Obituary - William Lee Lukhard

William Lee “Bill” Lukhard, 98, of Richmond, VA passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025. He was a cherished son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.

Bill was born on June 14, 1927 to Florence Mae Shuler and Horace Clinton Lukhard. He grew up in Ginter Park and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1944 where he was a member of the Cadet Corp. After graduation, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy where he honorably served his country in the final months of World War II. After his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Bill enrolled in the University of Richmond where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1949. During his time in college, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He later met the love of his life, Mary Louise Ragland, and they were married on April 2, 1955. They raised four children and enjoyed traveling, gardening, and life together for 49 years before Mary Lou passed away in July, 2004.

After working in his family’s music business for several years, Bill began a 30-year career with the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1957 beginning as the Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Accounts of the Department of Welfare and Institutions. During this time, Bill also obtained a Master of Commerce degree from the University of Richmond. After several promotions, Bill was appointed Director of the Department of Welfare and Institutions in 1972. In 1974, he was appointed Commissioner of the newly created Department of Social Services – a position he would hold until his retirement in September 1987. As Commissioner, Bill served under five governors who represented both major political parties.

After retirement, Bill spent many years volunteering for various organizations including AARP, Circle Center Adult Day Care, The Community Foundation of Richmond, The Villas of Autumn Run, and the Virginia Legal Services Corporation where he was a founding board member. Bill was also a longtime member of Welborne United Methodist Church where he served on many boards and committees including the Building Committee for the church’s current sanctuary. He was a champion for charitable causes and worked tirelessly for their benefit. Bill enjoyed gardening, reading, playing cribbage, and poker. Bill was a big Richmond Spider Basketball fan and season ticket holder for many years. His greatest pleasure in life was spending time with his family.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou, and his brother, Horace Clinton Lukhard, Jr.

Bill is survived by his four children: Ralph (Karen), Lee (Anne), Beth (Mike), and Bobby (Melinda); seven grandchildren: Clinton (Graham), Johanna (Danny), Justin Wade, Christina, Daniel (Jessica), Emily, Megan, and nine great grandchildren. 

Visitation will be held on Monday July 7, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Welborne United Methodist Church, 920 Maybeury Drive Henrico, VA. Funeral services will be held on Monday July 7, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Welborne United Methodist Church. A reception at the Church will take place after the service. Internment at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mary Lou Lukhard Nursing Scholarship at the Community Foundation of Richmond or Welborne United Methodist Church.