David "Pete" Leon Fields

Pete Fields passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, at the age of 87. He was a longtime resident of Highland Springs, Virginia.

Born to Edna and "Buster" Fields, Pete grew up in the small town of Lebanon in Russell County, Virginia. A few years after graduating from high school, he set out for Richmond in the early 1960s in search of greater opportunities. Alongside his first wife, Catherine McCray Fields, the young couple left their families behind and began building a new life together.

Like many young men starting out, Pete worked several jobs after arriving in Richmond, including delivering milk for Richmond Dairy. He later joined Philip Morris as a case packer at the company's Dock Street facility. In the early 1970s, he transferred to the new Bells Road plant, where he built a career spanning more than four decades before retiring.

Pete and Catherine welcomed two children, Scott and Cathy, and made their home in Highland Springs, where they raised their family. After their children were grown, Pete and Catherine eventually went their separate ways. Catherine passed away in 2007.

Later in life, Pete met Joyce Pierce while she was working as a nurse at Richmond Memorial Hospital. Their chance meeting in the hospital cafeteria blossomed into a wonderful love story. After a brief courtship, they were married on September 4, 1987, and built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Together they enjoyed traveling throughout the country, discovering new places and making memories that would last a lifetime. They eventually settled in Sandston, where they created a home they both loved.

Pete found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved tending his garden, working in the yard, searching for treasures at yard sales, and riding his beloved tricycle through the neighborhood. He never needed much to be happy a sunny day, a project to keep him busy, time spent with Joyce, or a conversation with a friend was enough. He lived with quiet contentment and a gentle spirit that put others at ease.

His faith was the cornerstone of his life. Pete was a devoted member of Highland Springs Church of the Nazarene, where he faithfully served, worshipped, and formed lasting friendships. He loved his church family deeply and considered the congregation an extension of his own family.

Pete was the youngest of four children and was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim Fields and Raymond Fields, and his sister, Maryann Fogleman. He was also preceded by his stepson, Mark King.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Fields; his son, Scott Fields, and daughter-in-law, Trish Geier Fields; his daughter, Cathy Fields-Wickline; his stepson, Matthew King and his wife, Nana; and many extended family members and dear friends who will remember his quiet strength, gentle heart, unwavering faith, and the genuine kindness he shared so freely.

Pete's family invites everyone who knew and loved him to share photographs and memories on the Nelsen Funeral Home website. It was Pete's wish that, rather than dwell in sadness, family and friends laugh together, reminisce, and celebrate a life well lived.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 South Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23231.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, followed by interment at Washington Memorial Park.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life reception immediately following the interment at Highland Springs Church of the Nazarene, 6003 Hawkes Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23223.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or the American Cancer Society.