RICHMOND—Mr. Gerald Wayne “Hootie” Britt Sr. of Forest Haven Drive, Richmond, Va., departed this life to claim his eternal reward on August 16, 2011, while a patient in MCV.

He was born February 22, 1953, to Johnnie B. and Ernestine S. Britt in Franklin, VA.

Gerald known to most as “Hootie,” a name that can be attributed to his basketball career. He played at Hayden High School and Franklin High School, where he was a member of the graduating class of 1971.

Upon high school graduation, he enrolled in Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, and maintained his status as a star player. “Hootie”, an acclaimed basketball player, received the honor of having his name placed on Hampton Institute’s wall of fame.

At an early age, he joined First Baptist Church, Franklin, Va., and later became a watch-care member at The Church of God in Richmond, Richmond, Va., under the leadership of Elder Lonnie Jones.

Gerald was the co-owner of Behavioral Management Consultants, Inc. in Virginia Beach, Va., where he served as the company’s president. He dedicated his life to assisting people with substance abuse and mental health problems while working at Serenity Lodge Recovery Center, Chesapeake, Va.

Gerald was preceded in death by his father, and his memory will be cherished by one daughter, Jackita Britt of Henrico, Va.; four sons, Gerald “B.B.” Britt Jr. (LaChanda) of Glen Allen, Va., Franko Britt (Rasheda) of Midlothian, Va., Brandon Britt and Brehon Britt of Chesapeake, Va.; mother, Ernestine S. Britt of Franklin, Va.; two sisters, Glenda Britt of Richmond, Va., and Regina Britt Charles of Secaucus, N.J.; brothers, Johnnie B. Britt Jr. (Barbara) of Franklin, Va., and Bryon Britt (Michelle) of Chesapeake, Va.; three grandchildren, Taylor, Laila and Ahmad; uncles Clifton Davis and Kearney Stephens; nieces; nephews; a devoted cousin, Stephen Long; and many other relatives.

The Britt family will receive friends 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Move of God Church, 221 Main Street, Franklin, Va., where Apostle Tyrone Hart is pastor.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2011, at First Baptist Church, 318 Hall Street, Franklin, Va., Reverend D.S. Riddick is pastor; Reverend Steven Blunt will be the deliverer of the word; Elder Lonnie Jones, Presiding.

On the day of service, his remains will rest in church for viewing by 1 p.m.

A traditional service with dignity will be conducted by Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Inc., 224 South Main Street, Franklin, Va. Please share your condolences with the family at www.wmjohnsonandsons.com.