ichard O. Whisanant was born on May 11, 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland to Odell and Juanita (Cooper) Whisanant. He passed away on August 28, 2017 at James A. Haley VA Medical Center. Richard was a disabled veteran.
Family
Richard is preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Lori Vanta, who died in 2014. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Debra (Gutierrez) Whisanant; brother David Whisanant; sisters Carolyn Ellmore, Dee Krout, and Diane Miller; and grandchildren Maddie and Colin Vanta.
Awards and Decorations
Richard entered the Army on February 12, 1968 and was discharged on February 11, 1970. At the time of his discharge Richard was eligible to wear the Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, his Combat Infantry Badge, and his designation as an expert with the M-14 rifle on his uniform.
Services
A memorial service to honor the life of Richard Whisanant is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 3:00 pm at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Guests planning on attending should plan on arriving at 2:30 pm. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and Marine Corps League Detachment 708 from Spring Hill, Florida. The Patriot Guard Riders will be there as invited guests by the family.
Friends, family, and those who served with Richard are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
To my baby, (my Bee 🐝) my rock, my shelter, my protector in life, my advocate, my helper, my loving strong husband of 42 years how will I go on without you? I know I have to think of you in heaven with Lori but I’m selfish and I want you here with me. I will go on because I know that is what you would want me to do. I will remind others of your kindness, loving , caring heart and never let them forget your courage and Faith to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. You will be forever in my heart and never far from my heart.
My beloved Uncle Richard is one of my favorite people, he was funny, sweet, and a true hero. I will miss him till I see him again in Glory. I know my Aunt Deb will miss him beyond words, just as the rest of us will. I will NEVER forget his big wet kisses from what we called Whizzy lips, and how he never stopped working or hustling..another Whisanant trait. The only solace we have is that we know he is with our Lord in Heaven and dancing with his sweet Lori. I love you Uncle Rich so much…I have reached to text you so many times in the last few days. Rest in peace sweet man, I will see you again in Heaven, love, your niece Stacey
Dick Whiz
We met in 1978
Always dressed to the nines in a 3 piece suit
With a rose on his lapel and perfect hair.
A character a friend a leader
100 miles per hour always
He will always be remembered for his love
And care of Debra.
I will always miss that Happy man
Loving and missing him
Cheryl and Eddie
Dick Whiz
We met in 1978
Always dressed to the nines in a 3 piece suit
With a rose on his lapel and perfect hair.
A character a friend a leader
100 miles per hour always
He will always be remembered for his love
And care of Debra.
I will always miss that Happy man
Loving and missing him
Cheryl and Eddie
Goodby dear brother. You have been with me since your were 18 (a kid) We worried when you left for VietNam that we might not ever see you and yet you fool us by coming back with you fun personally busting out and your infectus laugh. We had you for 50 more years and still it is not enough. You worked harder then anyone I ever knew and now the race is over. Sleep peacefully my dear brother you will not be forgotten and I will see you on the other side soon enough.
This man was a hero. A level of respect that is hard to describe. Such a pleasure to help this wonderful family.
So sorry we didn’t get to spend more time talking about all the wonderful times we had working together in the 70’s. You were the best Partner someone could have! Always making the best of every situation. We laughed, we cried, we worked hard and The Lord always provided. It won’t be long and we will be together again and catch up on all that happened after our great adventure at R & R Auto Body–Dick Whiz, Dusty Tears! one of the hardest working men I ever knew! I remember all the times we spent on our knees when work slowed down–A man of Joy, A man of Faith, A man you could count on, A man who truly loved His Lord! Your mansion in heaven will be one of the greatest to hang out and find Joy–I can almost hear you singing those wonderful songs of Faith right now! I Cor. 2:9 –No human eye has ever seen, no human ear has ever heard, no heart has ever felt the glories that God has prepared for those who love Him! (Parks paraphrase) Love and miss you so much! Your old friend and the other half of R & R
Rich came into my life when I was nine years old as my brother in law. I have a lifetime of memories of this wonderful man. He and my sister took me everywhere with them during my childhood. I went with them to his parents farm in Pennsylvania. They took me with them to Georgia, Colorado and I lived with them for two years in Houston. I’ve spent as much time as I can with him and Deb (as he called her) just visiting and watching movies because I’ve always loved spending quality time in their home with them. He’d always say, “Come back soon kid, we love you”. And his coffee! He made it the best. My heart is broken. There are no words to say how much I will miss him until I see him again in Heaven. His voice…I will never forget. His heart for my sister, I will always remember. Until I see you again my brother, I love you more than words can say. Rest well and hug Lori for me.
