All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Richard (Dick) Small

Richard (Dick) Small, age 81, of Buckhannon, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at United Hospital Center.

He was born March 20, 1944, in Paw Paw, WV, a son of the late Valley and Coachie Boswell Small. On November 1, 1962, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann House, who survives.

Together they had 6 children who survive, Elvis Small and wife Lesia, Becky Ball and husband Pat, Elaine Pugh, John Small and wife Brandi, Mike Small and wife Heather, and Lisa Young and husband Russell, all of Buckhannon, and one infant son, Richard Small, Jr., who preceded him in death. They had 19 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Richard was fond of telling them all to “watch the road and watch for deer,” which they all knew meant “I love you.” He was also preceded in death by brothers, Joyce Small, Marsh Small, and Richard (Peewee) Small, 2 infant brothers, and 1 sister, Flossie Small. Surviving is one sister, Stella Fortney, and many nieces and nephews.

Richard started and owned Richard Small Paving, which he operated for 50+ years. He loved working, and took great pride in providing for his family, always going above and beyond to make sure everyone was taken care of.

He was a member of Buckhannon Union Mission Church, where he attended faithfully after his salvation. He enjoyed watching football, and cheering for his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, with his beloved fur babies in his lap. He was also very gifted with natural talent and ability to play the guitar, and could also play the mandolin, banjo, and fiddle.

Above all, he made the most important decision of all, to give his life to Jesus Christ, who he will remain with until he is reunited with all of his family again in heaven.

A private service will be held for the family.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

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