Richard Allen 'Dick' Posey, Sr., 86
PRESTON - Richard Allen "Dick" Posey, Sr. passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 17, 2018 at the Charlotte Hall Veteran's Home in Charlotte Hall, Md.
Dick was born to Richard Adrian Posey (1903-1965) and Melvina Violett (1904-1940) at 8:30 a.m. on July 30, 1931 in The District of Columbia, USA.
Dick was the last living sibling of four children born to Adrian and Melvina. At the time of his birth Dick was 3rd in-line to two sisters Gloria and Doris. A brother Robert Lee Posey followed in 1932. Gloria lived out her days in Florida and Doris, hers, in Virginia.
Dick was preceded in death by his sisters, Gloria and Doris; his brother, Robert –1997; and his son, Frank Edward Posey –June 29, 2004. Richard Sr. (Dick) is survived by two of his children – Richard Allen Posy, Jr. of Winchester, Va. and Linda (Posey) Brady of Randolph, Mass.
Dick is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren which he longed to have known.
Dick Posey enlisted in the United States Navy on the 24th of August, 1948 at the age of 17 in Washington, D.C. Having earned his first award, the US Navy Good Conduct Medal, he was promoted on 16 April 1951 to Boatswains Mate 3rd Class. Dick re-enlisted in the US Navy on 23 August 1951 and attended the US Navy Deep Sea Diver School where in addition to becoming a Hard-Hat Diver he also specialized in Cargo handling & Deck Rigging. Dick was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal & the Navy Occupation Service Medal while on active duty.
Dick's primary task as a US Navy Deep Sea Diver was to clear sunken ships, their scattered ordinance and mines from European harbors and channels after WWII. In performing such arduous work, Dick became entrapped and was severely injured on his last diving evolution. As a result of this career-ending injury, Dick was released from active duty April 30, 1955 and was placed on the Temporary Duty Retirement List (TDRL) May 1, 1955.
Having utilized the GI Bill to learn a new skill-set – Upholstery – Dick packed up his family and moved to Gridley, Calif. and developed a large upholstery business where he became interested in restoring Period Furniture and Horse Carriages. After having acquired and restored an 1860's Studebaker Doctor's Buggy, he scaled-back, sold his business and moved back East to the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1989. Living briefly in Wye Mills then Preston, Maryland.
Mr. Posey, as he was known, built a thriving upholstery business in Preston, Md. spanning both sides of the Chesapeake Bay which lasted the rest of his working days.
Dick was a great neighbor, solid citizen of the community and took much pride in his handicraft. He attended many civic events where his restored 1860's Studebaker Doctor's Buggy, drawn by his beautiful black mare "Nellie", was a big hit in many regional and local parades.
Dick was a beloved participating member of the Dorchester Swingers Square Dance Club and the Adult Singles Klub ("ASK") a local group similar to Parents without Partners (PWP).
Dick, we will always carry your memory in our hearts.
A Memorial will be held for Dick Posey in the Chapel of the Maryland Eastern Shore Veteran's Cemetery, 6827 E. New Market - Ellwood Rd., Hurlock, MD 21643 February 12, 2018 at 1 p.m.
The Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery at Hurlock is located two miles south of Preston and about five miles northwest of Hurlock on State Route 331. GPS: 38.674748, -75.898748
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Courageous Hearts Horsemanship, 6836 ENM - Elwood Rd., Hurlock, MD 21643. Courageous Hearts Horsemanship is a 501-C3 that works with Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Other Ability Persons and volunteers where exposure to equine companionship can be a valuable resource to participating individuals.