Richard Havis Hoagland, Jr

Richard "Dick" Havis Hoagland, Jr., of Chester, died peacefully at home on October 20, 2023, after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Markham Hoagland; son, Richard Havis Hoagland III (Susan), of New Orleans; and grandson, Charles William Hoagland. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard Havis Hoagland Sr. and Evelyn Bowers Hoagland; and sisters, Terri Jae Bass and Elizabeth Wirth.

Dick was born in 1939, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He attended Virginia Military Institute then graduated from Scarritt College with a degree in religious studies and Virginia State University with a masters degree in education. A respected educator and school administrator, Dick began teaching science at Hopewell High School in 1964. In 1971, he moved to Dupont Elementary School, where he was principal for 17 years. From 1988 to 2002 he worked as director of operations for Hopewell Public Schools.

Dick was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Historic Hopewell Foundation, and First United Methodist Church. He was a Civil War historian and relic hunter who amassed a large collection of war artifacts. He could always be found with a book by his side and was an avid woodworker. Dick loved nothing more than spending time in Buxton, N.C., where he and Carolyn built a second home in 1983. He was an avid fisherman who spent hours fishing at the Point. He passed on his love of fishing to many, teaching his son, nephews, and great nephews how to cast a line.

Known for his gregarious personality and hospitality, Dick will be missed by his many friends and family members including, niece, Pam Jordan (Don); and nephews, Steve Bass (Hilda), Mark Bass (Rhonda), John Haddad, Christopher Haddad (Jennifer), and Matthew Haddad (Jessica).

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 4 to 6 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 502 W. Broadway, Hopewell. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 3 p.m., also at First United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to VMI Class of 1962, First United Methodist Church, and Historic Hopewell Foundation.