Richard L. Cleveland Sr.

Richard L. Cleveland, Sr. went to be with the Lord on December 9, 2017, while at his home. Richard was born on July 7, 1937, to the late Ardell Council. in Portsmouth, Virginia. After her passing, he went to live with his uncle Norman Council and his wife, Mattie Council; whom he affectionately called "Momma" and “Daddy”. They loved and cared for him as if he were their own son. Richard was a proud graduate of I. C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. While at Norcom, he prayed several sports. He remained a loyal fan of the Norcom teams and would often chant "Go Greyhounds!" After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country for twenty-two years. One of his many duty stations while in the Navy was at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. After retiring, he served" in the Fleet Reserve. He also worked for the Virginia Employment Commission for several years before accepting a civil service position with the Armed" Forces Staff College, where he remained" for twenty-five years before retiring. Richard was a faithful member of Third Baptist Church. He truly loved singing praises to the Lord. This was made evident by his dedication as a member of the Men's Choir and the Sanctuary Choir. He was also a member of the Andrews Brothers/Men's Ministry. Richard served his community as the President of the Prentiss Place Civic League for many years. Richard was truly a loving and caring man. His love and devotion to his family was heartfelt. He always greeted you with kind words and" a warm smile. If there was ever anything he could. do to assist anyone, he did' it from his heart. He didn't mind going that extra mile to make a difference in the life of someone else. He will truly be missed" by all who loved and knew him. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his legacy; his loving wife of fifty-one years, Yvonne Cleveland; one son, Richard Cleveland. Jr., and his daughter-in-law, Deborah Cleveland; three sisters: Deloris Crosse (Arthur) of Brooklyn, New York Linda McCants (Fred) of Chesapeake, Virginia, Vivian L. Hawkins of (Brooklyn, New York; one brother, Frederick; L Council, Sr., of Portsmouth, Virginia; sisters-in-law: Mary Davis and Alice Anderson; five nieces: Norma Rogers (Lewis), Arnita Jordan (Ray), Rene Hayles (Mike), Linda M. Davis, and Karen Hollowel (Antonio); three nephews: Michael Davis (Sherea), Frederick, L. Council, Jr., Kenneth McCants, and many other great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Richard L. Cleveland Sr.

July 7, 1937 - December 9, 2017