Richard "Dick" Caudill

Richard “Dick” Caudill of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at his home with his wife and his sister-in-law by his side.

He was born December 15, 1940 in North Wilkesboro, NC to the late Silas and Reeda Caudill and graduated from North High School, class of 1959. Following graduation Dick enlisted in the United States Navy and was on active duty as an Aviation Electrician, assigned to VP-28, the “Hawaiian Warriors” until his honorable discharge in 1963. That same year Dick began a 32-year career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, starting as a Fingerprint Examiner, and retiring in 1995 as a Supervisory Systems Programmer. In 1974, he earned an Associate in Arts degree from Maryland’s Prince George’s Community College. Upon retirement Dick and his wife, Cass, moved to Punta Gorda, FL, where they lived until moving to Lake Wales in early 2006. Dick became a Mason in October 1966, and in 1987, he became the Master of St. Columba Lodge #150, La Plata, MD. After moving to Punta Gorda Dick joined the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. After moving to Lake Wales, Dick joined the Lake Ashton Veterans Association, Lake Ashton Travelers, and started the Friday Night Men’s Poker Group and Shooters’ Group. He was also a member of the Elk’s Lodge in Punta Gorda, Moose Lodge, NRA, and NARFE. He was an excellent chef and enjoyed boating, RVing, and traveling all over the world. He was a perfect Southern gentlemen, who never met a stranger.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carole Caudill. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Cassandra Dawkins Caudill; sister-in-law, Trudy Dawkins Morlino (Buster); brother-in-law, Charles Harold Dawkins, Jr; two nieces, Rebecca Anne Peacock and Lauren Elizabeth Dawkins; one nephew, James Cully Dawkins; and loving family members residing in the North Wilkesboro area.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2015 at the Hope Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven with Rev. Owen Carriker officiating and will conclude with Masonic Rites. Following the service there will be a full military honors ceremony at Lake Ashton Veteran’s Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hope Presbyterian Church (2110 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33884) or Good Shepherd Hospice (105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL 33823).

To view the webcast of his service, please click the link: http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/632605