Family and friends paid tribute to Richard Justice on May 22 in a style fitting the actor, director and theater-lover, who died of COVID-19 on Aug. 27, 2020.
The memorial service featured video montages of Justice’s life on stage, intermingled with heart-felt eulogies and musical performances at the Imperial Theater, where Justice spent many nights performing.
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“He was a brilliant actor who possessed an extraordinary ability of transforming himself both physically and emotionally to embody each and any character he portrayed. Whether it was a drama or comedy, it didn’t matter as he was equally adept at both,” said Debi Ballas, executive and artistic director emerita of the Augusta Players, in a recorded eulogy.
Not only was he a force on stage, he was a visionary behind the scenes, she said. At one time, he served as artistic director alongside Ballas as executive director, and his acumen helped turned the theater organization around.
“Richard’s involvement with the Augusta Players was multifaceted, as he served on the board of directors and was instrumental in saving the company from closing,” Ballas said.
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He was vital to other arts organizations as well, helping found Le Chat Noir, performing in multiple Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre productions and working with the fledgling Riverfront Theater Co. in North Augusta, among others. He also lent his dramatic side to Colton Ballet productions such as “Dracula” in 1995, “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Three Musketeers” in 1999, and numerous productions of “The Nutcracker.”
Outside the theater, he was known as an advocate and friend.
“He was a light, and we gathered around him. And yet, when he focused on you, it was as if no one else was around. He was always interested in everyone. Always empathetic, and always attentive,” said David Johnston, a longtime friend.
Johnston said he met Justice in a difficult time in Justice’s life, soon after the loss of his first partner.
“Richard was moving to the other side of the first plague that had threatened his life, the one that he survived. As we became fast friends, I was aware of the sadness and guilt that he felt as life moved on following so much death,” Johnston said.
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Justice had been diagnosed as HIV-positive and worked to raise money and awareness for the disease, he said.
The eulogies portrayed a man with a larger-than-life personality and an infectious humor.
“In Augusta, Richard openly, honestly and courageously shared his story of living with HIV. He would speak with medical students, imparting knowledge helping them develop understanding and empathy— creating better health-care professionals and better outcomes for other diagnosed with HIV or AIDS,” said Lonzo Smith II, former Augusta Pride president, who wore a special pair of boots in Justice’s honor.
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Musical numbers included a medley of “Over the Rainbow/Home,” “What a Wonderful World,” ‘True Colors” and “Seasons of Love” from “Rent.”
As the service ended, the stage went dark, and the ghost light was turned on.
A recessional featured a New Orleans-style parade with jazz combo leading the way.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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