OBITUARY: Ronnie Daniel Richards Passes Away at 88, Was Brevard Resident for 68 Years

came Brevard County in 1954, was among first employees hired by Pan Am for the space program

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Ronnie Daniel Richards, 88, was born on September 13, 1934, in the low country of South Carolina. He graduated from Hampton High School in 1952 and went on to work for the Westinghouse Electric Company after graduation.

In 1954, Dan married the love of his life, Judith Hanna Richards, who became his lifelong partner for 70 years. That same year, Dan and Judy were lured by the space program to Brevard County, Florida, where Dan was one of the first employees hired by Pan Am for the space program. This would be where Dan interacted with several astronauts of the early space program, including the original seven—being one of the highlights of his life.

In 1964, Dan and Judy became entrepreneurs opening their own nursery and multiple flower shops, Creations by Judy. Dan later became involved in a successful real estate and development business throughout Central Florida.

In 1970, Dan was asked to join the Eau Gallie Rotary Club, where he subsequently served as president and became one of the developing members of the organization. Dan went on to win many Rotary awards for his service, including the coveted Paul Harris Award, and continued to serve in several district offices throughout the years.

In 1987, Dan discovered a cause he has championed ever since. Then senator John Vogt and the national organization, Associated Marine Institutes, introduced Dan to the newly founded Space Coast Marine Institute. SCMI’s mission to take Boys between the ages of 14 and 18 who have committed an average of 4-12 criminal offenses are referred to SCMI by The Department of Juvenile Justice for one last chance before ending up in the adult prison system.

Dan was instrumental in working with the Brevard County Commission on numerous occasions to secure a suitable facility to foster education, discipline, and respect in these boys’ lives. Those dreams were realized through the fundraising of the Board of Directors, and in 1997, the Dan Richards Youth Complex was established and has remained an asset to the Melbourne community. The Richards Family is honored to have this lifelong legacy dedicated to his memory.

In his free time, Dan was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. Dan frequented his summer dream home in Summerland Key, Florida, where he enjoyed fishing, diving, boating, and spending time with his wife, family, and friends.

Dan’s belief was to always put service above self. He will be deeply missed but will forever be remembered for his giving heart, witty sense of humor, and charismatic personality. He lit up every room he walked into and expressed kindness to everyone he encountered.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his four children Sharon, Russell, Tom, and Amy; and his eight grandchildren Devin, Hannah, Logan, Jennifer, Chloe, Julia, Isabel, and Alison.

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