Richard McIlwaine Thackston, Jr.

Richard McIlwaine Thackston, Jr., "Dick", was born on May 27, 1942, in Prince Edward County, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard M. Thackston and Hazel Gay Collins Thackston; sisters, Betty Jean Irving Whitt and Annie Marie Thackston Doughty; half-brother, Carol Thackston; and granddaughter, Katie Elizabeth Thackston. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Thackston. He is also survived by sons, Scott (Michelle) and Keith (Lindsey); granddaughters, Abby and Kara Thackston; and many nieces and nephews.

Dick graduated from Worsham Academy in Prince Edward County. He graduated from Richard Bland College and then attended the University of Richmond night school. Dick was a member of the Virginia Army National Guard. He was hired by Philip Morris USA in 1973, where he became the Group Supervisor of Production Support, retiring in 1998. He then obtained a contractor's license for landscaping and lawn irrigation installation.

When Dick and Betty moved to Chester in 1986, they changed their membership from St. Joseph Catholic Church to St. Augustine Catholic Church. He became active in numerous ministries, including the finance council, bingo, and building committees. He designed and headed the installation of a Memorial Garden for the interment of deceased member's ashes.

Dick was a devoted husband, father, Papa, and friend to many. He had a deep love of nature and the outdoors. He kept the birds well fed, and his yard was a place of beauty. He was always ready to help friends, family, and strangers in need.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church, at 11:00 AM, on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 4400 Beulah Rd, N. Chesterfield, VA 23237, with a reception to follow. Interment will held at St. Joseph Cemetery, in Petersburg, at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick's name may be made to St. Augustine's Catholic Church or to Diabetes Research at www.breakthrought1d.org/midatlantic/.