Retired Captain Richard Lee Beery Sr., USMC, 82, of Lewisburg, WV, died peacefully on the morning of Sunday, May 3, 2015.
Born June 20, 1932, in Ohio, he was the son of the late Harriet Irene and Carl David Beery.
Richard was a retired captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, primarily stationed out of Camp Lejeune, NC. During his years of dedicated service, he also participated in Operation Power Pack in the Dominican Republic in 1965. Additionally, Richard became an accomplished boxer while serving. After his retirement from the USMC, he worked with Bendix Corp., both in Lewisburg, WV, and Baltimore, MD.
Richard was an active member of his community in Lewisburg. He was a devoted member of the local Catholic Church and an Elks Club member. He was an avid bridge player, often known as the best player in the world, as can be attested by friends at the bridge clubs. Richard was well-known for his generosity and volunteer work, often reading aloud to students at the Lewisburg Elementary School, an activity he enjoyed immensely.
He also greatly assisted with the treasury, financial assistance, and charity services at his church and others. Richard’s wit, charm, and sense of humor will be missed.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his loving wife of 57 years, Sheila D. Beery; his sister, Silvia; and his grandson, Christopher Beery.
Survivors include his six children, Richard Beery Jr., Michael Beery and wife, Peggy, Diane Beery, Steven Beery and wife, Heather, Andrew Beery, and Matthew Beery; 10 grandchildren, Renee, Paul and wife, Lindsay, Robert, Thomas, Mary, Mary Beth, Colleen, Alexandria, Spencer, and Fiona; and one great-granddaughter, Olivia Grace.
The family is hosting a vigil for Richard on Thursday, May 7, 2015, from 6-8 PM at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg and a funeral Mass on Friday, May 8, at 11 AM at St. Charles Catholic Church in White Sulphur Springs, WV, with Father Chapin Engler officiating.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary originally published in the May 5, 2015, edition of the West Virginia Daily News.
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