Richard Wayne “Pebble” Rock, 93, of Suffolk, Va., formerly of Troutville, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Richard was born in Troutville on December 26, 1931 to Herman O. Rock, Sr. and Gladys Leighton Rock. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers. Herman, Jr., Robert (Bob), William (Bill), Leonard and Harold.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janet, and his children: Michael (Naomi), Garry (Marla), Sandra Kidd (Steve) and Tony Armentrout (Romy), as well as his sister, Kathryn Weddle. His nine grandchildren are Heather Diffenderfer (Bryce), Jennifer Simmons (Josh), Darren Rock (Abby), Danielle Rock, Ryan Kidd (Jordan), Mikaela Nelson (Spencer), Jessi Fisher (Cory), Zachary Armentrout and Mollie Armentrout. His family also includes 19 great-grandchildren.
Richard graduated from Troutville High School in 1949. He then joined the Army during the Korean War and was a Purple Heart Recipient. Richard attended National Business College after his service and was soon appointed to the position of Postmaster in Troutville, his hometown, and he felt privileged to serve as Postmaster for over 29 years. He devoted much of his free time to civic endeavors. Richard was a charter member of the Troutville Fire Department and helped start the Troutville Rescue Squad as a charter member. He joined the Lions Club while in his 20s and remained a member until his death.
Richard’s life story would not be complete without mentioning “ball.” He played basketball and baseball in school and coached many youth baseball, basketball and girls softball teams over the years. After moving to Chesapeake in 1990, he decided to try golf. He enjoyed many road trips with his buddies and his weekly “senior” outings and he was one of the lucky ones to get a “hole-in-one.” Richard was an avid Boston Red Sox fan since the days of Ted Williams. He thoroughly enjoyed his trips to Fenway Park and more often to Baltimore when the Sox were playing there. His favorite football team was the “Redskins,” they were his team and he was loyal no matter what kind of season they had.
A service celebrating Richard’s life was held January 31 at Troutville Church of the Brethren with interment at Troutville Cemetery.
