Behind and beyond the judge’s bench, Willard H. Douglas Jr. broke new ground for African Americans in Virginia. The state’s first full-time African American judge died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 at the age of 93, following decades of legal and community service.

“He left a rich legacy,” “his daughter, Wendelin Douglas, said, “and we just hope to make him proud.”

Douglas was born Feb. 4, 1932, in Amherst County to Thelma Douglas and Willard H. Douglas Sr., the oldest of their five children. Following military service in the Korean War, Douglas earned a bachelor’s from Virginia Union University in 1957 and his law degree from Howard University in 1960.

After being admitted to the bar in 1962, Douglas used his skills in Richmond as a United States Civil Rights Commission attorney and later at the law firm of Hill, Tucker & Marsh. He also served as the first African American assistant to the Richmond commonwealth’s attorney from 1969 to 1974.

On Jan. 30, 1974, Douglas was elected presiding judge of the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, becoming Virginia’s first full-time African-American judge and the first officially elected by the Virginia General Assembly. Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, at the time a state senator, was a key supporter behind his election.

Douglas also would serve on the Ethics Committee of the Virginia Supreme Court, the first African American to be appointed to the role.

Outside his legal career, Douglas was a devoted member of the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church and the United Methodist denomination, serving on multiple committees and as a district lay leader.

Through groups such as the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment and Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People, Douglas sought to ensure better living and support for the Richmond community.

“My Dad’s life and legacy will forever be etched in history as a man of faith, family and firsts,” Wendelin said. “His impact will continue to resonate for generations to come, ensuring that his life’s work was not just a moment in time but a movement that will live on.”

Douglas’ other major associations included Big Brothers Big Sisters, national and local bar associations and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He also enjoyed travel, whether in the form of marathon running or attending world conferences, nationally or internationally, to represent his church.

“A legal trailblazer and dedicated community servant, Brother Douglas broke barriers throughout his career,” the Richmond Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, wrote in a social media post. Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and wife, Jane E. Douglas.

He is survived by his daughter and son Willard H. Douglas III, two sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.