Richard Paul "Dick" Jennings

Richard Paul “Dick” Jennings was born in Cincinnati, OH, to John and Hazel (Ottaway). Dick was passionate about many things in his life, but what stood out the most was his extreme passion for family, friends, and his faith. As a young man, Dick had plans to enter the Seminary. To those who knew Dick, this will come as no surprise – his heart was pure gold and his convictions were matched by few. He was a leader and confidant both spiritually and personally. There was nothing for which you could not ask of Dick. He would do whatever he could to fix, heal, or comfort – and everyone knew this. He was the one to call.

Those Seminary plans came to a screeching halt when a beautiful young woman crossed Dick’s path; Joyce Gumm caught Dick’s eye and his heart. What transpired over the next 65 years was something that many people may never be lucky enough to experience. Dick and Joyce married in 1958 and throughout the years their family expanded with four children, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. There was nothing Dick would not do for his family. He was always eager to share the world through experiences such as camping, fishing, playing sports, stories as to how things worked and how cities got their names, road trips, family chats and gatherings – and so much more. Things and actions that could never be repaid – but will never be forgotten.

Dick was a highly-decorated United States Army Officer from 1957 – 1980. The military was his occupation, but his family was his life. As much as Joyce and the children lived the military years through the many moves and separations, Dick was able to separate LTC Jennings from husband and father. Although “The Great Santini” was uttered through the years, that heart of gold could not be hidden. He was a very structured “man with the plan” who always had the best interest of others in mind; he asked for nothing in return.

Retired LTC Richard P. Jennings spent the next 18 years as the Budget Officer for the Hillsborough County Emergency Medical Services (HCMS). Once Dick retired from HCMS in 1998, he began to pursue his personal passions full time. Always an active member of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church community, Dick devoted even more time to serving the Church and the Veteran’s Administration. His accomplishments and activities with the Church community included: his continued service as a Eucharistic Minister that expanded to hospitals and nursing homes; becoming a certified trainer for Eucharistic Ministers to the Homebound and Hospitals; a Team Member of Men’s Emmaus Retreat; a Deputy Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus; Chairman of the Corpus Christi Catholic School Board; and, President of the Corpus Christi Parent-Teacher Club as well as a Parish Council Member. For these and many other ‘hats’ that Dick wore at Corpus Christi, he received the 2019 Saint Jude Medal from the Bishop for his selfless service and commitment within the Diocese.

Dick was predeceased by his parents John and Hazel, his brother, John, and his sister, Nancy. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his sister, Beverly, his children, Kevin (Kelly), Greg (Cynthia), Cheryl (Scott), and Kerry (John), his grandchildren, Joshua, Stacey, Kristina, Leann, Krista, Samuel, Rebecca, Claire, Jessica, and Ella, his great-grandchild, Natalie, and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

It has been said, “Of all the people I have come across in my life, Dick Jennings is the one person who has the E-ticket to heaven.” God is getting a good man.

A visitation for Richard will be held Monday, June 8, 2020, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Blount & Curry, Terrace Oaks Funeral Home.

A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, June 9, 2020, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 9715 N. 56th Street, Temple Terrace, FL 33617.

Private Family Burial will occur at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida