Dr. Richard Braxton Theis

Dr. Richard "Rick" Braxton Theis peacefully passed away on October 12, 2023. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Rick was born March 19, 1949 in Harrisonburg, Virginia and spent his formative years in the close-knit community of New Market, Virginia, graduating from Stonewall Jackson High School as salutatorian of the Class of 1967. After graduating from Virginia Tech, he earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia (MCV). In 1978, upon completion of his family practice residency at Fairfax Family Practice in Northern Virginia, he and Deirdre (Dee) married and moved to Williamsburg to build their life and raise their family.

Rick became a partner at Williamsburg Family Practice, a staple in the community for many decades, before retiring in 2008. He then transitioned to a new role at Langley Air Force Base where he worked in Flight Medicine from 2008-2015. During his 40-year career, he was a fellow of the American Board of Family Medicine and members of both the American and Virginia Academies of Family Physicians. He was a member and past president of the WJCC Medical Society and an early board member instrumental in the organization of TPMG.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Rick had a passion for travel and the great outdoors, finding joy and tranquility in hunting, camping, and fishing with his sons and close friends. He was a collector of unique mementos, an enthusiastic Hokie football fan, and in his younger days, he was an accomplished golfer.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Braxton Theis Jr. and Hilda Pence Theis. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Deirdre (Dee) Garvey Theis; sons, Adam (Meghan), Brandon (Aparna) and Logan; grandchildren, Aria, Aiden and Hudson; and his sister, Janet Theis Dellinger (Blair).

He left a lasting impact on the community, not only as a skilled physician, but also as a kind and giving soul who always put the needs of others before his own.

A celebration of life will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home on October 28, 2023 at 2pm with a reception immediately following. An additional service will be held in New Market at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his name to Williamsburg Area Meals on Wheels, Williamsburg House of Mercy, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.