Moton Museum is saddened by the passing of Richard “Dickie” Moss, a longtime friend of the museum and an important part of the Prince Edward County story we preserve and share. He passed away on July 1, 2026, at the age of 79.
A Family Connected to Prince Edward’s Educational History
Dickie was the son of Dr. C.G. Gordon Moss, a longtime history professor at Longwood College who publicly advocated for the reopening of Prince Edward County’s public schools during the school closings of 1959–1964. That history became personal for the Moss family.
In 1963, at 17 years old, Dickie attended the integrated Prince Edward Free Schools for his senior year. He served as class treasurer and, when the Free Schools held commencement exercises on June 15, 1964, became the only white member of the 23-student graduating class. The ceremony took place in the auditorium of the former Robert Russa Moton High School, now home to Moton Museum.
A Life in Education
After leaving Farmville, Richard built a career in the classroom. He taught American history for 28 years at C.A. Johnson High School in Columbia, South Carolina, where he received multiple Teacher of the Year honors. He also taught at Gilbert Middle School, Gilbert High School and Orangeburg High School.
Longwood University later awarded him an honorary degree recognizing the contributions he and his father made during Prince Edward County’s struggle over desegregation and public education. His connection to Farmville, Longwood and Moton continued over the years.
Sharing His Story
In 2018, Richard participated in Stories from Prince Edward County, 1951–1968, a collaboration between Moton Museum and Longwood University students. His memories of growing up in Farmville and attending the Free Schools were documented in All Eyes on Prince Edward County, helping preserve a firsthand account of this period for future generations.
The Moss family’s relationship with Moton and Longwood continues today through programs including the C.G. Gordon Moss Lecture and the C.G. Gordon Moss Scholars Program.
For us, Dickie was more than part of the historical record. He was an educator, a storyteller and a longtime friend of Moton who generously shared his memories with others. Moton Museum extends our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Catherine; his children, Laura and Tristan; his sister, Virginia “Ginny” Moss George; and the entire Moss family.
We are grateful for the life he lived, the history he helped preserve and the friendship he shared with Moton. At this time, no funeral or Celebration of Life arrangements have been announced. we will share additional information as it becomes available.
