J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Earl, Sr. Richard M.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Richard Morrison Earl, Sr., of Petersburg, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, July 12, 2005. He was the son of the late Everette Homer and Esther Brady Earl and the widower of Jeanette Burnette Earl and preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Earl Coleman and a brother, Robert Earl. Mr. Earl was a retired supervisor at Bellwood and was a merchant marine, an ex � secretary of the Colonial Heights Sportsman Club and a committee member for the scouts at St. Marks U.M.C. He is survived by a son, Richard M. Earl, Jr. and his wife Sherry of Knoxville, Tn.; a grandson Ryan E. Coleman of Chesterfield; and a sister Doris E. Nesbitt of Salem, Or.; Brother in law James M. Burnett and his wife Alice and their son Jamie of Colonial Heights, nephew Eugene Leasure and his wife Lou of Greensboro, N. C. ; Brother in law John Burnett and his wife Sue and their children of Aroda, Va. And a host of loving nieces and nephews Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, July 16, 2005 at 12 noon at Immanuel Baptist Church in Colonial Heights. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 12, 2005 om 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Petersburg Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com

Dear Richard,

Just wanted you to know that my prayers and thoughts are with you. I wish I had had a chance to speak to you at the funeral today, but I didn't. I tried calling you at your Dad's house. I don't know where you and Sherry are staying. So, if you get a chance - give me a yell at 526-2360.

Of course, I have to tell you about one of my fondest memories of you and your Dad. I think we were in the 8th or 9th grade and you and your Dad picked me up and took us to Moore's Lake (I think) we had such a wonderful time - I also remember him picking me up and bringing me to your house. The good old days! Your Dad was such a nice man and he could be funny as well. I know you will miss him - but it sounds like the last few years had been really rough on him.
It was nice getting to see Patsy's son - how handsome he is and what a nice young man he seems to be.

Take care - hope you and Sherry are both well. Call when you can.

Love,
Shelley

Posted by: Shelley V. Laffoon at July 16, 2005 01:47 PM

Like David before me, I remember the commitment of your Dad and the other Fathers in the Immanuel church family. Their contribution of time and
effort to see that we were pointed in the right directions have paid off, I'm sure more than anyone could have anticipated.

Actually, it wasn't just the Fathers. Your Mother,Aunts, and Uncles all had a positive impact on all of our lives.

God be with you and yours.

Keith D. Wright

Posted by: Keith D. Wright at July 15, 2005 04:04 PM

FOR RICHARD EARL, JR.
Richard, I don't know if you will ever receive this but I hope you do. I recall the early sixties when your Dad taught a bunch of rowdy boys in Immanuel's "Training Union". I was one of those youngsters. I vividly recall his stern authoritarian manner and his unique way of ensuring discipline. He would grab your neck and press just hard enough to shut you up and settle you down. I was afraid of your Dad and I dreaded Training Union.

I am so grateful for your Dad and for my years of Training Union. His commitment to a bunch of rowdy boys paid great dividends that, I suspect, he was never aware of. We learned, not only spiritual truths. We developed skills of concentration, attention, and self confidence. In retrospect, as is so often the case, I see how my life was enriched by those dreaded weekly sessions with Mr. Earl.

I will always be grateful for your Father's investment in my life and I extend to you my sincere condolences.

David T. Angel

Posted by: David T. Angel at July 15, 2005 08:16 AM