Charles Richard (Dick) Lovegrove died December 17, 2013, in Roanoke, Va., following nearly 82 years as a loving son, husband, father, brother, and uncle. Dick was born in Staunton, Va., and grew up in Waynesboro, Va. He graduated from Washington and Lee University and then embarked on a 43-year career in public relations for American Electric Power, first at Appalachian Power in Roanoke and then as director of public relations for Kentucky Power in Ashland, Ky. After retiring, Dick and his wife, Jane, thoroughly enjoyed living in the Cajun country of Southern Louisiana. Throughout the years, he was a leader in a wide range of civic, church, and cultural endeavors.
Even outside of work, Dick had a passion and talent for writing of all sorts. He was a longtime editor of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Virginia newspaper; a columnist for the Thibodaux, La., Daily Comet; he wrote a children’s story for his daughter; and penned poetry.
A lifelong New York Yankees fan and later a Washington Redskins supporter, Dick loved athletics, whether as a participant or a spectator. He played baseball, fast-pitch softball, tennis, and bowled, including anchoring a summer team with his three children.
Dick is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jane Lovegrove; son Richard, of Roanoke, and his wife Lisa; son David Lovegrove, of Fredericksburg, Va.; daughter Meredith Roller, of Roanoke, and her husband Tom; sister Bobby Schulz and her husband Dick; and grandchildren Spencer Lovegrove, Madeline and Harper Lovegrove, and Elly and Sam Roller. He was preceded in death by his first grandchild, Grace Lovegrove.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. John’s Episcopal Outreach Fund or the Community Youth Program at P.O. Box 257, Roanoke, VA 24002.