Richard Erskine

Richard Brown Erskine, age, 81, of 509 Market Street, Iron Gate, Virginia died on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salem, Virginia.

Richard was born on November 20, 1944 in Kessler, West Virginia to the late Ray Brown Erskine and Dorma Edith Ellison Erskine. He served his country in the United States Army in Korea and during the Vietnam War. He was a cable splicer for Ntelos Communications, retiring after over thirty years. Richard was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, a former 27-year member of the Iron Gate Town Council, and served as the Parade Marshall for the Iron Gate Christmas Parade for a number of years. He was Commander of the Burnside Carpenter 4299 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and enjoyed hunting throughout his life.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded by a grandson, Jarrett Bundshuh.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Gilley Erskine of Iron Gate; three daughters, Tanya Alexandria Soto (Jimi) of Clifton Forge, Tammy Erskine Bundshuh (Andy) of Clarkrange, TN, and Melanie Erskine Parnell (Phil) of Beaverton, OR; a step daughter, Kymberly Cassada of Jacksonville, FL; three grandchildren, Andria Demuth, Mason Parnell, and Colin Parnell; two step grandchildren, Kennedy Fallon Cassada, and Kemper Cassada; and his dog, Rotten Rosie.

In keeping with Richard’s wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Father Tom McHenry and Mr. Chris Fisher officiating. Military rites will be conducted in the chapel by members of the United States Army. The family will visit with friends on Saturday afternoon from 2:00 PM until the time of service at the Nicely Funeral Home. At a later date, the cremated remains will be placed in the VFW Lot of Mountain View Cemetery, Clifton Forge.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Burnside-Carpenter VFW # 4299.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com