Richard E. Sawyer

Richard Edward Sawyer was born December 11, 1934 to the late Hawthorne B. Sawyer and Zenobia (Nobie) Clarissa Cason Sawyer in Princess Anne County (now Virginia Beach).  Richard was the middle child to this union. Richard (called Hubbie or Boobie) was predeceased by his siblings Nathaniel (Branchie) Sawyer and William (Tata) Sawyer.  Richard and his brothers were very close growing up and were very protective of each other, so much so, that their mother, Zenobia, could not formerly work outside the home due to the rambunctious nature of her three sons.

Richard confessed Christ at an early age (stating that he stayed on his knees until he found the Lord/religion) and joined Mount Zion A.M.E. Church.  His early education was in the public schools of Princess Anne County.  He graduated from Booker T. Washington Night School, Class of 1963 in Plumbing.   Richard was employed by various companies, such as W.L. Brinkley and Sons and ultimately ventured on his own.  Richard was everyone’s plumber (and often a “jack of all trades).  No job was too small or too big…no time of day was too early or too late…Richard would eventually get to “your house”.   In later years, Richard retired from the Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market, Department of Agriculture.

Richard courted and married the late Shirley Knox Sawyer.  To this union, were 6 children: Baby Sawyer (died at 3 days old), Richard Junior (Skip), Christopher (Chris), Phillip (Randy), Robin (Rob) and Mia (Jamie). Richard cherished his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and did not hesitate to let you know who his children were. 

Richard leaves to celebrate his life, five children – Richard, Christopher, Phillip (Sharon), Robin and Mia (Michael); eight grandchildren – Sharonda, Ricardo, Richard III (Shamecca), Phillip Jr. (Chelsey), Sharell (Jordan), Michael Jr, Rebecca and Cheyenne; six great-grandchildren – Richard IV, Abagail, Kameron, Phillip III, Timonni and Kayanna; one sister – Margie L. Cason; special caretakers - Sebrena Howard and Tonya Christian and a host of nephews, nieces and friends.