Richard Obson Fortune , 89, of Spotsylvania, Virginia transitioned to his eternal rest on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Mary Washington Hospital. Richard was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, and friend.

Richard was educated in Fredericksburg City Schools and graduated from Walker Grant High School. Richard went on to hone his skills in construction and general contracting, then eventually went to work for the federal government for the Department of Housing and Urban Development at Hazel Hill Apartments in Fredericksburg, Virginia where he retired after many, many years of service.

Richard met the love of his life, Jean Elizabeth Lawson, and went on to be married on August 26, 1956, in Baltimore, Maryland. Richard and Jean were married for 63 wonderful years. Through Richard's union with Jean, he came to know and joined Pilgrim Baptist Church in August of 1963. During their 60 years of service and becoming a member of the church he filled numerous roles including trustee in 1972, and Financial Clerk in the late 1990's, a position he held until his passing. Richard was a member of the Men's Club, the Men's Choir. The Culinary Ministry considered Richard a member of their group as well, for "no one makes 'church punch' like Brother Fortune." Richard also took ownership and responsibility for overseeing the church's building maintenance and upkeep. Because of his love for the church, he also handled the lawn maintenance until two years ago. Richard also has been a member of the Walker Grant Alumni Association and was their treasurer until his passing. Richard was a lifelong member of the Kiwanis Club, an organization that worked to strengthen and serve communities. He not only served as a member, but he was often the activity photographer and eventually went on to be named the President of the local chapter.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; son, Graph "Ray" Fortune; his parents, Lelia and Graph; sister, Ruth "Roxy" Bills; and brother, Robert "Red" Fortune.

Richard is survived by his children, Lavanell Lawson, Richard C. Fortune (Rhonda), Andrea Fortune, and Nicole Fortune; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; his sisters, Gloria Greene and Edith Johnson (Eddie); his closest cousin and friend, Bobby Kay; as well as an abundance of cousins, extended family and friends.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, on Friday, April 12, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour before the funeral service. A funeral service will be held at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 4189 Pilgrim Church Road, Locust Grove, VA 22508, at 11:00 AM. The interment will follow at Pilgrim Baptist Church Cemetery.