How to Submit an Obituary in the Richmond Times-Dispatch

Submitting an obituary in the Richmond Times-Dispatch offers families a respectful way to share the life story of a loved one with the greater Richmond, Virginia community and beyond. As one of the region’s primary newspapers, the publication handles both brief death notices and longer obituaries that appear in print editions and online. Families, funeral directors, or authorized representatives can place these notices by following the newspaper’s current procedures. Because requirements, fees, and submission channels can change, the most reliable path always begins with the official website and direct contact with the appropriate department. This guide outlines the practical steps for locating submission details, preparing content, viewing published notices, and locating older records so that the process remains clear and manageable during a difficult time. ## Locating Official Submission Details The most direct approach is to navigate the Richmond Times-Dispatch website and search for “obituaries” or “place an obituary.” Look for any dedicated submission page, online form, or phone and email contact listed under classified advertising or death notices. If the exact path is unclear, use the site’s main search bar or general contact form to request guidance from the obituary or classifieds department. Alternative reliable sources include contacting a local funeral home that partners with the newspaper, as these professionals frequently assist families with drafting, formatting, and placing notices. Many funeral homes already maintain accounts or preferred channels with the Richmond Times-Dispatch and can handle payment and deadlines on the family’s behalf. Customer service lines listed on the newspaper’s main site can also direct callers to the correct staff member. Always confirm details on the official site, since procedures, word-count limits, photo guidelines, and pricing can change without notice. ## Preparing Content and Completing the Submission Before submitting, gather essential biographical details. A complete obituary typically includes the full legal name of the deceased, dates of birth and death, city of residence, names of immediate family members (both surviving and predeceased), a concise life summary covering education, career, military service, community involvement, and hobbies, plus information about funeral, memorial, or celebration-of-life services. Optional elements often include a favorite photograph, preferred charities for memorial donations, and a short personal anecdote that captures the individual’s character.

Updated July 24, 2026 5 min read 958 words

Once the text is ready, choose the submission method that best fits the situation. Online portals, when available, allow direct entry of text and image uploads. Email or fax options may still exist for those who prefer traditional channels. Print-only, online-only, or combined packages are usually offered, each with its own rate structure based on length and whether a photo is included. Payment is customarily required at the time of submission and can be made by credit card or arranged through the funeral home. After the notice is received, newspaper staff review it for completeness and adherence to house style. Confirm the daily deadline—often mid-afternoon for next-day print publication—so the notice appears when intended. Online versions frequently go live sooner and remain accessible longer than the printed edition. ## Viewing Submitted Obituaries Once published, obituaries appear on the official All Obituaries page. This page supports a partial or full name search to help locate specific notices quickly. Users can also browse listings by month to review recent or archived entries in chronological order. An additional filter allows sorting by the first letter of the last name, which narrows results when searching broader groups of names. These tools make it straightforward to find notices without needing advanced search skills. The online archive is especially useful for out-of-town relatives who cannot obtain a print copy, and many notices include shareable links that can be emailed or posted on social media. ## Details on Individual Obituary Pages Selecting a listing opens an individual page that may include the full obituary text, service information such as funeral or memorial details, options for leaving tributes, and links for sending flowers. Content varies by notice, so not every page will feature every element.

These pages serve as the central location for family-provided information and related memorial services. Visitors can often sign a digital guest book, light a virtual candle, or follow links to make charitable donations in the deceased’s name. Photo galleries or additional life-story sections appear when the family has selected an enhanced package. Because the pages remain online for an extended period, they function as lasting digital memorials that friends and relatives can revisit. ## Availability of Older Records Availability of older records is not guaranteed. The All Obituaries page focuses on accessible current and recent listings, and historical notices may not appear in search results, monthly browses, or letter filters. For older obituaries, contact the newspaper’s archives or library services directly if available, or explore local public libraries and historical societies that sometimes maintain newspaper collections. Richmond-area libraries frequently hold microfilm or digital scans of past Richmond Times-Dispatch issues, and genealogy platforms may offer searchable databases covering earlier decades. When requesting archival material, provide the approximate date of death and the full name of the deceased to speed the search. Some libraries charge a modest research fee or require an in-person visit, so plan accordingly. ## Practical Tips for Families Begin the process as soon as practical, especially if a print notice is desired for a specific date. Proofread every name, date, and location carefully; errors are difficult to correct once published. If writing feels overwhelming, many funeral homes provide templates or professional writers who can shape the family’s notes into a polished notice. Consider whether the tone should be formal, warm, or lightly humorous—whatever best reflects the person being remembered. Finally, keep a copy of the confirmation email or receipt, as it contains the publication date and any online link that can be shared with extended family and friends.

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