Obituary
Captain Richard Trice, “Dick,” to all who knew him well, passed away of natural causes in North Fort Myers, Florida, on Wednesday, Feb 26, 2020. He was 82 years old. He was born to the late C.V.W, Trice Jr. and Katherine (Joiner) Trice, in Miami, Florida, on February 26, 1938.
He grew up in Miami, Florida, graduating in 1956 from Coral Gables High School. Dick attended Virginia Military Institute and the University of Miami in 1956-1957. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1958, serving on the U.S.S. Bramble, an ice breaker at sea in the North Atlantic, leaving the service in 1960. Dick received his A&P mechanic rating at the Parks College in St. Louis, Missouri. He took his flight training at the Tamiami Airport in Miami, Florida.
Dick was hired by Eastern Airlines in 1962 as a Flight Engineer on the Lockheed Electra. He advanced to flying as Captain on his beloved Boeing 727 and ended with flying the Airbus A-300, when Eastern closed in 1991. Dick then became a 727 Captain for Atlantic Airlines and trained as an aerial applicator in order to do crop dusting. He retired to North Fort Myers in 1996. Dick finished his airline career holding type ratings for the DC-3, L188 Electra, DC-9, B-727 and A-300. Dick also flew light airplanes, owning a pristine Beechcraft T-34 and building an award winning Christen Eagle. Dick was once married to an Eastern Airlines flight attendant, the former Mrs. Judy Trice. They had no children.
Dick learned shooting as a small boy and joined the local Miami Kiwanis Club that sponsored a gun club. He always loved guns and shooting and was a long time member of the NRA. He was recently a Director and active member of the DeSoto Gun Club and enjoyed going to the range to shoot with his many friends. Dick loved fishing and boats.
Dick is survived by his brother James B. Trice, of Sebring, Florida, as well as many good friends.
He was a unique friend and we will all miss him. Until we see you again, Captain.
Probably the Best Damned Pilot I have Ever Known, Bar None.
See You on The Other Side Buddy.
Skip.