Obituary for Richard Bryant Pursel Jr.
Richard passed away in Hospice care on October 27, 2022. Diagnosed over 25 years ago, he was heroic, in all stages of COPD/Emphysema. Bravely managing through the different challenges as the disease progressed, he continued to work and play with the extra burden of carrying supplemental oxygen. With a strong will for life, he endured numerous hospital stays, sometimes in an induced coma. In 2018 he was released from 45 days of intensive care with a tracheotomy. He still showed strength and bravery as he lived with his new challenges. The last 4 years of his life, Richard became increasingly dependent on his loving caregiver, his wife, for all needs and care, always grateful, never complaining. When asked how he was, he always said "I'm ok" or gave a thumbs up.
On March 10, 1951, Richard was born in Washington D.C. He split his high school years, graduating from Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, Maryland, and attending Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, GA. Richard studied at Prince George's Community College in Maryland. Over the years, he lived in Maryland, Washington D.C., New York City, Denver and Parker, Colorado. He had a career in credit and finance with several large corporations then became self- employed for over 18 years, before retiring in Florida.
Richard enjoyed playing and watching golf, football, and baseball games, loved comedy, going to the beach, and trying new restaurants. In his later years, he enjoyed RV traveling and adventures with his wife and 2 cats. With a charismatic personality, Richard loved people, easily making friends and enjoyed an evening spent with friends, discussing life and world events. He was a kind, loving, sensitive, generous person, who loved life and would give "his shirt off his back" to anyone who needed help.
Richard's legacy continues within the hearts he left behind: his high school sweetheart, soulmate, and loving wife, Cindi (reuniting 13 years later after high school, they were together for an additional 40 years, and their love for each other will live on forever); his sister, Peggy (Egbert); cousin, Ann; brother-in-law, Pat (Shari); nephews-in-law, Tate (Alice) and Sean; niece-in-law, Heather (Greg); great nephews, Kaden, Shane, Garrett and Gavin; two loving, cats, who miss him; along with many cousins and special friends. Richard has joined his loving parents, Dick and Ann, and sister, Nancy, in heaven, along with parents-in-law, Herschel and Suzanne, who loved him as one of their own. There are no words to express how deeply he will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Richard's name to Emphysema Foundation of America (EFA), COPDFoundation.org, and/or the American Diabetes Association; or plant a tree to help our climate.
On March 10, 1951, Richard was born in Washington D.C. He split his high school years, graduating from Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, Maryland, and attending Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, GA. Richard studied at Prince George's Community College in Maryland. Over the years, he lived in Maryland, Washington D.C., New York City, Denver and Parker, Colorado. He had a career in credit and finance with several large corporations then became self- employed for over 18 years, before retiring in Florida.
Richard enjoyed playing and watching golf, football, and baseball games, loved comedy, going to the beach, and trying new restaurants. In his later years, he enjoyed RV traveling and adventures with his wife and 2 cats. With a charismatic personality, Richard loved people, easily making friends and enjoyed an evening spent with friends, discussing life and world events. He was a kind, loving, sensitive, generous person, who loved life and would give "his shirt off his back" to anyone who needed help.
Richard's legacy continues within the hearts he left behind: his high school sweetheart, soulmate, and loving wife, Cindi (reuniting 13 years later after high school, they were together for an additional 40 years, and their love for each other will live on forever); his sister, Peggy (Egbert); cousin, Ann; brother-in-law, Pat (Shari); nephews-in-law, Tate (Alice) and Sean; niece-in-law, Heather (Greg); great nephews, Kaden, Shane, Garrett and Gavin; two loving, cats, who miss him; along with many cousins and special friends. Richard has joined his loving parents, Dick and Ann, and sister, Nancy, in heaven, along with parents-in-law, Herschel and Suzanne, who loved him as one of their own. There are no words to express how deeply he will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Richard's name to Emphysema Foundation of America (EFA), COPDFoundation.org, and/or the American Diabetes Association; or plant a tree to help our climate.