Trenton Richie, Jr.

Trenton Richie Jr., 78, of Madison Heights, Virginia transitioned on Thursday July 24, 2025. He was born in Lexington Va. on June 24, 1947, to the Late Trenton Richie Sr. and Pearl Saunderson (Bradley).

He is preceded in death by one brother, Tim Richie; one stepbrother, Sherman Woolfolk; and one brother-in-law, Raul Rodriguez.

Trenton had a myriad of accomplishments; he joined the Marine Corp. after graduating high school (Dunbar) and received an Honorable Discharge for his service. Trenton received an associate’s degree in Fire Science from Central Virginia Community College (CVCC). He was the first African American in the maintenance department at BWXT which he retired from after 42 years of service. Trenton was the first African American Fire Chief for the Town of Amherst Va. He proudly served two terms, he was also a Virginia State Adjunct Instructor for several years prior to becoming Chief. Trenton was a proud 32-degree Mason from Commandery #18.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved to ride his bicycle when he was able too. He also loved Blues, Jazz, and much like his father country music. He often attended jazz fest around the country. Trenton absolutely loved watching Westerns on T.V.

Trenton is survived by two sons, Antonio Andre Richie of Capital Heights, Maryland and Mario Andretti Richie (LaShawnn Richie) of Clinton, Maryland and mother to his sons, Lavonne Elaine Dalton. Ten grandchildren, Sade Smith, Jasmine Bryant (Wayne), Shaquille Waters, their mother (Patti Smith), Gerard Taylor (Brenda), Whitney Hill, Mario Richie Jr., Mariah Richie (Darius), Wendy DeVine, Brennon DeVine, and Anthony Curtis; and sixteen great grandchildren. Trenton held a special place in heart for his nephew, DeQuincy Roberts; three surrogate sons, Troy Rucker of Madison Heights, Va., Joey Robertson of Lynchburg, Va., and Mark Robertson of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by two sisters Trena Jo Rodriguez (Raul), of Reston, Va. and Joan Jones of Lynchburg Va. One stepbrother, Reverend Charles Woolfolk (Janie); two bonus brothers, Jimmy Woolfolk and Billy Richie (Phylis) all of Lynchburg Va., as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Trenton will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Rest In Peace POP!!

A celebration of Trenton's life will be at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. The family will be receiving friends on Friday, August 1, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Madison Heights, is assisting the family.