Richard Henry Lacks

Mr. Richard Henry Lacks of Scottsburg, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born on February 13, 1943, in Halifax County, Virginia, to the late Johnnie Armistead Lacks and the late Rosa Ann Conner Lacks. He was married to his loving wife of 56 years, Judith Carol Brewington Lacks, who survives.

Richard was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church. He was a talented and hardworking man who enjoyed making metal sculptures and working with both wood and metal. He also loved fishing, gardening, working in his yard, collecting antiques, and watching wrestling and westerns. Richard found great joy in staying busy and spending time with the people he loved.

In addition to his wife, Judith, Richard is survived by his two daughters, Tammy Renee Lacks Gordon (Louis) of Charleston, South Carolina, and Janet Elizabeth Lacks Bennett (Roger Dale) of Scottsburg; ten grandchildren, Melissa Vadasseril (Bijin), Leah Bowen (Austin), Erika Reaves, Molly Gordon, Raven Long (Dustin), Kamden Collins (Ericka), Eden Bennett, Tripp Bennett (Sami), Tanner Bennett (Brittney), and Tori Bennett; and 15 beloved great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nine siblings, Daisy Hatcher, Dolly Dyer (Jerry), Ida Smith, Peggy Dyer, Sterling Lacks, Hazel Thompson (Cecil), Sharon Matthews (Dwight), Michael Lacks, and Barbara Davis; as well as one sister-in-law, Bea Lacks.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Carol Jenkins Follette; and five siblings, Marlow Lacks, Alice Martin, B.C. Robbins, Polly Lacks, and Margaret Hazelwood.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, with Rev. Jack Stewart officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service and at other times at his home, 1058 Welldrillers Trail, Scottsburg, Virginia 24589. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Amedisys Hospice and its staff for the loving care, compassionate support, and comfort provided to Richard and his family during his final days.

For memorials, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105).

Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.