What a hero he was, both to America and to his family. I did not know him but know his dear sister, Dee, and I know she is sad to lose him but, being a woman of great faith, she will see him again. Richard evidently exhibited great courage and was a man of integrity and will be greatly missed by his family.
I pray all of you will be comforted in your loss.
My sweet brother. I will live with all our wonderful memories we have from many years. Starting with our childhood. Many night a you and I would get up after mom and dad were asleep and go to the chicken coop to clean out all the straw after one of us forgot to turn the water off. They never
Knew (our secret). Our many trips to Ocean City and the wild waves. How we love going, us Naive kids from the farm. As we grew, we always stayed close. Getting together for all the occasions and wonderful Holidays. Time went so fast and now you are in Heaven with your Heavenly Father. I will miss you so much. I know you are having a wonderful time with Lori and all our love ones. Please put a request for us to live close so we can get together everyday. I love you to the Heavens and back.
I will be looking for you to greet me at the Golden gates when I cross over.
Your sister that loved you beyond our mortal words. Dee
From Dan: so many memories—-don’t know where to begin. My high school friend and eventually my Best Man on the hotest day of the year! Farm kids, family get togethers, your 396 yellow Chevelle, Doc Hare and AG Class, we’ve shared so much. Our visits to Florida in January, playing Rook in hotel room against the girls. I will always remember you, and miss you my lifelong friend. Love you…Whiz ….Dan
I love you so much big brother and will miss you dearly. We had so many memories we shared from the farm, and our earlier years. But the memories I’ll cherish most are the times we spent together after we both moved to Florida. I’ll never forget the road trip to mom and dads farm sale, we laughed all the way there and back . And the trip to the Vietnam Memorial touched all of our hearts . The times we spent at the condo are precious memories. We will miss your laugh, your smile, your one liners and the joy you brought to life here on earth. See you later we’ll share a laugh in heaven.😇
To my Uncle Richard,
I have wonderful fond memories of the condo and the time spent with you and family. I remember you were always telling a joke that made everyone laugh. Your laugh and smile were infectious, even to me as a young girl. I remember you taking me into the ocean where we caught sand dollars. I always felt safe with you and poppy there. I hope we cross paths in Heaven one day. I love you always.
Your Neice
My dearest Uncle Richard. I have so many happy and fun memories of the times we spent together at family get togethers and holidays. You were always so funny and there was never a dull moment when you were around. I loved spending time at your house with you and aunt Debra because I knew there would always be red kool aid in the fridge and ice cream in the freezer. Rest In Peace and I will see you again some day.
Dick is the name I remember, sharpest dressed man in all of Houston Texas. He was the other half of my friend Debra and a perfect couple they did make. I appreciate the time they invited myself and my son to their home for swimming time and good food. They were both very dear friends of mine during my time in Houston. I know that Debra will miss Dick and my prayers go out to her for guidance during this difficult time. His space on this earth will leave a huge void. May God Bless him, Debra and all his family.
Rest In Peace brother though your time here was short your memory will live on in all the lives you have touched. I only wish we had had the chance to have a drink and share Army stories. When my time comes I hope you save me a seat in heaven so that we can have that drink and talk.
Uncle Richard-
I will always remember how joyous you were and how you were so dedicated to your family. A great example of a man. Thank you for being a great uncle to my sisters and aunts and a great brother to my Gram. Love you and you will forever be in my memories. -Chrissy
Uncle Richard, you will be missed greatly. I did not get to spend time with you, but what I do know is you are a true hero and a man of God. What a wonderful legacy you leave. I know how sad my mom, Gram and Pap are with missing you, but you have left so many with such a shinning example of a Man, Christian and a true Patriot. God Bless, Love, Jonathan