Lawrence Tucker Darby Jr.

Lawrence Tucker Darby Jr., 98, of N. Chesterfield died October 28, 2018.
He was the first child of Lawrence T. Darby Sr. and Fannie Cox Darby; and
was raised on his parent's farm near McKenney, Virginia, in Dinwiddie
County. Lawrence graduated from Sunnyside McKenney High School, and
in 1941 joined the Western Electric division of the AT&T Company and
worked there until retirement in 1982. His career was interrupted in
January 1942 when he joined the u.S. Army Air Force and served in the 3rd
Air Force, III Fighter Command, 98th Fighter Squadron at Drew Army Air
Field. Lawrence became an aircraft maintenance crew chief and later an
aircraft gunnery instructor, completing his service as a Staff Sergeant in
November 1945, shortly after the conclusion of World War II. During his
time in service, he married Marguerite Sizemore of Dinwiddie, Virginia.
After his discharge, they returned to Richmond and he resumed his
employment with Western Electric. In retirement, he pursued his interest
in 19th and 20th century American lighting, collecting and restoring lamps
for over 20 years, making many lasting friendships while freely sharing his
knowledge and expertise in that field. Lawrence was predeceased by his
wife of 72 years, Marguerite. He is survived by his two daughters,
Daphne Shelley and her husband, Paul N. Shelley Sr., and Lisa Darby;
three sons, Lawrence T. Darby III, David T. Darby and his wife, Gina, and
Jason D. Darby and his wife, Kayla. Six grandchildren survive him, Paul
Shelley Jr., Seth Shelley and his wife, Diana, Brian Darby, Miriam Bramble
and her husband, Ethan, Zachary Darby and Elijah Darby; and one great
grandson, Tucker Shelley. The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to
8:00pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, 3050 West Hundred Road, Chester VA 23831. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at Asbury Memorial Cemetery, 20600 Boydton Plank Road., McKenney VA 23872. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Asbury Memorial Cemetery Fund, 5558 Lennie Road, McKenney, VA 23872. Or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be registered online at www.jtmorriss.com