Richard "Rich" Merrill Stinson

North Augusta, SC - Mr. Richard Merrill Stinson, 74, entered into rest at his home, November 3, 2024. Richard was born January 20, 1950, in Shattuck, OK, to the late Bill John Stinson and Alberta Elizabeth Wolfe Stinson. Throughout his childhood, Richard and his family lived in many locations throughout the U.S., following Richard’s father during his U.S. military and government service. Richard was a proud patriot and followed in his father’s footsteps, dedicating over eight years to the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. Richard committed a further 31 more years to our country, serving in many roles, while a member of the U.S. Civil Service. Richard married his sweetheart Marilyn in 1973, built a beautiful home and family together, and eventually settled in Huachuca City, AZ. Along the way, Rich earned a college degree, as well as, served as a professional member of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Associated where he coordinated high-level events that encouraged innovation and the advancement of technology. Richard’s efforts proved crucial in helping the Department of Defense ensure preparedness and security. Rich was a tremendous sports fan. He played and coached softball, enjoyed the games of volleyball and tennis, and was a lifelong supporter of the Oklahoma Sooners, and a fan of the New England Patriots for many years. Richard was an extremely talented gardener and was well-known for his delicious tomatoes. At his heart, Rich was a giver and enjoyed bringing smiles to those around him. He would often pass out candy to co-workers, medical staff, and delivered flowers to the residents of a local nursing home, bringing smiles, happy tears, and brighten people’s day. However, Richard’s greatest love and joy in life was his family. A beautiful family that began with his wife Marilyn and continued with his daughters Melissa and Karen. Those blessings have carried-on with Richard’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. Richard touched everyone’s heart in the best ways possible and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Surviving family members left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 51 years, Marilyn L. Stinson; two daughters, Melissa Nash-Mullis (Brian) and Karen Goodnough (Tony); a brother, Bill John Stinson Jr.; two sisters, Debbie Loudon and Sandee Trevino; eight grandchildren, Matthew Nash, Anthony Nash, Raelee Goodnough, Rylan Goodnough, Xaqaria Goodnough, Alissa Polendo, Gabrielle Mullis, and Nathan Mullis; and four great-grandchildren, Bailey Nash, Summer Goodnough, Adonis Polendo, and Cristiano Polendo. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer donations made in Richard’s name to The Melanoma Research Foundation. www.melanoma.org

Tributes

Richard "Rich" Merrill Stinson

January 20, 1950 - November 3, 2024