Wilson Henry Friend Sr.

Wilson Henry Friend, Sr. with quiet strength and unwavering faith peacefully entered into eternal rest on Friday, February 6, 2026. Wilson lived a life marked by humility, love, and service to others. A man who trusted God in ALL things, Wilson’s faith was not loud or boastful, but evident in daily actions—through kindness freely given, compassion extended without hesitation, and a deep trust in God that guided every step. Wilson was born on August 2, 1934 in Mannboro, Virginia, the youngest child of Willie Giles Friend and George Washington Friend. He was educated in Amelia County Public Schools, graduating from Russell Grove High School in 1951. At 16 years old, he stepped onto the campus of Virginia State College on a wrestling scholarship, already guided by a vision larger than himself to learn, discover, and contribute to the advancement of science. He viewed science as a way to serve humanity. Earning a bachelor of science in 1955 from Virginia State College, Wilson began his professional career as an educator in Halifax Public Schools at an all-black high school. While he enjoyed sharing his love of science, challenging and nurturing young minds, he felt a deeper calling to directly contribute to scientific research. A true trailblazer, Wilson opened doors where none had existed before, not for recognition, but so others might walk more easily into those spaces. He was one of the first African Americans hired at the Medical College of Virginia in the Biochemistry Department. Wilson was involved in various research projects including cancer research and mitochondrial function research. His research contributions led to several co-authored publications. A true educator, Wilson wanted to pass his knowledge onto the next generation. He became Coordinator of the Biochemistry Graduate Laboratories, shaping future medical, dental, pharmacy, and graduate professionals through teaching and laboratory research. During his tenure, Wilson earned numerous honors and accolades, among them a service award conferred by Dr. Eugene Trani, President of Virginia Commonwealth University. Wilson retired in 1996 after 40 years of research and service to MCV in the Biochemistry Department. A valued member of the department, he was asked to return to the Biochemistry Department as the Department Manager. Wilson worked at MCV for over 50 years allowing passion, hard work and perseverance to define his path. During his early childhood, Wilson’s spiritualty was awakened and he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He was baptized and joined Mt. Level Baptist Church where he remained a faithful member for over 80 years. Wilson’s Christian conviction propelled him to serve his church in various capacities to include the Diaconate Ministry (60 years), Church Clerk (50 years), and Trustee Ministry (40 years). He was also active with the Brotherhood Ministry, the Male Chorus and The Ebenezer Baptist Association. A man of faith who believed deeply in preparation and training, Wilson was a board and founding member of the Ministers, Diaconate Conference of Amelia, Chesterfield and Powhatan. Always ready to serve, his wisdom and counsel were often sought by local pastors, who respectfully called him the ‘Head of Deacons’ or the ‘Deacon of Deacons’. Serving others wasn’t just something he did; serving the community was who he was. He actively worked on local political campaigns of Senator Benjamin Lambert, Mayor Roy West, and Councilwoman Willie Dell, the first woman of color to serve on Richmond City Council. A man of integrity, Wilson supported the election of these politicians because he believed they would work to uplift the community and protect the most vulnerable in society. Always looking for ways to make a positive impact on the community, Wilson was a board and founding member of the North Richmond Community Pool, which opened doors for children to learn to swim and for families to build memories together. A true innovator, he embraced community gardening long before it became widely recognized, cultivating both plants, a sense of connection among neighbors and teaching children self-sufficiency, hard work and life skills. A true trailblazer, Wilson carried his achievements with such humility that many never knew the extent of them. He was initiated as a member of Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity, Incorporated, Alpha Alpha Alpha Chapter in 1953. Until his passing, Wilson held the honor of being the oldest living member of his cherished Sigma in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Wilson was also a member of Sigma Xi, the oldest international Scientific Research Honor Society. Wilson was preceded in death by his parents Willie Friend Randall and George Friend; one daughter Baby Girl Friend; two sisters, Willie Watson and Sallie Craig; and one brother, George R. Friend, Sr. Wilson’s memory will be cherished by the love of his life, his devoted wife of 65 years, Margie Clark Friend; three children, Felecia Friend-Harris (Delmar), Byron Craig, and Wilson Friend, Jr. (Gina); six grandchildren, Leroy Williams, Brittany Craig, Lori Friend, Sydni Friend, Illiana Harris and Halli Friend; one great-grandson, Liam Mitchell Conner; one sister Sallie Randall Harris; five sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. One devoted nephew, Darryl Friend who lovingly assisted with his care as his health began to decline. Wilson will be remembered as a faithful servant, courageous pioneer, and a gentle soul whose life reflected love in action. Family, friends, and all who crossed his path were met with warmth, wisdom, encouragement. His legacy lives on not only in accomplishments, but in lives touched, barriers broken, and faith lived out authentically. Though he will be deeply missed, his example remains as a living legacy of faith, service, perseverance and quiet strength. True to his character, Wilson wanted to leave words of encouragement to everyone: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6.

Tributes

Wilson Henry Friend Sr.

August 2, 1934 - February 6, 2026