Richard Clayton Wagoner
Richard Clayton Wagoner, Sr., 90, of Mount Sidney, passed away peacefully at The Retreat on January 10, 2024.
He was born in Weyers Cave on August 2, 1933, the son of the late William M. Wagoner and Pauline Baker Wagoner.
Richard graduated from Weyers Cave High School in 1951. He immediately began his 48-year career at Houff’s Transfer and was named the company’s first dispatcher by Cletus Houff, who he greatly admired. Richard retired as the Head Dispatcher for the company. In the early days, he was given a nickname by Mr. Houff and for the remainder of his career, he was affectionally referred to as “Rit.”
In 1953, he entered the U.S. Army. It was quickly noted by his superiors that his dispatcher skills and experience positioned him as a significant contributor in handling the Supply Operation, Medical Company of the 501st Airborne Infantry in Fort Jackson, SC.
Richard met the love of his life in a high school business class when students from Mt. Sidney High School took the bus to Weyers Cave to jointly participate. Richard married Roselee Michael on October 10, 1954 and they were married for 35 years before she passed away.
In addition to his parents and wife, Roselee, Richard was preceded in death by his brother William M. Wagoner, Jr.
He is survived by his five children, Shelly (Guy) Hosford, Richard (Kaye) Wagoner, Jr., Michael (Julie) Wagoner, Alan (Sandy) Wagoner, and Stephanie Gatewood (Jim Lowe).
In January 1992, Richard married Joan Sparks Owens. They were able to enjoy many years of love and companionship until Joan preceded him in death in 2015. The resulting extended family includes Joan’s four children, Don (Chris) Owens, Rick Owens, Joni (Steve) Mitts, and Paul (Leah) Owens.
Richard enjoyed time spent with his 22 grandchildren and 30 great grand-children. He also treasured life-long friendships with Charles (Doodie) Wrenn, Doug Houff, and Dwight Houff.
Richard was a huge sports enthusiast which was his favorite topic for discussion. He was a fixture at Fort Defiance High School’s games in the 1970s and 1980s. He had season tickets to James Madison University sports and attended games until his health declined. Richard loved to watch any college or professional football, basketball, baseball, or softball game or NASCAR race that was on television or radio, providing he had his puzzle books to work between plays. He had an amazing mental ability to complete a variety of puzzles even in his later years. He was very proud of this as well.
Richard was a life-long and active member of Mount Pisgah Church in Mount Sidney. For many years, he and Roselee shared the Financial Secretary role and until recently, he was a Trustee.
The Celebration of Life will be held at Mount Pisgah Church on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 11:00 am.
A special thank you to Ken Donohue, The Retreat, Hospice of the Shenandoah, and Sam Arnold for their attentiveness, care, and compassion.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Pisgah Church, 160 Mt. Pisgah Rd, Mt. Sidney, VA 24467.
Coffman Funeral and Cremation Service in Staunton is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net.
