News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 24, 2026
Obituaries
Randall Keith Sanders
Randall Keith Sanders, 60, of New Kent County, Virginia passed away at his home on February 27, 2026. Randy was born September 16,1965 in Coco Solo Hospital in Panama. He spent most of his childhood and life in Virginia, but enjoyed three years in Wurzburg, Germany while the family was deployed overseas. He played baseball in his youth and worked at Creatures ‘N Critters, a local pet store, as a teen. He attended Potomac Senior High School in Dumfries and was a member of the school’s first graduating class. He briefly attended Virginia Tech before joining the Army and later…
Read Full Story
Brenda Lampkin Johnson
Brenda Lampkin Johnson, 74, of Charles City, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2026. She was born May 31, 1951, to Audrey Whitlock Lampkin and Vincent Woodrow Lampkin. Brenda enjoyed a long and successful career, working for 28 years at Atlantic Bulk Carrier. While she took pride in her work and accomplishments, nothing meant more to her than her family, who were always the center of her life. Brenda was known for her caring and selfless nature. She loved taking care of those around her and was always positive, cheerful, and kind to everyone she met. Her warmth and…
Read Full Story
James C. Willis Jr.
James C. Willis Jr., 81, of Lanexa, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 24, 2026. Jim was born on Aug. 27, 1944, in Clearwater, Florida. Upon graduating from Clearwater High School, he joined the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, ultimately serving in Okinawa, Japan. He returned to Florida and worked as a surveyor for the City of Clearwater Engineering Department. After moving to New Kent, Jim went to work for the Virginia Department of Transportation, retiring as a Utilities Inspector. Growing up in Clearwater, Jim developed a passion for the outdoors. He had a deep knowledge and love…
Read Full Story
Kenneth F. Blake
Kenneth F. Blake, 81, of New Kent, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Kenny was born on Aug. 13, 1944. He was the son of the late Alfred W. and Katherine Elizabeth Blake. Kenny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was a devout Christian and attended Sunday services at Sandston Baptist Church. Kenny had a lifelong love of the outdoors. He was a talented golfer, loved bass fishing, and played softball for many years. His passion for the game earned him an induction into the American Softball Association Hall of…
Read Full Story
Stevenson Barton
Stevenson “Big Chief” Barton, passed away surrounded by his family and loved ones. Stevenson was born on Feb. 11, 1961 in Scotland County, North Carolina, and was the son of the late George L. Barton and Edith Jones Barton of Maxton, North Carolina. Stevenson worked for New Kent County for 15 years before retiring in 2023. He was known for his love of scrapping metal, a hobby that brought him many friendships. Above all, his greatest joy was his four grandchildren; Owen (Hotrod), Isaiah (Juicy), Rylee Ann (Cottontop), and James (Fingers). Stevenson was preceded in death by his parents, George…
Read Full Story
Elsie McLaughlin
Elsie McLaughlin, 92, of New Kent, Virginia, peacefully departed this life on Jan. 30, 2026. Elsie was born on Nov. 20, 1933. Her life was a testament to faith, family, and enduring love. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Bert E. McLaughlin; brother, Robert Sibley; sisters, Deloris wright and Ruby Hogg; son, Steven McLaughlin; daughter, Theresa Smith; and grandson, Jason Meade. She is survived by her sisters, Barba Saddler, Betty Kennard, and Laura Mae Willis; son, Mark McLaughlin (Kimberly); along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren….
Read Full Story
Richard Alexander Allmond
Richard Alexander Allmond, 99, of Henrico, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. Richard served in the United States Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre, earning the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal Japan. He was the district manager for Federal Mogul from 1948-1987. Richard was an active member of New Bridge Baptist Church, a past board member of Settler’s Ridge, and a master wood craftsman. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Lucian and Cora Allmond; first wife, Marie Allmond; and ten siblings. He is survived by his wife, Sherry…
Read Full Story
Eric Lief Garnder Keck
Eric Lief Gardner Keck, 63, of Providence Forge, Virginia, passed away on Jan. 29, 2026, with his loving wife and daughter by his side. Eric was born on June 29, 1962, in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from Frederick Military Academy and also attended Virginia Military Institute. He grew up working at his father’s store on Hull Street in Richmond. His family moved to Charles City County when he was a teenager. While working as an agent with Francisco Real Estate, Eric gained extensive knowledge of buying and selling land. He also gave back to his community by volunteering with the…
Read Full Story
Randall Larry Kelley
Randall Larry Kelley, 78, of Charles City County, Virginia, was called home to his Lord and Savior on Jan. 14, 2026. Randy was the eighth of nine children born to Mary Oma and Calvin Layton Kelley in Lewisburg, West Virginia. The family later moved to Williamsburg, Virginia. Randy was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Doris, Vernon, Mary, Nancy, Carol, and Penny; and his grandson, Gavin Adkins. He is survived by his loving wife; Nancy Kelley; his siblings, Denny (Linda) Kelley and Velora Mae Bradley; brothers-in-law, Charlie Adams and Alton Bradley; his children, Sheri Adams, Karen (Roger) Barker,…
Read Full Story
John T. Bragg Jr.
John T. Bragg Jr., 76, of New Kent, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 7. 2026. John retired as a Major with the West Virginia Army National Guard and retired as an environmental manager with Charles City County. He was a dedicated volunteer of Promise Land Storehouse, a member of the New Kent County Wetlands Board, and an avid photographer. He was a member of Kentwood Hights Baptist Church in Quinton. John was preceded in death by his father, John T. Bragg Sr. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bragg; mother, Arbutus Bragg; sisters, Willa Shumate (Greg) and Julia…
Read Full Story
