Persse Keck Deverell III

Persse Keck Deverell, III, “Buddy” was born on March 1,1942 and unexpectedly passed away on September 12, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his father, Persse Keck Deverell, Jr; his mother, Susan Farnham Deverell; and his sister, Leora Deverell Blanton.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Austin Deverell, and his four children: son Chris Deverell (Amy); daughters Brent Chambless (Mark) and Katie Beverley (Scott); son Matt Deverell. He is also survived by his five cherished grandchildren, Hunter, Meredith and Lily Beverley, and Grace and Pierce Chambless, as well as his much-loved dog, Stache.

Buddy graduated from Benedictine High School ’60 and Virginia Polytechnic Institute '64 and from there he joined the ranks of the Virginia Army National Guard (VaARNG). He was dedicated to the military for most of his life. He joined the Guard in 1965 as a Private First Class and served four years in the enlisted ranks rising to the rank of Sergeant. He attended OCS and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1969. He had various duty assignments in Armor and Engineers until 1993 when he was assigned as an Assistant Chief of Staff in the VaARNG and promoted to Colonel. He retired from active duty in in June 1999. After retiring from active duty Buddy continued to volunteer in various military organizations and causes. He received numerous military decorations and awards, to include the Army Legion of Merit and the VaARNG Legion of Merit. After retiring from active military service, he served two separate tours as the Commandant of the Cadet Corps at Benedictine Schools of Richmond.

He enjoyed donating his time and energy to many causes, including various organizations, Benedictine Schools of Richmond, the National Guard Foundation, Virginians For Veterans, and the Lion’s Club. He had a joke, a laugh, a smile, and a one liner for everyone- “the good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise”. He never met a stranger, cherished and nurtured all of his friendships and was always there with a helping hand.

His greatest love and biggest accomplishment were his family. From spending a week at Virginia Beach for more than 40 years with the whole family, traveling to different states to visit, attending any event he could where his children and grandchildren were involved, and many days spent in a field hunting with them all. But, most of all, he loved them completely and his memory will be treasured forever.

His true devotion to his Catholic faith has left us with a deep sense of peace, knowing that he was welcomed home with open arms.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 18th at Norman Funeral Chapel 2982 River Road Goochland, VA from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. The funeral Mass will be on Saturday, September 19th at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church 9505 Gayton Road Richmond, VA at 10:00am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to either the Benedictine Schools of Richmond 12829 River Road Richmond, VA 23238 or the Virginia National Guard Foundation at P.O. Box 37037 Richmond, VA 23234