Richard D Shaw

Richard was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on October 23, 1932, to Elsie Bruen Shaw and Guy Robert Shaw.

During his 30 years of service in the United States Navy, he achieved his warrant officer rate having risen through the entire enlisted ranks, from E1-E9 and the warrant officer ranks of W1-W4. His years of service included the Korean War and the Vietnam War and he was awarded, among other recognition, the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal.

After his retirement from the United States Navy, Dick began a second career at Mercy Hospital (later Carolinas Medical Center) as a chief maintenance supervisor. His experience and mechanical aptitude were valuable as the facilities grew and he served in this important role for 20 years. He continued to advise as a consultant after retiring (again) from CMC.

Richard Shaw was a loving man with a sense of humor and an open mind. He adored his family and served them like he lived his life – faithfully and without complaint. He never met a child or a dog he didn’t like - and the feeling was always mutual. His penchant for technology served him well in his career and in his interest in amateur ham radio operation and computers. He also greatly enjoyed celebrating his Scottish heritage by attending various festivals and with his wife, participated as a longtime member of the Scottish-American Military Society. Dick and Sarah were active participants in the Episcopal community in Charlotte for many years.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his devoted partner and wife of 55 years, Sarah; and his children Marcia Kephart, Michael (Michelle) Shaw, and David Shaw; his grandchildren: Andrea (Justin) Kurtz, Alex (Anya) Kephart, Amanda (Seth) Shaw, Dylan Shaw, and Madeline Shaw. Also missing him are his great grandchildren: Hazel Kurtz; Mattox Kurtz; Derrick Kephart; and Sean Kurtz. He is also survived by his brother Robert Shaw of Arkansas, and two nieces and a nephew.

Richard was predeceased by his parents and a son, Dale.

Arrangements are being handled by McEwen Funeral Services, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte. A graveside service will be held at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Boulevard, Salisbury, NC 28144 on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517. Woundedwarriorproject.org

“Through all the sweetness in his life, and the bitterness of war, he knew what God had made him for…He was a man of his word.” From Man of His Word by Bob Carlisle