Richard Erwin Rountree

On August 18, 2026, Richard Erwin Rountree joined Heaven’s Angels, having long been an angel on Earth—especially to his two granddaughters, Cole Beckwith Bishop and Hannah Kirkland, to whom he wrote weekly letters. Richard lived the high standards of a Christian life: dependable, attentive to family, community, and work. He liked the man he was and loved life, and all who knew him felt the same about him.

Richard was born June 27, 1932, in Fort Myers, Florida, and grew up in Punta Gorda, Florida. His fondest memories of Punta Gorda were of family and friends at the beaches, the bay, and the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant owned and operated by his father and uncle. In 1946 he received a Vocational Arts Award and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1950. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Building Construction in February 1959. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity for 50 years.

He was the first Charlotte County resident to win a Florida High School State Track and Field title—twice: winning the Class B 100‑yard dash and then the 220 on the same day. Excellent in football as a halfback and running back, he earned four Varsity Letters. In 2003 he was inducted into the Charlotte High School Hall of Fame.

Richard served in the Army during the Korean War from June 20, 1951, to June 19, 1954, ending with an honorable discharge as a Sergeant from Fort Jackson, South Carolina. During his military service he earned the Occupation of Germany Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Richard raised his children in Tallahassee, Florida, where he worked for the Florida Department of Management Services, completing 37 years of outstanding service, and was an active member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing. In 1997 he received the “We Made a Difference” award and in 1998 the “I Made a Difference” award. Throughout his life, he made a difference to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Dorothy Rountree; his brother, Burt Rountree; his wives, Nancy Jo Jenkins Rountree and Thelma Tucker Rountree; his daughter Denise Rountree; and stepdaughter Terri Crowe Virgillio.

He leaves behind his children and their spouses: Dirk Rountree (Kimberly), Kip Rountree (Yuan), and Kim Rountree Frisbee (JC); two beloved granddaughters, Cole Beckwith Bishop (John) and Hannah Kirkland; and four great‑grandchildren, Ava, Sunday, Mason, and Scottie Jo.

A quiet family service will be held at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home in Punta Gorda, Florida. His ashes will be interred in the Rountree family plot at Indian Springs Cemetery in Punta Gorda.