Richard Gray Shanahan

He is survived by his wife, Linda F. Shanahan of 60 years, two sons, Gray (Jenny) step daughters (Tiffany and Kirsten) and Kris (MaDonna), Grandson Jacob (Cate) 2 great grands Asher and Hazel. Many nieces, nephews, and their children.

He graduated from Dunbar High School, attended Marshall University, spent four years in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was an Air Policeman and was stationed in San Antionio, TX, Misawa, Japan, Great Falls, Montana and West Palm Beach, FL. He played basketball on the base teams, playing once against the Harlem Globetrotters.

After the Air Force he worked in the Dunbar Post Office before moving to Florida in 1957. He worked at Cape Kennedy for 37 years in Propellants, and in the Fire Department with Pan American World Airlines and EG&G. He retired in 1994. Due to his job Richard and his family were able to travel the world to many wonderful places.

He finished BCC and attended UCF in Orlando and was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in West Melbourne for many years.

Because of his love for children and sports he was very active coaching little league football and basketball in Melbourne and West Melbourne. He along with friends started the West Melbourne Football Teams with the Cowboys and Colts in 1971.

Some of his joys in life were his Family, his Church, and coaching young men.

In 1994, he helped build a log cabin in Andrews, North Carolina and he and Linda lived their part time for 10 years.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Wesley United Methodist Church or the Greater West Melbourne Athletic Association.

A celebration of life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church Friday, November 21, 2025, at 2pm.