Richard Lee Braithwaite, Sr.

Richard Lee Braithwaite, Sr., 83, of Keyser passed away with his loving family by his side on January 3, 2026.

Born September 11, 1942 in Beryl, WV he was the son of the late Walter and Martha (Maynard) Braithwaite. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Braithwaite; a special cousin, Bob Braithwaite; brother-in-law, Buck Baker; best friends, Ritchie Sharpless and Harold “Bam Bam” Dolan; mother and father-in-law, Loretta and Ronnie Ryan; and brother-in-law, Gene Butler.

Richard was a proud United States Army Veteran. He was a 1960 graduate of Elk Garden High School. Richard attended the Emmauel Pentecostal Holiness Church, Keyser. He worked and retired from Westvaco, having worked in the woodyard as a heavy equipment mechanic.

Richard was a jack-of-all-trades. Music was a great love in his life, particularly bluegrass, and he was a gifted self-taught musician. As a private licensed pilot, he found joy in the skies. Richard was deeply loved and will be remembered and missed by family and friends.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Donna (Wilt)Braithwaite; his children, Donna “Lynn” Riggleman and Lenny, Kelly Stansberry and Billy, Brenda Smith and Swisher, Richard Braithwaite and Joyce “J.C.”, Jeff Braithwaite and Carla, and Rodney Braithwaite and Tab. His grandchildren meant the world to him, Justin Lambka (Leah), Jason Lambka (Brandi), Kelly “Nici” Young (Louis), Brian Stansberry, Jr. (Madeline), Jordan Smith, Swisher Smith III (Loran), Cody Lambka (Brittney), McKenzie Smith, Mysti Stansberry (Brandon), Dakota Smith (Nancy), Rodney Braithwaite Jr., Dakota Virts (Zoe), Allison Cuppett, Tiara Braithwaite, Caleigha Braithwaite, Emily Braithwaite, Holden Braithwaite, Brooklynn Cuppett, Linden Braithwaite. Richard is also survived by his great grandchildren, Audrey Bolyard, Emileigh Bolyard, Brandon Bolyard, Levi Lambka, Alexander Bolyard, Kaybren Gano, Brooklyn Lambka, Anna Lambka, Rhyker Lambka, Maya Lambka, Landon Stansberry, Madison Smith, Brylee Morris, Rhowyn Lambka, Heidi Westfall, Cason Smith, Blayke Smith, Annistyn McMillen, Brixton Smith, Emerson Lambka, and Zayd McMillen. Richard is survived by his brothers, Paul Braithwaite (Norma), Donnie Braithwaite (Betty), Gary Braithwaite (Debbie), Dale Braithwaite (Tammie), David Braithwaite (Tammy); his sisters, Judy Roy (Jim), Connie Hesse (Bud), Sandy Baker, Lena Warnick, Debbie Baker (Duke) and Sharon Harvey (Tom); sister-in-law, Jean Braithwaite; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his brother, Gary Braithwaite and nephew, Billy Braithwaite for always looking out for him.

Friends will be received at the Boal Funeral Home, Westernport on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A funeral service will take place at the Emmanuel Pentecostal Holiness Church, Newton Street, Keyser on Thursday, January 8th at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be at Sinclair Memorial Park, Cross, WV.