Richard C. Ferrell

Ferrell, Richard (Dick) C., of Tampa, FL, passed away peacefully December 21st at the age of 89. He was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, where he was raised by his parents, Carl and Grace Ferrell. He had one older brother, Bob, and an older sister, Marge. Dick loved growing up in a small town, spending most of his time outdoors and playing sports. He graduated from Mt. Vernon High School and immediately enlisted in the army. He was sent overseas, spending most of his years in Germany working in the military supply depot. He also got to play on the army’s basketball team which allowed him to travel all over Europe. He was honorably discharged after several years and returned to Mt. Vernon where he married RuthAnne. They then moved to Columbus where Dick enrolled in Ohio State University. While attending college he worked full time and to his credit he graduated with a B.S. in Business in just three years.

Dick met the love of his life, RuthAnne, while they were in middle school. They began dating in 9th grade and married in 1953. Their first son, Bill was born in 1955 followed by their first daughter, Susie, in 1958. The family then moved to Gainesville, Fl where their second son, John, was born in 1962. Not long after that they moved to Tampa and their daughter, Anne, was born, completing the family. Dick began working for Crown Zellerbach when they moved to Tampa and later changed to another corrugated container business, Union Camp, from which he retired at the age of 65.

Dick was very involved with his children and coached both Bill and John in baseball for many years. He loved the game of golf and continued that with his wonderful group of golfing buddies until just a couple of years ago. He loved his kids beyond all measure and was always interested in what they were doing. It wasn’t surprising to find him at one of their adult sporting events on the sidelines as a spectator over the years. He was Pop to his seven grandchildren and they held a special place in his heart. He was very proud of their accomplishments and enjoyed hearing about their adventures. Dick was as devoted of a husband as there could ever be to his wife, RuthAnne. His kids marveled at his devotion to her until the very end. What a testament he was to the term “til death do us part”. He and RuthAnne shared 65 years of happy married life and were together for almost 75 years!

Dick was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Grace Ferrell, his brother Bob and his sister, Marge Mullet. He is survived by his wife RuthAnne, their children Bill (Diana) Ferrell, Susie (Ronnie) Phelps, John (Patti) Ferrell, and Anne (Chris) Chasteen. He also leaves behind his seven grandchildren, Kelly Epstein and Cody Phelps, Michael and Lauren Ferrell, Lindsey Ferrell, and Conner and Mason Chasteen.

Dick will be remembered for many things but at the top of the list is the undeniable love and devotion he had for his family. He was an incredible husband, dad, and Pop and he will be missed tremendously.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 5th at 1pm at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church in Tampa located at 3501 W. San Jose St., followed by a reception at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Dick’s name to : Meals On Wheels of Tampa, 550 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33603.