Richard Becker's Obituary
Richard "Dick" Allen Becker, 73, of Huntersville, NC passed away peacefully at his home on March 30th. He was born on April 27, 1946 in Glenwood, MN to the late Floyd Sylvester Becker and Ruth Elizabeth Myers. He is a 1965 graduate of Watseka Community High School in Watseka, IL.
He was preceded in death by his son, Richard "Richie" A. Becker, II. Richie died at the age of 15 and was one of the first multiple organ transplantation donors. He helped pave the way for the future of organ transplantation as we know it today - and his story was outlined in Lee Gutkind’s book “Many Sleepless Nights - The World of Organ Transplantation”
He leaves his wife Sharon Wagoner Becker; his two daughters, Erika Moskowitz and husband Rod of Mooresville, NC, and Ashley Smith and husband Kevin of Huntersville, NC; his siblings, Donald "Don" Becker (Carol) of St. Louis Park, MN, and Douglas "Doug" Becker (Shirley) of DeMotte IN; his step-siblings, Jim Brooks, David Brooks and Linda Brooks Kissack; his four beloved grandchildren, Mick, Jackson, Grant and Emery; and many close friends.
A Veteran, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy. In 1966 and 1967, Dick served on board the Guided Missile Destroyer USS Wainwright DLG-28 becoming a Vietnam Veteran and being awarded the Vietnam Service Medal. He attained the rank of Torpedoman 2nd Class and was cross trained in Sonar operations. Dick was part of the commissioning crew (Plank Owner) of the USS Wainwright. His last two years of Naval service was spent in New Orleans training Naval Reservist on board of the USS Hyman DD-732. Life member of VFW Post 9488 and American Legion Member of Post 321. Also, a proud member of the USS Wainwright Veterans Association.
An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of the Birkdale Golf and Country Club and served as the President “The Prez” of the Birkdale Golfing Society of the Royal Crown Club.
He retired in his career as a National Sales Manager, focused on CCTV products, security systems, and overseas electronic products manufacturing. Dick also spent many years prior as a business owner involved in sales as a dealer and distributor of electronic equipment.
Dick was well-respected in the community as a man of integrity and of good humor. His many friends remember his love for golf, family and a good story. He will be sorely missed.
The family requests that any memorials be made in Dick's name to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. www.NMCRS.org
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at a later date. In the interim, because we cannot have a service at this time it would be especially meaningful for the family if you could share your memories and photos of Dick at the following link: https://www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com/m/obituaries/Richard-Becker-9/Memories
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
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