Reuben Amy Sr.

God dispatched an arch angel to deliver His faithful servant, Reuben Amy Sr., 94, of Laneview, VA, from earthly labor to his heavenly reward on Tuesday morning, December 19, 2017 at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. Deacon Reuben Amy Sr. was born in Middlesex County on February 14, 1923 to the late Perry Hilliard Showard Amy and Laura Johnson Amy. He was the seventh born of ten siblings ( two brothers and seven sisters). He has only one sibling living: his youngest sister, Pearl Estelle Amy Smith. Reuben attended school at Union Shiloh and after graduating from the seventh grade, he returned and assisted the teacher. He graduated from the Shufford Barber Institute in Richmond and was a local barber for many years. Later in life, Deacon Amy learned the brick masonry trade under the apprenticeship of Mr. John Chandler and became such a master of the trade that he received requests for special fire places and brick veneering of homes. On March 28, 1948, he was joined in holy matrimony to Katherine Green Amy. His wife, Deaconess Amy passed in September 2007. Deacon Amy has three adult children; Frederick Sr., Reuben Jr. and Griselda Amy Bayton; one daughter-in-law, Glynova Johnson Amy; and one son-in-law, Nathan Russell Bayton Jr. He has six grandchildren: Nathan Russell Bayton, III (Robin), Reuben Amy III,(Tina) Garrick Adair Bayton, Sr.(Dana), Megan Renee Amy, Adrian Michael Amy (Monica) and Frederick Amy Jr. Miss Sabrina Edwards is also considered a granddaughter. He has two great granddaughters: Kyla Monet Bayton and Lauren Amy as well as four great grandsons, Nathan Russell Bayton, IV, Nolan Isaiah Bayton, Garrick Adair Bayton, Jr. and Cameron Anderson. Reuben Amy joined Union Shiloh Baptist Church where he was ordained Deacon at a young age and has served in that capacity for over 60 years. Under the leadership of Rev. Woodland Holmes, on June 17, 2001, Deacon Amy was honored with the position of Chairman of the Deacon Board Emeritus. He has been an active member of Union Shiloh Baptist Church for a lifetime. Reuben has served as a member of the Senior Choir, Men’ Chorus, Men’s Club and Chaplain of the Senior Missionaries. In the community, he has maintained membership in the NAACP, Parent Teacher Association, (served as President of Union Shiloh before the consolidation and President at St. Clare Walker High School before integration), Bethlehem Star Lodge #249 (Past Worshipful Master), Progressive Chapter #135, Order of Eastern Stars (Worthy Patron), and the John Chandler Hunt Club (President). Deacon Amy has been featured in the Southside Sentinel on several occasions. On March 27, 2003, an interview appeared on the front page of the Southside Sentenel entitled, ”Reuben Amy Sr. – great grand son of a slave, remembers slower, harder times.” In addition, Mr. Amy was featured in the Southside Sentinel issue which was published on November 7, 2013. The interest story “D-Day veteran continues to live by the golden rule” was the result of an interview with a Sentinel staff member who had ironically conversed with Mr. Amy following his 80th birthday celebration. Deacon Amy has been honored by the Progressive Chapter of the Order of Eastern Stars #135 and recognized by the Bethlehem Star Lodge #245 for 50 years of service. He served his country in World War II and was honorably discharged. At the Southside Rappahannock Baptist Association (SRBA) Annual Banquet in July, 2013, Deacon Reuben Amy, Sr. was honored for his service as an active member and leader in the SRBA by the Women's Ministry. On Saturday, November 2, 2013, at the Beacon in Topping, the Middlesex County NAACP recognized Mr. Amy for his support. Deacon Amy is known for his quick wit, sense of humor and the jokes that he has shared. He maintained his position as an avid domino player who was difficult to beat. Mr. Amy, a soloist, had a distinct voice in the choirs. Deacon Amy enjoyed laughter, which probably contributed to his longevity. Everyone who ever interacted with him, agreed that he was a kindhearted and cordial person who truly loved the Lord, his family and Union Shiloh Baptist Church. A service of celebration will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, December 23rd at Union Shiloh Baptist Church, Jamaica, VA. Reverend Randolph Scott, pastor. A visitation will be held 6 to 8 PM, Friday, also at the church

Reuben Amy Sr.

February 14, 1923 - December 19, 2017