Andre V. Mangram

Andre V. Mangram, age 64, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of strength, protection, and unconditional love. He was born on a sunny day in June - June 6, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Claudette and Obner Mangram. His life journey carried him from San Bernardino, California, to Richmond, Virginia, where he continued to be a pillar of love and guidance to all who knew him.

Andre was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his strong, protective spirit, his no-nonsense, "I don't care what you think" attitude, and his direct, straight -to-the-point way of speaking. Beneath that tough exterior was a deeply loving father who adored his children and took immense pride in caring for others.

Andre had a passion for working with his hands. he loved building model cars and working on vehicles for family and friends - whether it was changing brakes, oil, fuses, tires, installing music systems, or fixing whatever needed to be done. He was especially known in the neighborhood for helping children. To countless little ones, he was "Pops" - the man who fixed bicycles, repaired popped chairs, pumped tires, adjusted seats and handlebars, and made sure every child felt see, safe, and cared for.

To many, he was known by many names - Andre, Big Dre, Daddy, Uncle Man - but the name he cherished most was Pops. He took great pride in being Pops and loved everyone who called him by that name. He was truly a father to the fatherless and a daddy to those who may have had one but needed more love than they were given.

Above all else, Andre cherished his family. He met the love of his life, Venus, in middle school, and together they shared over 40 years of marriage. Side by side, they built a beautiful life and raised 10 children. Andre adored his grandchildren and found great joy in watching them grow and thrive.

He was raised alongside his siblings, Benicia, Selena, and Leslie, in a close-knit family that instilled in him the values of love, compassion, and hard work.

Andre was proceeded in death by his children, Dominique and Nathaniel "Mikey" whom he loved deeply.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children, Sayonnata "June" Andre, Stephen, Courtney, Jamelle, Dre'Vean, Destiney, and Kalah; his grandchildren, Di'Jhon, Israeel, Nahcere, Bryona, Andre III, Shalah, Amill, Courtney, Melina, and Nalani; his cherished great-grandchildren, Di"Ari, Keh'lani, Kaia, Kaiser, Nazeria and Ameira; and a host of loving family, friends, and all those who were blessed to call him Pops.