Richard S. Fentress, Sr. - Obituary

ichard S. Fentress, Sr., 70, of Friendship, MD, passed away on January 18, 2026, after a battle with lung cancer. Born on May 12, 1955, in Washington, DC to the late Albert and Hazel Fentress, Richard graduated from Surrattsville High School and later went on to attend PG Community College. Richard was an ASROC Gunner’s Mate in the U.S. Navy, then worked as a carpenter at Bowling Air Force Base. After an accident, Richard retired out on disability. He continued his love of woodworking throughout most of his life, building porches, cabinets, furniture, among other things, as he could manage. He briefly worked as a realtor for a few years, earning many accolades for his success. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, American Pool Association, and was a coach for the United Youth Club. All who know Richard know that he was a dedicated Redskins football fan who rarely missed a game, even when feeling under the weather. He loved playing pinochle, taking drives, listening to classic rock, and spending time with his family. During the warmer months, you would find him in the yard riding his lawn mower or tractor. Most recently, Richard took a family trip to Disney World and, though it was his second trip, it was the first time he was able to meet and greet Mickey Mouse, his favorite character of all time. Richard really enjoyed playing Ms. Pac-Man (and other video games) with his daughter when they were younger, Monopoly and card games like Hand and Foot, and more recently Woodoku on his computer. He always had pets—he loved his dogs, but secretly (or not so secretly) loved the cats more. His boys lovingly called him Hippy because of his long hair and laid-back ways. He was, though, most proud of the nickname PawPaw, as he was called by his granddaughter. His love for his family was without measure. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brothers, Joe, Mike, and Bill; his two in-laws, Frank and Betty Drish. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Cheryl; his children, Sheri of Woodbridge, VA, Richard Jr. of Friendship, MD, and Matthew (Katie) of Owings, MD; his grandchildren, Aidan and Madison; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends are invited to celebrate Richard's life on Wednesday, January 28 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where his funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 am. Interment will be at a later date at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page