Richard "Dickie" William Folsom

Richard “Dickie” William Folsom, born August 19, 1942, in Nellysford, Virginia, was the son of the late Josiah Franklin Folsom and Ina Isabelle Folsom. 

He devoted 34 years of his life to a career in law enforcement, answering a calling to protect and serve his community with quiet strength and unwavering dedication. 

He proudly served with the Charlottesville Police Department before continuing his career with the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked from 1978 until his retirement in 2001. 

For him, the badge was more than a job, it was a responsibility he carried with integrity, fairness, and heart. He took great pride in his work and in the relationships, he built along the way. 

Whether offering a steady hand in difficult moments or a reassuring presence when it mattered most, he earned the respect of colleagues and the trust of the community he loved. 

Known to many simply as “Dickie,” he was just as well known for his quick wit and warm sense of humor. He had a way of lightening even the heaviest situations with a well-timed joke and a familiar smile. While he served with courage and professionalism, it was his kindness, warmth, and genuine care for others that people will remember most. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Josiah and Ina Folsom; his half-brother, Donald Folsom; and his half-sister, Thelma Folsom Bingham and cousins Tommy and Kenny Hughes who were like brothers to him. 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Dianne Herndon Folsom of Nellysford, Virginia; four children, Steven Scott Folsom (Betty) of Lovingston, Virginia; Bryan Keith Folsom (Tansey) of Huntsville, Alabama; Ami Elizabeth Folsom (Alec) of Reston, Virginia; and Joseph Blake Folsom (Elaine) of Nellysford, Virginia; and nine grandchildren, Rebekah, Kevin, Zachary, Keira, Lexi, Jonathan, Kainoa, Abby, and Lacey. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. James Bergin at UVA for his compassionate care over the past fourteen years, which gave us precious additional time with Dickie. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Scottie Folsom, Bryan Folsom, Joseph Folsom, Alec Gomez, Ryan Staton, and Ethan Wood.

A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Rockfish Valley Baptist Church Cemetery in Nellysford with Pastor Robert Mansfield officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel in Lovingston.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).