Perkins Alfred Gormus Jr.

I knew it would happen sooner or later. I was hoping for later because I didn’t want to leave my wife, Lynda. Sadly, she passed away on December 28, 2024. We were married for 62 years and were high school sweethearts.

We have three sons: Sean (Dawn), Mark (Slade) and Matt. We also have seven grandchildren: Kyle, Heather, Dalton (Baker), Reid (Ashley), Patrick (Chelsea), Alexis (Trevor) and Lauren. We have five great grandchildren: Ellie, Owen, Faith, Josiah, Charly and soon to be many more.

I was born on July 4, 1939, at my grandparents (Zelma and Henry Campbell) farm in Buckingham County. My other grandparents were Alfred and Lillian Gormus, also from Buckingham County. My parents were Nell and Perkins Gormus Sr. We moved to Richmond where I attended public schools, graduating from the “Old John Marshall High School." I joined the Navy Reserve and spent two years on active duty. After that, I attended Richmond Professional Institute getting my BS in Liberal Arts in 1965 (Journalism Major).

During my junior year (1964), I started working as a photo lab technician and studio photographer for Richmond Newspapers. After graduating, I was promoted to staff photographer. Since I am writing my own obituary, I can’t mention the awards that I won because it would sound like bragging. In 1977 I was appointed Director of Photography and spent less time shooting photos. I served as president of The Virginia News Photographers Association in 1971. I was a member of the Awards Committee of the Virginia Press Association for over 25 years. I was a life member of both organizations as well as the National Press Photographers Association. I retired in 2005.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 4836 Cascade St. North Chesterfield, VA 23234, where a memorial service will be held on February 28th @ 2pm with a reception to follow.