Richard E. McGruder m 77, of Palmyra, Virginia departed this life Saturday, January 31, 2015 in Palmyra, Virginia. He was born September 26, 1937 to the late Russell Cornelius McGruder and Mabel Estelle Gardanlia McGruder.

Richard lived his youth years in Fluvanna County in the Palmyra area. In April 1955 at the age of eighteen, he joined the United State Air Force. He served his country for four years at Otis Military Base, Cape God, MA. As a military firefighter, he received a "Good Conduct" medal in 1958. After his military career, he lived in New York, Boston MA, and New Bedford, MA. He was employed a supervisor for a Jewish Convent. In 2004 he returned to Fluvanna County where he spent the remainder of his life.

Richard was a member Shiloh Baptist Church.

Richard was preceded in death by his four sons: Richard, Jr., Baxter, Phillip, and Kevin.
He is survived by two children: Tamara McGruder (Florida) and Steven McGruder (Massachusetts); a sister: Arlene McGruder Morton, brothers: Russell McGruder, Jr., Landover, Maryland and James "JJ" Brice of Palmyra, two very special aunts, Lucille Anderson of Charlottesville, VA and Laura McGruder of Palmyra, VA, ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a very special and dear to him, Elizabeth McGruder Morton Tanner, a special caregiver Lardenia Scott, a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 71 Shiloh Church Road, Palmyra.