Chaplain Richard H. Flick, Capt USN
VERO BEACH, FL - Chaplain Richard H. Flick, Capt USN went to his heavenly home, from Vero Beach FL, on December 24, 2020. He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, Chaplain, and Pastor. His dedicated service to this country and fellow man will be greatly missed.
Born near Dubois, PA on October 3, 1939 to Blair and Anna Flick, “Dickey” graduated from Dubois High School in 1958, and much to his mother’s dislike, ventured from his hometown to enter the Navy as a hospital Corpsman. After serving four years, he was honorably discharged and began his undergraduate studies at Memphis State University. He married Ruth “Fran” Flick, nee Cary, on November 3, 1961 at the First United Methodist Church in Memphis, TN.
Called to ministry, Dick, Fran and young Phyllis relocated to Atlanta, GA where he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University. The family returned to the Memphis area where he served as a minister for four years.
In 1973, Dick decided to return to the Navy as a Methodist Chaplain. Thus began a 25 year career serving with the Navy, Coast Guard and Marines at eight duty stations, on three ships, and three islands. In 1990 he deployed with the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade on the USS Guam during Operation Desert Storm. He was the recipient of more than 25 military awards and holds the Legion of Merit in recognition of outstanding service.
After his military retirement in 1996, Dick continued his ministry as Pastor to churches in Paducah, KY and Memphis, TN. In 2004 Dick & Fran moved to Vero Beach, FL where he proudly served as a Pastor Emeritus, VNA Hospice Chaplain and Veteran’s Council Chaplain.
Dick is survived by his brother David Flick, daughter Phyllis and husband Tom Zittritsch, his son Rick and wife Robyn Flick, grandsons Jared Otteson, Clint Otteson, Luke Otteson and Landon Flick, granddaughter Lauryn Flick, and three great granddaughters. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in the Fall of 2021 with full military honors. No local service will be held. The family requests donations in Chaplain Flick’s honor be made to VNA & Hospice Foundation at vnatc.org/donate/.