In Loving
Memory

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