Eddie Radden, Jr.

Eddie Leroy Radden Jr., 96, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 14,
2025, surrounded by those who loved him. A devoted family man, community voice, and
trusted friend, Eddie lived his life with purpose, humility, and an open heart.

Born on May 19, 1928, in Richmond, he was the eldest son of the late Eddie Leroy
Radden Sr. and Mary Curry Radden. In 1950, he married Helen Simmons, and together
they built a life rooted in love, respect, and deep connection to their community. They
were married for 39 years and raised six children, each of whom carry forward his
legacy of service and strength.

Eddie was a lifelong member of Broomfield Christian Methodist Episcopal Church,
formerly Williams Temple CME Church. He joined as a young boy and serving faithfully
for over 85 years. He wore many hats in his church family—Sunday School
Superintendent, Youth Advisor, Director of the Sunbeam Youth Ensemble, President of
the Missionary Society, Lay Leader, and member of both the Senior Choir and the Male
Chorus. He believed deeply in making room for everyone and was proud to support the
Women’s Missionary Society and was the first man to become president.

One of the greatest honors of his life was his involvement in Freemasonry. Past Master
Eddie Radden of Hobson Lodge No. 23, Free and Accepted Masons, served with
dignity, tradition, and pride. He held the office of Worshipful Master in 1986 and
lived by the Masonic principles of faith, hope, and charity.

Eddie’s service to his community spanned generations. He marched in the 1964 March
on Washington, helped launch the HOPE VI project in Richmond, and served as a
Campaign Manager, Civic Board President, PTA President, AIDS Awareness Speaker,
and Commissioner for the Elderly. Even into his nineties, he served as an official
doorkeeper for the Virginia General Assembly.

He was a proud lifelong member of the Richmond Branch of NAACP, serving on the
Membership Committee and attending national conventions. In 2024, he was honored
by the organization for his dedication to justice and civil rights.

Eddie was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Simmons Radden; his parents, Eddie
Leroy Radden, Sr. and Mary Curry Radden; his brother, William Nelson Radden Sr.; and
his mother-in-law, Lucy Simmons Brown.

He is survived by his six children: Deborah Radden-Booth, Eddie Leroy Radden III,
Cheryl Radden Fleming, Mary Radden Hicks (the late Kalvin), Dwayne Radden, Sr.
(Bonnie), and Martin Radden (Kim); 27 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren, and
devoted grandchild, Deidre Coley.

He also leaves behind four devoted sisters-in-law: Linda Lewis, Jean Carter, Doris
Radden, and Willie Christmas; a devoted nephew, Jason Brown, devoted niece,
Naphenuse Whitehead, and devoted friend, Elois Taylor.

He is also remembered by a wide circle of family, neighbors, friends, church members,
and Masonic brethren who were touched by his wisdom, humor, and genuine spirit.
Eddie had a gift for making everyone feel seen. Whether you met him in church, at the
Capitol, or on his front porch, you left feeling better than when you arrived. His legacy
lives on not just in what he accomplished—but in the lives he touched.