Carl Richard McEwen

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Carl Richard “Dick” McEwen, a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, faithful brother, and cherished friend. Dick left this world on September 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy stitched with laughter, loyalty, and the quiet strength of a man who fixed not only things—but hearts, homes, and lives.

Born in Tampa, Florida, on September 25, 1938, Dick was a true son of the Sunshine State. He graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1956, where his quick wit and easy smile first began to win over friends—a trait that would define him for life. That same year, he answered the call of duty, serving honorably in the United States Navy until 1959. His time in uniform instilled in him a lifelong sense of discipline, humility, and service—values he carried into every chapter that followed.

For three decades, Dick built a remarkable career at IBM, where his sharp mind and steady hands earned him the respect of colleagues and the admiration of those who watched him solve problems others thought unsolvable. He was, quite simply, a master at fixing things—not just machines, but misunderstandings, moods, and moments. If something was broken, Dick could mend it. And if someone was hurting, he’d be the first to offer a joke or a helping hand.

But beyond his professional life, Dick’s true passions bloomed on the golf course, in front of the TV cheering on his favorite teams, and most of all, within the walls of his home and his church. An avid sports fan, he never missed a game worth watching—and always had an opinion worth hearing. On the greens, he chased birdies and banter with equal enthusiasm, his laughter echoing across fairways.

Since 1974, Dick was a devoted member of Bell Shoals Church, where his faith was quiet but constant, like the tide—steady, sustaining, and deeply rooted. He didn’t need to shout his beliefs; he lived them—with kindness, patience, and an ever-present twinkle in his eye.

To his beloved wife, Latrelle, he was a rock, a partner, a best friend for more than half a century. To his son Rick and daughter Jill, he was both hero and handyman, coach and confidant. To his adored grandson Cole, he was “Pepaw”—the man with the tools, the stories, and the snacks. To his sister Linda, he was the big brother who always had her back.

Dick’s greatest gift? His laughter. It was infectious, unpretentious, and always arrived right on time—sometimes with a perfectly timed dad joke, sometimes with a mischievous grin. He knew life was too short to take too seriously, and he spent his 86 years making sure everyone around him felt lighter because of him.

He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Latrelle, his son Rick, daughter Jill (Louis) Sicona, grandson Cole Sicona, sister Linda (Jim) Kinder of Alpharetta GA, and nephews Kevin Kinder of San Angelo TX and Kyle Kinder of Arlington TX.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Bell Shoals Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon, FL, the spiritual home he loved so dearly. Friends, family, and all whose lives he touched are warmly invited to gather, share stories, shed a few tears, and—most importantly—laugh together in his honor.

Dick McEwen didn’t just live—he lived well. He loved deeply, laughed loudly, and left the world better than he found it. And though we will miss his presence every single day, we find comfort knowing his legacy lives on—in the swing of a golf club, the hum of a repaired machine, the echo of a shared joke, and in the family he loved so dearly.

Rest easy, Dad. We’ll take it from here.

And we promise—we’ll keep laughing.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23