2/25/15

Death of a Classmate - Richard E. Cherry Jr 15th Co.



Richard E. Cherry Jr (Dick) died in Merritt Island, FL on February 22, 2015 at the age of 82.  Born in Albany, GA, Dick attended the United States Naval Academy graduating in 1954. After graduation he married the former Carolyn Lewis of Towson, MD.

Dick joined the Air Force where he served in multiple fighter squadrons highlighted by two tours in Vietnam where he flew 86 combat missions. In between assignments, he received a master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from M.I.T. Later in his career, Dick became involved in the Air Force space program. In 1979, Dick retired at the rank of Colonel after 25 years of faithful service to our nation. After retirement, Dick worked for many years at KSC and was involved in the successful launch of five MILSTAR satellites. He was an avid golfer who loved the game of golf.

But his real passion was who he was in Christ Jesus.  Dick became a born again Christian in 1962, and he dedicated the rest of his life to serving our Lord and Savior.  Dick was a gentleman and loving husband to Carolyn for 60 years of marriage, and he served as a great Christian example to his sons and all who knew him.  Although we are sad that he is no longer with us, we rejoice that he is in Heaven today with our Lord.

Dick was preceded in death by his oldest son Richard III.  In addition to his wife Carolyn and sons Tim (Heidi) and Lewis, Dick is survived by daughter-in-law Teresa Amerson Spogen, four grandchildren Elizabeth (and Michael) San Filippo, Richard IV (and Christina) Cherry, Ryan Cherry and Kristen Cherry; and two great grandchildren Jackson San Filippo and Leigha San Filippo.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 PM with services starting at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28 at First Baptist Church of Merritt Island, A burial with full honors will take place at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL at 2:30 PM on March 2.  Cards and notes to Carolyn and the family may be sent to Beckman Williamson Funeral Home at 101 N Brevard Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. In lieu of flowers contributions in Richards honor may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

You may sign Richard's guest book at www.beckmanwilliamson.com

Beckman Williamson Funeral Home
101 North Brevard Avenue Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 784-0116 

Published in FLORIDA TODAY from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27, 2015

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