Richard Lee Gulley, 55, of Clearwater, Florida, died peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2009 at his home under the care of The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast and following complications from metastatic renal cancer.
He leaves his mother, Lois Gulley; his brothers: Michael (Lisa) and Jeffrey Gulley; his daughter, Crystal (Paul) Biondich; two grandchildren (William and Sadie); and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and good friends.
Born and raised in Gas City, Indiana, the son of the late John Richard and Lois Freshour Gulley, he additionally lived in Kentucky and Florida.
In his early years, Mr. Gulley was always considered the family comedian, telling lots of jokes and playing fun pranks on his family. After graduating from Mississinewa High School in 1972, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a hospital corpsman.
After serving with the Navy, Mr. Gulley had the opportunity to work both as a paramedic for the Booneville Hospital and as a control room operator at the F. B. Culley Generating Station in Newburgh, Indiana. He was known by his colleagues, friends and family for his sharp intellect, quick sense of humor, and strong work ethic.
Mr. Gulley had a passion for cars and international traveling. He was a voracious reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and spending time with his little dog Heidi. He was a simple man of simple means. He had never met a stranger and was well liked by all.
A private memorial service was held June 15th in Treasure Island, Florida, and there will also be a public memorial held soon in Warsaw, Indiana. Should friends desire, donations may be made to The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, Florida 33760 in memory of Richard Lee Gulley.
Rick was a good man. I’ve often thought of him since he left Owensboro. He will be missed.
I had the priveledge of living across the street from Rick for more than 5 years in Owensboro. He was a true friend, my children loved him and were always welcome at his pool. He loved his in ground pool. Having just heard the news a few minutes ago, I am at a loss for words. Godspeed to you Rick. we all loved you in Owensboro.
Crystal is a friend of mine, and my prayers and thoughts are with her and the family.
Crystal is a dear friend of mine and my thoughts and prayers go out her and Rick’s family.
God Bless.
Happy Fathers day Dad. We miss you and wish you didn’t have to go so soon. I wish I could have held your hand one more time, given you a hug and kiss, and talked awhile longer. But I guess I’ll wait till I see you again.
Heidi has a good home, she has a sister named Mady – she’s so happy. Mamaw isn’t doing very well, Jeff and Mike put on a good act – please help them find peace.
I feel bad that your Owensboro friends didn’t get a proper way to say goodbye to you, but I hope they find peace in that you were where you always wanted to be and that you were happy. Maybe they will toast to you, listen to some James Taylor, or just take a nice drive in your memory. That’s what you loved to do.
I hope I made you proud and that you know I was proud of you. I see you everyday when I look into Will’s big blue eye’s and see Sadie smile with her eyes – please watch over them.
I am doing fine, I am married to good man from a good family and he also loved you very much. We did a few things you liked to do for Fathers day – went out to eat, had desert, and talked about old times.
I miss you dad, please keep visiting our dreams. I still have Bonnie, thank you and God for her. She has been my rock through it all. Rest in peace dad, I hope you have found peace.
I miss and love you forever
Crystal
Crystal is a good friend of my and my thoughts and prayers go out to her and her very precious family.
He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.
Job 20:8
This might be my second email..but
Crystal is my friend and my thoughts and prayers go out to her precious family.
He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.
Job 20:8
Crystal, Paul, Will & Sadie;
Beau & I are so sorry about your loss. Your Father, Father-in-law, and Grandfather, was an amazing man. May God bring peace to all of you, during this time of sadness.
You are in our hearts and prayerz. Angie & Beau
Rick:
I had to write another entry after reading Crystal’s letter. I remember your first surgery after you were diagnosed. Crystal and I had just become great friends. We made the trip to Southern Indiana to be with Bonnie and Mamaw. I will never forget your positive attitude prior to entering surgery. Your mom was so adorable also, as she was trying to discretely set me up with Jeff. Although it didn’t work out, I would have been honored to become a Gulley!! Crystal wrote an amazing letter wondering if she made you proud. I think anyone would be proud to have Crystal as a daughter, friend or family member. She is truly the sister I NEVER had. I thank you for brining her into this world, as I feel blessed to have such a wonderful friend. I think I can confidently say that you were very proud of Crystal and everything she has accomplished. She has a wonderful husband and two beautiful children. I hope you have found peace. We will all miss your great attitude and humor.
God Bless,
Kim
I am Crystal’s mother and Rick loved Crystal very much as we all do. Crystal your father was very proud of you and how you grew up to be such a wonderful daughter and a successful woman. You were always there when he needed you. My time with Rick was short, but I will never forget him. We had a child together and what a gift from god!! Rick rest in peace until yuou and Crystal see each other again. Crystal loved you very much.
Crystal, you are a very strong person. I admire everything about you. I am honored to have you for a very dear friend. Both of your parents should be extremely proud of you and the person you hav become. Without them you wouldn’t be you. I am here for you! God bless.
I just googled up Rick’s name and found this sad news about him. We lived on the same block growing up in Marion Indiana. He was one of my favorite neighborhood buddies. We would hang out in his bedroom on 11th street, listen to music and tell jokes and stories. He was really a fun guy to hang around with and my brother (Tony)loved him just as much. Sorry to hear about his passing.
Look down on me Rick and send me that smile and laugh once in a while !!!
Your old friend,
Danny Miller