Richard Emery Shockey, 86, of Indian Rocks Beach, FL, passed away on August 11, 2017, at his home. He was born in Tulsa, OK. He coined himself, “The Okie from Muskogee”.
Richard served his country as a Chaplain in the US Army spending three tours in Vietnam. He was also a Marine Corps Reservist. He was going to become an attorney; but, the Jesuit Pope came to his school and asked, “What are you going to do with your life?”. He said, “Be an attorney”. The Pope replied, “God wants you to do his work”. So, that’s what he did. He did missions work in Nigeria. Richard worked for the Pinellas County School System as a Guidance and Career Counselor.
When people used to travel by train, he enjoyed entertaining and singing to them as they traveled. He loved his condo with the view of the water, the beach and the sound of songbirds. He loved basketball and football. Great food and conversation brought pleasure to him. Most of all, he would say, “I love to laugh”. He also enjoyed art festivals and stuffed animals. His love for God and Sue Houston were immeasurable.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Genevive Ashton and his brother, James. He is survived by his brother, Robert; and many friends.
He will be interred at the Bay Pines National Cemetery. A Military Honors Service is scheduled for 10:00AM on Tuesday, August 29, 2017.
My condolences to the family he was a lovely man. It was a honor taking care him
Yvette
I worked with Dick Shockey as a special education teacher with Pinellas County Schools. He devotion and enthusiasm for my students will always be cherished and remembered. Dick was truly a person who made a difference in so many people’s lives. I feel blessed to have known and worked with him.
Rest in peace, dear cousin.
Dominus Vobiscom