Richard A. "Dick" Pence

Richard “Dick” Alva Pence, 91, of Edinburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully at Sunnyside Retirement Community in Harrisonburg on March 12, 2026. Born on August 6, 1934, in Lantz Mill, Virginia, to Mary and Walter Pence, he was one of ten children raised in a large and close-knit family. Preceded in death by his brothers Russell, John, and Dean and his sisters Virginia, Margaret, Gail, Lucille, and Betty Lou, he is survived by his eldest brother, William Pence.

Dick’s greatest joy was his 71-year marriage to his beloved wife, Trudy. Together they created a loving family that remained the heart of his life. He is survived by his wife; sons David (Cristen), Richard (Laura), and daughter Lisa (Steve); six grandchildren, Stefanie (Matt), Ted, Nick (Erin), Abbi (Henry), Chris (Margaret), and Julie (Ace); and six great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Wren, Walker, Brynn, Elise, and Ellie.

A lifelong resident of Edinburg, Dick left only to serve two years in the United States Marine Corps. He built his career as an entrepreneur in the food distribution business, serving customers across western, central, and northern Virginia with a strong work ethic, friendly manner, and genuine care for those he served. In retirement, he found renewed pleasure working part-time as a motor coach driver for a local tour bus company, where he enjoyed the travel, meeting new people, and continuing to serve others.

A man of deep faith, Dick was active in the Episcopal Church, cherished biblical study, and valued fellowship with fellow believers. He also enjoyed researching family history, collecting old currency, coins, and historical artifacts, and remained a steadfast supporter of the town of Edinburg. A lifelong sports fan, he faithfully followed the teams of Washington, D.C. He will be remembered for his kind, friendly, and inclusive spirit, and for the warm interest he showed in everyone he met. His family and many friends will miss him deeply.