Richard Mckinley Wydner

Richard McKinley Wydner Jr. (Dickie) was born in Smyth County July 21, 1937 and passed into eternal life on September 21, 2025.

Richard was the son of Richard McKinley Wydner, Sr., and Gladys Victoria Anderson Wydner. He was predeceased by his parents, brother, William H. Wydner, and beloved wife, Virginia Irene Davis Wydner.

He is survived by his daughter Sharon Pendleton, son-in-law Chuck Pendleton, grandchildren, Kaitlyn Brockman (Eric), and Colton Pendleton. He is also survived by his brother John Landon Wydner (Marianne); nieces, Dana Guthrie (H.T.), Michelle Wydner, Teresa Belcher, Ann May-Arbogast (Brad), and nephew, Chad Wydner (Karen).

Dickie started helping his Dad at Amherst Milling Co. delivering flour and other products but particularly enjoyed working in the ice plant during the summer.

After he graduated from Amherst High School and Phillips Business College, Dickie began his 42 year career with Lynchburg Foundry (Intermet) retiring as Manager of Iron Melting. While at the Foundry he served as advisor for the Junior Achievement program.

Dickie and his family began attending Amherst Baptist Church in 1940 when they arrived in Amherst to take over ownership of the Mill. He, along with his late wife Virginia, worked in all areas of service spreading God’s message of love and Plan of Salvation throughout the community.

Community service was also of special interest to Dickie. He served on the Amherst Town Council and IDA Board. Additionally, he served in the Fire Department for many years as a volunteer.

Dickie was a member of the Virginia Baptist Disaster Relief Team traveling to New York City after 9/11 and Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina.

Dickie was a faithful member of Gideons International, spreading God’s Word throughout the world.

Dickie enjoyed all sports, especially baseball. He played on the school teams and in the Amherst County League. Although he lived in Amherst, somehow he was drafted by the Oronoco team. Virginia had two brothers who played on that team, so we know the rest of that story.

While at the Foundry, he began playing golf, becoming part of teams that traveled to many destinations. He enjoyed developing friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services for Dickie will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Amherst Baptist Church with burial to follow at Amherst Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers:

Amherst Baptist Church

PO Box 494

Amherst, VA 24521

Amherst Fire Department

PO Box 711

Amherst, VA 24521

Amherst Gideon Camp

PO Box 34

Monroe, VA 24574