Joseph Lee Friend

Joseph Lee Friend,son of the late Mr. Early and Mrs. Hattie Crayton Friend was born on May 8, 1932 in Ammons,Virginia. He slipped into eternal rest on Thursday,September 4, 2008 in Henrico,Virginia.Joe spent his childhood in the Mannboro area of Amelia County where his Grandmother,Massie Crayton and his uncles and aunts,Gordon & Sarah Crayton and Joseph and Effie Crayton helped to rear him. He was educated in the public school system of Amelia County. As a child,Joe confessed Jesus Christ as his personal Savior,was baptized and joined the Manassa Hill Baptist Church in Amelia,Virginia under the pastorate of Rev. C.S. McCall.Joe worked several jobs as a young man. In 1950 he was inducted into the military,serving with the United States Army. Private Joseph Friend served honorably for 2 years and received The National Defense Service Medal,The Army Occupation Medal(Germany)and The Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1952.After being discharged,he made his home in Richmond,Virginia. for the next 43 years,Joe worked for several transportation companies. In 1995 he retired from Roadway Express after 25 years of service.On July 28, 1988,Joe was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Evelyn Cylene Lawson of King and Queen County,Virginia. Together,they joined First Union Baptist Church of Dill Road,Richmond,Virginia. As member of First Union,Joe served faithfully as a member of the Sunday School,Men's Usher Board and the Male Chorus.Joe loved the great outdoors. He was a fisherman and a hunter. He was a member of the Thunder Road Motorcycle Club,where he spent many years involved in the activities of the club. Joe loved his "Harley" and has won many trophies and awards. He is very particular about his bike and all of his vehicles and is known for always having them clean and in immaculate conditionJoe spent many hours in Joe's place(the garage) talking on his CB radio and is well known by his CB handle,"Flying Eagle". Joe shall be forever remembered for his hearty and jovial laugh.Jow was preceded in death by his parents,Early Friend and Hattie Crayton Friend Powell,and brother,Early Friend,Jr.He leaves to cherish his memory,a loving and devoted wife,Evelyn Lawson Friend of Richmond,Virginia;five children,Portia Lawson Robinson(Leroy),Alice Lawson Washington(Luke),Craig Lawson(Joan),Lisa Holmes Holmes(Carter)and Brenda Holmes Thompson(Stuart);nineteen grandchildren,eight great-grandchildren;four sisters,Mary Mann(Thomas) and Frances Allen(Riley)all of Cleveland,Ohio,The Rev. Rosa Dabney of Newtown,Virginia and Florence Priestley(Nate) of Natcrest,Florida;one brother,William "Tobe" Powell of Richmnd,Virginia;two aunts,Mrs. Effie Crayton and Mrs. Edmonia Crayton both of Amelia,Virginia,a devoted cousin,Bessie Hawkes,a long-time friend,Douglas Paige and a host of nieces,nephews,other relatives and close friends.

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Joseph Lee Friend

May 8, 1932 - September 4, 2008