Richard Lawrence Warner

Born on September 17, 1945 in Oil City, Pennsylvania, Dick was the son of the late Mary Amsdell Warner and William Warner Sr. He was preceded in death by his brothers William (Bill) Warner Jr., Douglas (Doug) Warner, and John (Bud) Warner and his sister Karen Warner.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife and caregiver Linda Czemerys Warner; his children Balarama Warner, Dr. Gandhari Loomis and husband Eric (granddaughters Ella and Macy), and Kutila Warner (granddaughter Michelle Storey); his sister Pamela Tidd, brother James (Jim) Warner, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Dick was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, enlisting shortly after graduating high school at 17. He trained as a Hospital Corpsman and served as such with the 2nd Marine Division headquartered at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. His duties as a Corpsman with the United States Marines took him all over the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. While in Spain, Dick heroically fought to save those involved in a helicopter crash during a joint U.S. and Spanish forces military exercise. In 1966, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and honorably discharged with the rank of E-4.

Dick was known for his benevolent spirit, boundless generosity, and steadfast faith. A gifted storyteller with a comical and delightfully silly nature, he had an unmatched ability to make others laugh and feel truly seen. His charisma was highlighted in the 1963 Townville High School yearbook, which lists him as Class Romeo, Best Dancer, coach of the women’s volleyball team, and cornerback on the football team. He went on to cultivate an extensive network of lifelong family friends, with whom he shared life’s most treasured moments and memories. He became “Uncle Dick” to many young people, then the playful “Papa Pickle” to the next generation of children who adored him. Dick’s presence filled rooms, and while his absence will be deeply felt, his love for others is a legacy that will be carried on by both his biological and “adopted” family.

Dick’s family extend their deepest gratitude to the extraordinary team at UNC Health Blue Ridge who cared for him over his four-year battle with cancer, as well as the AMOREM hospice team that provided dignified and compassionate care in his final weeks. The family is profoundly thankful for the scientific advancements in cancer treatment, most notably immunotherapy, which granted precious additional time with their beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

True to Dick’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. The family will hold a private gathering to receive his military honors.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Dick’s memory may consider planting a memorial tree through the Arbor Day Foundation or a donation to the Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation’s “Lights of Love” fundraiser in support of cancer patients in Western North Carolina.

The family invites friends and loved ones to share photographs, stories, and other memorial tributes via email to [email protected] so they can compile an online repository for these memories.

Online condolences may also be shared with the family at www.kirkseyfh.com.

Kirksey Funeral Home in Morganton, North Carolina is serving the family.