later found his calling in trucking and landscaping, working over 30 years with Robert Schultz Trucking in Waverly, VA.

Richard was a man of love, peace, and wisdom - always willing to lend a helping hand or share what he had with anyone in need. He had a calm spirit and a generous heart. He truly enjoyed old Westerns and watched them daily (preferably in black and white), Richard also enjoyed fishing, fixing cars, taking family trips, and spending time in the backyard with his "Hey Man Crew," family, and friends. When Richard called someone "horse," you knew he meant business. He took pride in his collection of Redskins/Commanders gear, Western hats and boots, and logo caps.

Richard leaves to cherish his memory: three stepchildren, Locia Arnette, Jr. (Vanessa), Ebony Graves and Dina Holmes (Eric); twelve grandchildren, including a very special grandson: Robert Cunningham, Jr.; extended sons/nephews, Derrick Graves (Patria) and Kerri Dennis as he was a father to many; siblings, Della Brown (Norman), Gloria Taylor, Sallie Massenburg, William Dennis (Julia), Milton Dennis and Eddie Dennis (Rosa); loving sister-in-law, Shelley Lyons; brother-in-law, Guy Graves; one aunt, Doris Giles; special friends, Barry Taylor, Scotty Mason, Ryan Taylor, Tony Moore, Russell Gee, and John Williams, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and family. Richard was deeply loved by the Graves family, who held him close to their hearts.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Staff at Care Advantage, Inc., the Virginia Cancer Institute, and Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, as well as his devoted caregivers: sisters, Della, Sallie, and Gloria; niece, Iris Taylor; nephew, Mitchell Dennis; and Rosa Johnson.

Richard will be remembered for his love, humor, hard work, and unshakable kindness. He will be missed beyond measure.

Services will be held 3:00 P.M., Saturday, September 27, 2025, in the Chapel of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, Elder Gloria Taylor, eulogist, Dr. Rev. Bobby L. Taylor, officiating. The interment to follow at Little Mount Baptist Church Cemetery.

A wake will be held from 5:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M., Friday, September 26, 2025, at the funeral establishment.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.