Richard Ricardo Napier, Sr.

Richard Ricardo Napier, Sr. was born on October 06, 1955, in Bartow, Florida to Paul and Hazel Napier. Richard began his Christian walk at an early age at Bethel Baptist Church in Mulberry Florida. He later joined Mt. Carmel Baptist Church of Gainesville, FL under the leadership of Rev. Thomas A. Wright, where he was a member for 17 years. While there he served as a Teacher for the Shining Light Young Adult Sunday School Class and Leader of the Children's Ministry. For the past 2 years, Richard was a member of the Courage to Change adult Sunday School Class of the Omega Baptist Church, Dayton, OH.

Richard graduated from Mulberry High School. Richard enlisted in the U.S. Armed Services in 1973 and received an honorable discharge in 1977. He went on to further his education at Florida A&M University (FAMU), graduating with B.S. Degrees in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, and received a M.S Degree in Chemistry at the University of Florida. Richard was a member of the Goins Lodge 94 of Alachua Florida.

Richard received numerous honors and awards that included Teacher of the Year at Bellflower High School, a couple of Yearbook dedications for Most Outstanding Teacher, and numerous Academic Fellowships. Richard was a Research Mentor for the International Science Fair. Richard was the Grand Award winner in 1993 and 1994. Richard was named the Westinghouse National Science Teacher in 1994.

Richard was a devoted Educator for 35 years, which included teaching in the Alachua County School District and Santa Fe Community College (Gainesville, Fl) for 14 years. He continued his love for teaching after relocating to Los Angeles County, CA. He served as a Teacher and Coach at several District Schools including Bellflower, Workman and Bellarmine Jefferson High Schools. His teaching journey ended at St. Paul Catholic High School in Santa Fe Springs, California where he taught several subjects until his untimely death.

Richard often spent his time tutoring, mentoring, and encouraging others and could always be counted on to share his wit of making others laugh and lifting their spirits.

Richard spent the last 36 years of life with his loving and devoted wife Clara. He also leaves cherished memories with his sons, Richard Napier Jr. (Michelle), Marlon Napier (Tempest), Jarvis Napier (Lashawn), Algerone Napier, and Ryan Napier; daughters, Rishonda Napier and Schyzette Bell; his mother, Hazel Napier Leonard; brother, Avalon Napier (Shelita); sisters, Jamera Napier (Artemio), JamiraLahn (Moeub), Annie Lois Allen, Pamela Lewis (Wendell), and Dorothy Stewart; grandchildren, Kevin, Sam, Jasmine, Richard III, Audrey, Marlon II, Algerone Jr., and Rhianna; godsons: Freddie McFadden, Paul Thompson Jr., and Joseph Michael Wilson; aunt, Irene Griffin; uncles, Leon Pace and Rubert Napier; mother-in-Law, Mattie B. Clark; sisters-in-Law, Faye Black, Tammy Napier, Michelle Jones, Linda Lumpkin (Melvin), Gloria Roe, Irma Clark, Sheila Clark-Jackson, and Sandra Clark; brother-in-Law, Mitchell Clark; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Paul Napier, Sr.; stepfather, Amos Leonard, Jr.; brothers, Paul Napier, Jr.; Nathaniel Napier; Roy Jones, and Bennie Black.

Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. FRIDAY, February 4, 2022 at the Old West Florida Enrichment Center, 2344 Lake Bradford Rd, burial will be 11 A.M. Monday, February 7, 2022 at the Tallahassee National Cemetery.

Service may be viewed at www.TallahasseeVirtualMemorials.com and/or via YouTube.

Posted online on February 02, 2022

Published in Tallahasse Democrat