Richard Jones Stilwell, Sr.

Richard Jones Stilwell, Sr., 83, of Huntersville, NC passed away Saturday January 26, 2013. Richard was born August 8, 1929 in Mt. Mourne, NC to the late Samuel Jones Stilwell and Hazel Elizabeth Cornelius Stilwell. Richard was retired from the Mecklenburg County Police Department. He started his career as a police officer in Davidson, NC. Richard served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS John Bole during the Korean War. He was a member of the Independence Hill Baptist Church. Richard was a member of the Williams Masonic Lodge #176 for 59 years, a life time member of the VFW in Croft, NC, and a 30+ year member of the Eastern Star. He enjoyed the fellowship of the fellow retired Mecklenburg Police officers and he loved to fish. Along with his parents Richard was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Wesson Stilwell , son Mark Stilwell, brothers; George, Henry, Jack, Tom, Bob Stilwell and sisters; Margret Chrisenbury and Ethel Hastings. Richard is survived by sons; Richard Stilwell, Jr. (Sandra), Keith Stilwell (Kathy), daughter; Anne Velez (Peter), grandchildren: Tony and Jessica Velez, Jonathan, Paul , Megan, Allison and Bryan Stilwell, sisters; Charlotte Mills, Mary Frances Moorison, Dorothy Cockrell and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday January 31, 2013 at 1:00pm in the Chapel of Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday January 30, 2013 from 7:00-9:00pm and also one hour prior to the service on Thursday from 12:00-1:00. Interment will follow at the Independence Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Todd Marlin officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Independence Hill Baptist Church10220 Eastfield Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com