Richard Edward Josie, Jr., also known as “Junior”, passed away at the age of 70 on December 4, 2023, at Maryview Medical Center. He resided in the Prentis Park area of Portsmouth, VA.

Richard was born and reared in Portsmouth, VA and was educated by Portsmouth Public Schools, graduating in the 1971 class of Cradock High School.

While in high school Richard was in the ICT program working as an orderly at the former Portsmouth General Hospital. He used those skills to serve as an athletic trainer for Cradock’s sport. After high school, Richard joined the U.S. Army and was trained as a Combat Medic. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and two Good Conduct Medals. He was dedicated to his country and his patients. He was honorably discharged due to an injury sustained while assisting a patient. Richard served with distinction as a Vietnam Era Veteran.

After the Army, Richard continued his nursing career working in various local hospitals and nursing homes. Because of his passion and vast knowledge for nursing, he became a Nursing Instructor at Key Business College. He even allowed his students to use himself as a human “guinea pig” to hone their blood drawing and shot giving skills.

At a young age Richard accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior while attending the family church, Calvary Evangelical Church. As an adult, he rededicated his life to Christ and joined Calvary Evangelical Baptist Church (Portsmouth) also became a friend of Body of Christ Community Church (Chesapeake).

Richard was predeceased by his parents Richard E. Josie, Sr. and Vashti L. Josie and his grandparents Leroy and Mary Southall.

He is survived by his sister Anita E. “Josie” D. B. (Alan); brothers, Kevin E. Josie, Sr. (Patricia), Stephen E. Josie (Sheila), and Carlyle E. Josie; uncle Gilbert Southall (Crystal); a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces/nephews.

Richard was compassionate, truly with a giving “heart of gold”.