Douglas Duvall Statham, Jr.

Douglas Duvall Statham, Jr., aged 91, of Lynchburg, Va. departed this life on June 11, 2022 due to natural causes. Douglas was born September 16, 1930 to Douglas Duvall Statham, Sr. and Sara Gilbert Statham. He attended high school through the eleventh grade and went on to pursue a professional education by serving his country and community.

In 1951, Douglas joined the United States Marines. He served in the Korean War. In 1962, he met his wife, Betty Ray Joyner and they were married less than a year later on December 19, 1963. He served three tours in Vietnam and in 1976, he retired with honors from the Marines as an E7, Gunnery Sergeant. He went on to serve his community as a deputy sheriff of Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. He worked for Archer Creek Foundry as well as security for The Hilton, a federal bailiff, as well as a private investigator.

Douglas was a dedicated member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. He served on the deacon board, bus ministry, and sang with the male chorus. He loved his church.

After retiring, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and had a deep love for dogs. He served his country, family, and community proudly and lived a long and illustrious life.

Douglas is preceded in death by his father, Douglas Duvall Statham, Sr.; his mother, Sarah Gilbert Statham; and four sisters, Carol Lane, Aquilla Woodson, Celestine Cabell, and Gwendolyn Stratton. He is survived by his wife, Betty Statham of Lynchburg, Va. and his seven children: Pamela Solomon Burford of Monroe, Va., Douglas D. Statham III of High Point, N.C., Meyer R. Statham of Hudson, Mass., Stephanie Statham Sullivan of Charlotte, N.C., Terri Lynn Statham of Lynchburg, Va., Dallas L. Statham of Lynchburg, Va., and Devin L. Statham of Lynchburg, Va. He has fourteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life for Douglas D. Statham, Jr. will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2022, at The Pleasant Valley Baptist Church located at 5517 Pleasant Valley Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24504. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at The Megginson Family Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by The United States Marine Corps.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Madison Heights, is assisting the family.

Click HERE to view Douglas’ memorial slideshow video.