Richard Earl Fable

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Richard Earl Fable, 82 of Chester, Virginia. Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend to many. Richard passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 10, 2026. He came into this world on April 25, 1944 to his devoted parents, the late Lloyd Earl and Mildred Louise (Millie) Fable.

A graduate of Thomas Dale High School, Class of 1963, Richard grew into a man of deep Faith. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, he expanded his ministry by completing both the school for congregation, elders, and the pioneer service school multiple times.

In 1961 he developed a lifelong heart condition the moment he fell head over heels for his sweetheart, Merrily.  She would go on to become his dedicated wife on June 19, 1965. Together they raised three daughters, and enjoyed two grandchildren.

To know Richard was to know a man defined by his unwavering devotion to Bible principles, a quick-witted sense of humor, a gifted green thumb, and the rare ability to fix absolutely everything. Above all, he was known for his loyalty to his heavenly father, Jehovah God, and loving devotion to his family.

Richard's impact reached far and wide, touching countless lives in his own unique way. If you were privileged enough to know him, you carry a memory or story worth sharing; a story possibly beginning with his favorite Hardee's biscuits n gravy, Krispy Kreme donuts, and ending with the twists and turns of Snake Road. 

He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten by all who knew and loved him.

While grief is heavy right now, death does not get the last word. We find comfort in Jehovah God's promise of resurrection, knowing that will soon be our reality. "Where is your sting, O death?" This isn't a final farewell-just a temporary pause until we meet again.

1 Corinthians 15:55

Isaiah 25:8 

Left to Cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Grace Merrily Bollinger Fable; daughters, Angela Paige Doughty (Jeff), Tammy Fable Eads (Everett) and Kelly Fable Pettaway (Audie); grandchildren, Madalyn Grace Eads and Austin Richard Clinton Eads (Regine); sisters, Eileen Fable Ward and Janet Fable Miller; cousins, William Edgar Auton, Brenda Anderson Menzies, Robert Preston Auton, Anita Marie Anderson, Melvin Lee Anderson, Jr. and Danny Ray Anderson; nephew, Larry Carlton Adams, Jr.; nieces, Brandy Ward Slater and Jessica Ann Roddy; and great nieces, Ashley Noel Adams and Ruby Ann Spencer.

In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his sister, Margie Fable Roddy (Mike); uncles, Milton Louise Anderson (Mary Lou) and Melvin Lee Anderson, Sr. (Dee Dee); and aunt, Margarent Anderson Auton (Preston).

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their kindness, prayers and support during this difficult time. Thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at VCU, and Crater House Hospice, for their compassionate care in his final days.

A special thank you to Mark and Kymberly Pond, Shawn Atkins, Scott Matz, Geoff Widman, Dean Longbottom, June Austin, for their extraordinary love and presence, when it was needed most.

To all our wonderful friends who dropped off meals to nourish our soul, and cards and text messages to lift our spirits-thank you.

The Family of Richard Earl Fable invites family and friends to attend a graveside service on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 12:00pm at Bermuda Memorial Cemetery,1901 Bermuda Hundred Road, Chester, Virginia 23836.

Flowers can be sent to J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, 3050 W. Hundred Road, Chester, VA 23831, 804-748-2500.