Richard Lee Whitsit
July 11, 1938 ~ July 25, 2020
Richard Lee Whitist, 82, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. Richard was born July 11, 1938 to the late David Kelly and Mildred (Byrum) Whitsit of Indianapolis. Richard was preceded in death by his two older brothers; David K. Whitsit, Jr. and Ronald G. Whitsit, Sr. and sister, Mary D. Long.
Richard proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a mechanic. In 1969 he began his lifetime career at Ford Motor Company, retiring in 2004. Apart from working, Richard enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved watching old westerns, making people laugh, and going to the casino in his spare time.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Carol S. Whitsit; daughter, Pamela J. Harding, son, Timothy A. Whitsit, and daughter, Kristy D. (Bill) Whitsit-Shearer; grandchildren, Anthony M. Whitsit, Tyler V. Whitsit, F. Mathews Shearer, Morgan P. Scrimager, Jason P. Harding, Mason R. Harding, and Olivia R. Harding; siblings, Sharon (Jack) Simpson, Clearance Long, and Betty Whitsit.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. in the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 30, 2020 in the funeral home. Interment will follow in The Garden’s at Olive Branch Cemetery. Please visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or leave a condolence for Richard’s family.
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My Grandfather was a man who stood by his principles and beliefs. Loved his family very much and was willing to take upon himself to sacrifice so they can have a better life. Someone who didn’t ask anything in return much but Love and Respect… He was always trying to be goofy and silly with others. He Expressed what LOVE is suppose to look like. I will Never Forget you Grandpa and what you have taught me. You have inspired all of us to carry-on LOVE that You have shown. You will be deeply missed but I know you will be looking down and watching over still… I LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!! Your Grandson, Tyler Whitsit
Uncle Richard was always my hero. He stood by our family when we needed help. I remember looking forward to the summers because I knew it was time for Aunt Carol and Uncle Richard to come visit. If someone was in a bad mood, it didn’t last long, because he would always do something to get everyone laughing. He was always joking and just loving life. Uncle Richard made life fun! He loved his family more than anything else in the world. He’s just a wonderful man who missed terribly. I love you Uncle Richard, your niece- Lerenda
My grandpa was the greatest man you could ever ask for he took my mom in at a very young age an raised her an his love was unconditional love for her my grandpa made a lot of sacrifices for his family and never asked for anything in return he always told me that it’s better to be 5 minutes early than 1 min late that a man is only as good as his word I remember him picking me up from middle school an we would go get some ice cream he would always say don’t tell the others my grandpa always made us laugh an he would joke around he would tell us funny stories when we were younger my grandpa was an amazing person an a great husband to my granny I loved him so much an he will be missed everyday an one day I’ll be with him again but I know he’s gonna looking down and watching us all keeping his family traditions an the things he taught us alive and passing it down to are kids I love u grandpa Rest In Peace an thank you for everything u have done I love u so much from your grandson Jason
My Grandfather was a man that had a skill to unconditionally love you without wanting anything in return. From loving my Grandma for 52 years, to raising a family of 3 kids and never complaining about anything in life, to even later in life having all his grandkids and sacrificing for every single one of them. He served his country in the Marine Corps and loved every minute of his service. He isnt only a hero to His family but His country! Grandpa I know we are hurting and missing you right now but I’m so happy to know that one day we will be back together in Heaven. I love you forever and I promise we will carry on everything you have taught us. You’re one of my biggest Heros and cant wait to see you again one day. I love you forever your Grandson, Mason
My Grandpa was the greatest grandpa a granddaughter could ever asked for . Im So thankful to have amazing loving selfless grandpa who always put everyone before himself . My grandpas love for my grandma is one of many things I always admire about my grandpa . One of my favorite memories is family holidays spending time together and goofing off . My grandpa was always cracking jokes even at the wrong time he would know how to turn a awkward situation into a funny situation. I will always miss bringing chocolate milkshakes and watching Perry Mason Or classic westerns . Even though heaven is far away I know you’ll always be right by my side . I’m forever thankful for my grandpa . I love you so much – Your granddaughter Olivia
Grandpa you are an amazing role model, a giving and respectful man and most of all a loving grandfather. I will always remember you taking me places as a kid in Blue Car Bob and laughing and joking with you on car rides. Thank you for all the sacrifices you’ve made for me and our family. You have shown me how to be a man and I pray that I can measure up to your greatness one day. I promise to always be there for our family as you always have done. Love and Miss You, Your Grandson – Tony
My dad was the greatest man I have ever known. He always managed to put a smile on your face. He loved telling jokes, and being the life of the party.He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him. He was the best husband,dad,and grandfather ever. I will miss him dearly and treasure every memory. Until then, I will carry you in my heart and look forward to reuniting in heaven. In the mean time ,soar with your beautiful wings, walk with Jesus, and rejoice with those who have gone on before you. Knowing your cheering me on from above makes Heaven sound sweeter everyday. I will always love you and will never forget how much you loved me. Your loving daughter, Pam
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and forever.
Dad your unconditional love and support has always given strength to our family. The examples you passed down from how you stand by your family to always being a man of his word has set the principles of my life. I have always made choices on how what would dad do or say. I just hope you are as proud of me as I have always been of you. Until we see each other again love you. Timmy