Rick "Skipper" Worley

Beloved husband and father, 89 died March 14, 2012 with his family by his side in Baton Rouge, La. after a lengthy illness. He was born July 26, 1922 to Dr. John R. and Margaret Worley in Dallas, Texas where he attended Highland Park High School. He joined the US Navy in 1940 at the age of 18. He served as Seaman on USS Worden and then on USS Murray in the South Pacific and at Pearl Harbor during World War II. Mr. Worley was awarded 16 Battle Stars and was a proud member of the Pearl Harbors Survivors Association. Skipper graduated from University of Texas where he received his degree in Mechanical Engineering and enjoyed a lifelong career at Dow Chemical, Borden and Bovey as chief engineer, finally retiring in 1987. Not one to sit around for long, Skipper signed up as the senior ranger at Camp Avondale for the Boy Scouts of America and continued in that position for 10 years. Skipper had a great many accomplishments in his life but a few he was most proud of were his work with the Boy Scouts of America and his work in Hunter's Education for the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries. He was a registered Scouter in excess of 60 years. Among his many accomplishments with the Scouts, he was a member of the Order of the Arrow and he received the Silver Beaver Award in 1969. He was an avid outdoors man enjoying a variety of activities including camping, and fishing. His favorite camping site was at Big Bend National Park where he would make yearly retreats to enjoy bird watching and hiking. His life was filled with travel and books on every subject. There was never a subject he couldn't discuss and never a dull moment when he was around. He always had time for those in need. As well as an avid reader, Skipper enjoyed working in his shop where he built many pieces of furniture, bird houses and wind chimes for friends and family. He was a great thinker, always willing to give to a worthy cause or person in need. Survived by his wife Virginia Kennedy Worley, daughters Leslie Sinclair-Worley, Deborah Williamson, Victoria Brabham, Rebecca and spouse Ronnie Pence, Jennifer and spouse Basil Scalise and son Robert Eugene Love, 14 grandchildren and 15 greatgrandchildren, niece Linnis Jellinek, nephew Mike Worley and many more great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his first wife Isabel Sinclair Worley, parents Dr. John and Margaret Worley, siblings John, Doris Jean and Mary Margret. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to staff at Generations Hospice. Without their daily love and support, Skipper would not have been so comfortable at the time of his passing. We wish to especially mention Erica, Julie, "day" Donna and "night" Donna, Roxanne, Dani and Reverend Elmo Winters for going beyond the call of duty in helping Skipper and family through this difficult time. A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2012 from 12pm until service at 3pm at Greenoaks Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Skipper requested that donations be sent to Generations Hospice at 2948 La Hwy 16, Denham Springs, La 70706.