Willie Lewis Loving Sr.

WILLIE LEWIS 'BILL' LOVING, SR. A proud Richmond, Virginia native 'Bill' Loving was the third son and youngest of Lucille W. and Warrenton M. Loving's four children. His brothers, Walter, Warrenton T. Loving and sister, Rosemary all preceded him in death. Affectionately known to most as 'Bill', he continued the traditions of generations of Lovings in Virginia by making his own unique contributions to enrichment and progress for Richmond civically and the state of Virginia. A graduate of Richmond's Maggie L. Waler High School in 1946, Bill was the first male student to take up sewing, joining an all-female class to follow the lead of his Uncle, Joseph L. Loving, a tailor by trade. Bill became a young entrepreneur and ran his own home-based tailoring shop during high school. ENTREPRENEUR His graduation honors included his four year membership in the school's Cadet Corps, being voted "Most Popular Senior", and naturally with his proven tailoring skills, "Best Dressed Senior". After graduation, to further his tailoring and business skills, he joined his Uncle "Joe's" Training Academy, the J.L. Loving Tailoring School. Shortly thereafter, on October 19, 1946 he married his high school sweetheart, Glenna Mae Branch, another Richmond native (who preceded him in death on December 27, 2017 just after celebrating some seventy-one (71) years of marriage). HUSBAND & FATHER Over the years, he and Glenna started their family as he continued to develop masterful tailoring talents at Fines Men's Shop. Later, while serving as a sewing machine operator for General Defense Supply Center, Bill's well-honed tailoring skills benefited large U.S. Industry. After a brief stint with Reynolds Metal, Bill started his own business in 1959, launching his Aluminum Storm Window and Door Company. In 1970, Bill designed and built his family's home in Glen Allen as a prime showcase for his company's exceptional construction capabilities. FIRSTS & HONORS Even while running his company during the 1970's, Bill continued as an area pioneer. He was the first black salesman for both Royal Oldsmobile (1972-76) and the Jones Motor Company (1976-80). Bill sported a vintage 1964 Mercury Montclair during recent decades evidencing his enthusiastic service as past President of both the Metropolitan Antique Car Club and Old Timers Social Club. His honors and recognitions included, among others: Mason of the Year (1992) as voted by the King David Masonic Lodge and Astorian of the Year by the Astoria Beneficial Club after serving as Chairman of their Ways and Means Club. CHURCH TRUSTEE Raised as a member of Third Street Methodist Church, Bill joined Fifth Baptist Church where his dedicated, devoted service and contributions were focused for the past 35+ years faithfully serving on their Trustee Board until very recently. BIG DAD Bill was preceded in death by: youngest daughter, Lynda Loving Kelley in May 2013; first born grandson, Willie Lewis Loving III in June 2014; first born great-grandsons**: Alex Mayo in April 2013 and Ethan Dudley in October 2016. Bill is survived by his first born and oldest daughter, Wilhemina D. Dudley of Haymarket, VA and his two (2) sons, Willie Lewis Loving II of Richmond, VA and Steven L. Loving (Monica) of Maryland|MD. He was proud grandfather of his seven grandchildren: Cory Loving (Tameka) and Nicholas Loving both of Richmond, VA; Tiffoni J. Mayo(Gary) of Suitland, MD and Emerson Dudley of Haymarket, VA; Dr. Kia Jackson Dawson (Dr. Anton) of Germantown, Maryland and Steven T. Loving of Baltimore, Maryland and eleven (11) grandchildren**. Along with his own Family, Bill has also touched, and will continue to inspire, the lives of many other relatives, extended family and friends. & DEDICATED RICHMOND COMMUNITY ADVOCATE Ever a prolific Richmond community advocate, in most recent years, Bill worked tirelessly as facilitator and personal 'clearinghouse' for area food bank donations and distributions for fellow citizens of his beloved Richmond.

Tributes

Willie Lewis Loving Sr.

October 22, 1927 - May 2, 2019