Longtime Capitol doorkeeper, who fought for civil rights alongside MLK, dies at 96
By George Copeland Jr. / Richmond Free Press
From city streets to church sanctuaries to the corridors of the Virginia State Capitol, Eddie L. Radden Jr. spent his life serving and uplifting the Richmond community. A lifelong advocate for civil rights and community progress, he died peacefully last Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 96, leaving behind a lasting impact on Richmond.
"Through every trial, he remained a pillar of strength, faith, and unwavering love," Radden's family said in a statement. "His legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion will forever guide us."
Radden was born May 19, 1928 in Richmond, the eldest son of Eddie L. Radden Sr. and Mary Curry Radden, and grew up in the Blackwell neighborhood. In a 2021 interview, Radden traced his interest in activism to his experiences with segregated bussing when he began attending Maggie Walker High School at the age of 12.
The disparity led Radden and his friends to become what he described as "Good Bad Boys," pushing against the inequities of society in the ways available to them as youths.
After high school, Radden became actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement, witnessing history firsthand at the 1963 March on Washington and meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a visit to Richmond.
Radden was a lifelong member of the NAACP Richmond Branch, serving on its Membership Committee and attending national conventions and was honored multiple times for his dedication. He also was part of the Richmond Crusade for Voters.
In 2001, Radden began to serve as a doorkeeper for the Virginia General Assembly. He became a familiar and welcome presence for legislators over the decades, and retired after the 2024 General Assembly session.
"I was fortunate like many others that served, particularly in the House, to develop a relationship with him," State Sen. and Virginia Democratic Party Chair Lamont Bagby said. "I can speak for everyone in the building - he will be missed, his spirit will be missed, his energy will be missed."
Beyond his work and activism, Radden was a committed member of Broomfield Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for over 85 years and through many roles, joining in his youth when it was Williams Temple C.M.E. Church.
Radden also was a dedicated Freemason with Hobson Lodge No. 23. His community work led to the renaming of Dunbar School to J.H. Blackwell Elementary School in 1952 and the creation of its Parent Teacher Association, serving as its president for two years.
Radden was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen Simmons Radden, younger brother William Nelson Radden Sr. and mother-in-law Lucy Simmons Brown. He is survived by his six children Deborah, Eddie III, Cheryl, Mary, Dwayne Sr., and Martin, four sisters-in-law, 27 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, devoted friend Eloise Taylor and many other family and friends.
A wake will be held Friday, May 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mimms Funeral Home,1827 Hull St., followed by a funeral 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at Second Baptist Church, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd.
