Richard Thomas Sunderland

Rick was born on November 27, 1942, in Wilmington, Delaware. He attended the University of Florida, where he earned his degree. In a turn that Gator historians may prefer not to examine too closely, he later became a devoted and lifelong Florida State Seminoles fan.

Rick served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970 aboard a submarine rescue ship. He served as a yeoman, working as the ship’s clerk. After his military service, he settled in Tallahassee with his wife, Josephine “Jody” Karen Sunderland. The couple married in 1965 and shared 55 years together before Jody’s death in 2020.

Rick worked as a systems analyst for the State of Florida. He was a longtime member of the Seminole Radio Control Club and spent many years building and flying radio-controlled aircraft. He flew both gliders and fixed-wing planes and participated in competitions, combining technical skill, patience and a genuine love of aviation.

Rick also enjoyed restoring furniture and worked with Jody and other family members to restore the old family homestead in West Virginia.

Rick lived with his two beloved Chihuahuas, who were his constant companions. Over the years, he and Jody shared their home with many dogs and cats, all of whom were deeply loved.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jody Sunderland; his parents, Richard N. Sunderland Jr. and Doris Dunn Sunderland; and his sister, Kay Sunderland Kelley.

Rick is survived by his brothers, David Mark Sunderland of Gainesville, Florida, and Bruce F. Sunderland of Phoenix, Arizona; and six nieces and nephews: Mark David Sunderland of Orlando, Florida; Karen Sunderland of Short Pump, Virginia; Brian Kelley of Tallahassee, Florida; Leslie Roman of Phoenix, Arizona; Shaun Sunderland of Atlanta, Georgia; and Angela Kelley Croom of Tallahassee, Florida.

A public visitation will be held Monday, June 29, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial with full military honors will take place at 1 p.m. that afternoon at Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida 32311.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made in Rick’s name to the Arthritis Foundation at arthritis.org.