William Hewlett Stith, Jr., 86, a former Richmond Times-Dispatch editor, Methodist minister, radio host and community activist, died of heart failure at his home on Dec. 16.
Hew grew up in Norfolk where he distinguished himself at Norview High School as a student leader, yearbook editor, photographer and actor. These youthful interests, plus his imposing stature and resonant voice, were early markers of his adult communications career.
At the University of Richmond, before graduating in 1959, he worked as a writer and photographer in the public relations office while also performing in college plays. In 1962 he earned a master’s of divinity degree from Duke University.
His professional ministry began as assistant pastor at Fredericksburg Methodist Church, where he was instrumental in the church becoming the first in the denomination’s Southeastern Jurisdiction to desegregate membership. He then became Methodist campus minister to Richmond universities before being called as pastor of Park Avenue Methodist Church in 1965. In the ’60s he was host of “Religion in the News,” which aired 900 programs on WFLS and WRVA until 1980.
After three years, he was named assistant director of United Methodist Information and assistant editor of Virginia United Methodist Advocate. For 10 years starting in 1972, he was director of communications for the Virginia Annual Conference, United Methodist Church, and editor of the award-winning Virginia Advocate.
Hew was a man of words and his words sought to bind and heal relationships.
Throughout his career, Hew was active in community groups promoting interdenominational understanding, accessibility for people with physical disabilities, criminal justice and ethnic minority opportunities.
From 1982-1985 he was executive assistant to the president of Virginia Union University and director of public relations. He became a copy editor for the Richmond News Leader in 1986, then segued to the Richmond Times-Dispatch after their 1992 merger, until beginning free-lance editing and consulting until the end of his life.
Among his many media, editing, community and ecclesiastical honors, he received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the United Negro College Fund.
Hew was predeceased by his parents, William Hewlett Stith and Mary Virginia Shackelford Stith, and his brother Charles Willard Gary Jr.
Hew is survived by his wife of 43 years, Regena Ross Stith; his son, David Stith (Liz); two daughters, Julia Stith Negart (Kurt) and Lisa Tinney, and four grandchildren: Blair, Bret, Emma and Samantha.
A service of celebration was held on Friday, Jan. 10, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Interment was in the church’s Garden of the Holy Spirit. The family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Stephen’s Food Pantry, 6000 Grove Ave. Richmond, VA 23226.
(Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesdispatch/name/william-stith-obituary?id=57180261)
