
Floyd Hetzer O’Brien Jr.
March 23, 1943 – April 10, 2022
Floyd Hetzer O’Brien Jr, 79, of Richmond, was called to Paradise on Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his beloved daughters, grandchildren, and his wife of 24 years.
Floyd was born on March 23, 1943 in the city of Richmond. He attended Thomas Dale High School, played football, and graduated in 1962, going on to attend the University of Richmond, majoring in political science, and graduating in 1966 as a 2nd Lt in the United States Army, obtaining the rank of Captain before his honorable discharge in 1972.
Survivors include his wife Mary, daughters Sheri Ann (Butch), Rebecca, and Kelly (Abner), stepchildren Lori and Andrew and their families, grandchildren Lauren (Cory), Christiana (Angie), Heather (Michael), Sawyer, Luke, and Abner Jr. Great-grandchildren Jacob, Preston, and Caleb.
Heartfelt thanks to his long-time health aide Chiquita, and the team at Serenity Hospice.
He was preceded in death by his father Floyd Sr, his stepfather Ernest, his mother Armanda, and his only son, Tim.
I’m Floyd’s youngest child (Kelly), and I’m writing this on behalf of my family:
As a father, his love was strong and warm and solid. In a world that can be so cold and cruel at times, he remained a beacon of light for his children. A safe place to land and a soft place to fall. A gentle, honorable man who took visible pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His soul was moved by the beauty and wonder of nature. He taught his children about rocks and trees and constellations, and all creatures great and small, and passed along his passion and reverence for God’s creation to all of us.
His capacity for empathy and compassion was endless, and extended to all living beings. There were no uncared for animals on his watch, and he had countless pets over the years who were as devoted to him as he was to them. He found joy and purpose and peace serving his community and his church. He was a true man of God who led by example, even through the darkest hours of his life.
The loss of our brother Tim, his cherished son, had a profound effect on his soul, but the quality of his love and devotion to his remaining children never wavered. He had a quiet strength. He was humble, self-deprecating, selfless, generous, sweet, loving, and kind. He was precious, and precious to us.
There has not been a moment in any of our lives where we questioned the love our dad had for us. He was called to be a father, and he was the greatest gift to our family until he was called back Home. We miss him terribly. The way his eyes would light up when he saw his kids or grandkids, his voice, his dry sense of humor. The way he would glow with pride over our accomplishments. The way he would be visibly moved by his love for the Lord. Our hero. We will carry him with us every single moment of every single day.
My heart to your heart, Daddy. You are my sunshine.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
A funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Good Friday, April 15, 2022, at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294
There will be a service at Ampthill Presbyterian Church on Falling Creek Ave, Richmond afterwards from 4-7
May he Rest In Peace in the loving arms of God 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Daddy oh Daddy I am heart broken. But I know that you are with the Lord Jesus and with Tim. Heart to heart kissy kissy. Love Sheri Ann
Grandpa I’m so sad that you are gone but I know you are in a better place and all of your pain is gone and you are with God, Jesus and uncle tim. You are missed so much and will always be in our hearts and our thoughts. May you rest in peace I love you with all of my heart!!!
Cannot imagine this life without your physical presence and love, Daddy but I am so thankful and proud to carry your unwavering light and beautiful heart with me always. Bear hug brother for us and mom and tell him that we love him to infinity and beyond. Sending you in Heaven a great big bear hug and love you to infinity and beyond. I take solace in knowing that you and brother are together with our Lord. Rest In Peace precious daddy. I love you dearly.
On behalf of our family, I would also like to acknowledge and thank Serenity Hospice and McGuire’s Veterans Hospital doctors and nurses who took the best care possible of our precious daddy and shared good times and laughter with him. You all mean the world to us and God bless you all and your loved ones. Daddy was our world and you made his better while he was in your care. I know daddy would be coming to visit you all with gifts, love and a great appreciation.
Floyd, you are always so good to us. I am so glad that in the last few weeks you were able to see me and my daughter and my puppy even if it was just on video. My favorite memory of you, every time you came home from work he would bring me a candy bar. Thank you for giving me the chocolate addiction. 🙂
Rest in love, always.
Jennifer
Thank you Affinity Funeral Service for a wonderful service for our dad and our family.