On Tuesday October 16th 2018, Heaven witnessed the joyous reunion of Richard Franklin Pharr Sr. with Rosie Pharr, his beloved wife as well as his oldest son Richard Pharr Jr. No doubt our Heavenly Father presided over a wonderful celebration.
Dick Pharr was born April 14,1932 in Roanoke, Va. to Kendall Wellington and Lula Kate Pharr. He was the oldest of two boys. Dick and his brother Ron enjoyed their early years in Southeast Roanoke. As a youth he attended the First Baptist Church of Roanoke, Jefferson High School, and earned spending money delivering newspapers.
Shortly after high school, Dick enlisted in the Air Force and was assigned to the 581st Psychological Warfare Unit. For much of that time he was stationed in the Philippines. Dick’s time in the Air Force was life changing. It fostered his love of travel, provided him access to the GI Bill for college, and it was during that time he met Rosie Royster.
Dick and Rosie met at a malt shop in Roanoke and began dating almost immediately. Their courtship continued after his time in the military and while attending The University of Virginia. Rosie was attending Madison University and was an exceptional student. In fact, upon graduation she was offered a Fellowship to Medical School at the University of Tennessee. The drive from UVA to Madison was about an hour. The drive from UVA to UT was five and a half hours. The solution? Dick asked Rosie to marry him and move to Charlottesville. Dick and Rosie were married April 7, 1955. The newlyweds lived in UVA married student housing and 10 months later, welcomed their first of four children. Richard Jr. was born February 6th, 1956. Dick and family continued to live in Charlottesville until he graduated from UVA with a Bachelor’s of Science in Geology in 1959.
Upon graduation, Dick, Rosie and Rick moved to Crozet, Va. Dick accepted a job working for the State of Virginia in the Division of Mineral Resources. One of Dick’s most notable works during his time with the Division was the 1960 publication of the discovery of Strontium minerals in Wise County, Virginia. While living in Crozet , Dick and Rosie welcomed Roxanne (’60) and Thomas (’64).
After 5 years with the Division, Dick was recruited by Nordberg Manufacturing Company to become a sales manager specializing in the rock crushing and aggregate industry. Dick moved Rosie and the 3 children to Milwaukee Wisconsin for a 9 month training program. While in Milwaukee the couple’s fourth child, Courtney (’67), was born.
Upon completion of the training program, Dick and the family were transferred to Atlanta, Ga. He continued to work for Nordberg until 1977 when he was offered a transfer to Dallas, Texas. Dick was at a crossroads. His career with Nordberg was blossoming but the family had established deep roots in Atlanta. Dick chose the most ambitious and risky route possible. He started his own business, Pharr Machinery and Steel Co. Dick’s business prospered and grew into a top tier distributor of rock crushing and aggregate machinery. It was truly a family business. At one point or another, Rosie, Rick, Roxanne and Tommy all worked for the company. The business ran successfully for over 23 years and until his retirement. During this time, Dick fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a private pilot. It was his self-described, greatest achievement. He also traveled extensively including a number of trips back to the Philippines. It was also during this time that Dick and Rosie joined Peachtree Christian Church. The spiritual guidance, friendships and loving environment of Peachtree Christian became the bedrock of Dick and Rosie’s life. Dick served in numerous leadership positions at Peachtree Christian that culminated with him being awarded the title of “Elder Emeritus” in recognition of his years of service and commitment to his faith.
Dick sold Pharr Machinery and Steel Co. in 2000. He and Rosie planned to enjoy their new status as retirees to spend time at their home in Virginia Beach, time with their children, and of particular joy, their growing number of grandchildren. Sadly, in 2001 Rosie joined our Heavenly Father and Dick lost the love of his life. After Rosie’s passing, Dick moved back to Atlanta to be close to family and his church.
Dick relished his family time. He loved his seven grandchildren more than anything. He loved to laugh and had nicknames for all of his children, grandchildren and most of their friends/boyfriends/girlfriends. He was famous for a great story and was not shy to embellish from time to time. Dick was an original and all who knew him cherished his tremendous humor, kind and giving nature, and knew that his word was his bond. He was a man who exuded strong character guided by his unwavering Faith. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his brother (Ron Pharr), his three children and spouses (Roxanne/Bill), (Tom/Misty), (Courtney/Johnny), along with 7 amazing grandchildren.
Dick was rejoined with Rosie at a graveside service held at Sherwood Memorial Park located in Roanoke, Va. on Saturday October 20th. A Memorial Service in Atlanta will be held at Peachtree Christian Church on Sunday, November 4th at 2pm. Condolences may be sent to the family at Dignitymemorial.com and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the “Heritage Fund of Peachtree Christian Church”. The family wishes to thank all who have shared their love and support during this time of sadness.
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