Richard Allen McCalla passed away on February 9, 2018 after a short illness.  Richard, also known as “Dick” or “Ricky”, was born in Freer, Texas to Frank McCalla and Loree McCalla Clayton.  As the oldest of six, he helped to raise his siblings: Sandra, Billy, Jerry Wayne, Beverly and Del.  Richard lived the American dream through his hard work and dedication to his family. When not working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.

After graduating from Liberty High School in 1960, he began classes at Texas A&I in Kingsville, Texas. Richard left A&I to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1962-1966.  After receiving an Honorable Discharge, he returned to A&I, graduating in 1968 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  While at Texas A&I, he met his lifelong friend, Frank Olson, in Chemistry class. Richard worked hard and obtained his Professional Engineers License in 1971.  After college, he accepted an offer from Signal Oil and Gas in 1968.  He continued to work in the oil and refinery industry throughout his career, working for Charter Oil, Kern County Oil, and Phibro (later Hill) Petroleum.  His last position was Site Manager for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve located in Bryan Mound, Texas.  He retired in 2010.

Richard married the “best thing to ever happen to me,” his wife, Charlotte Lynn McCalla (nee Munger) on August 24 1965.  The couple moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where Richard was stationed.  Their first child, Suzanne, was born in 1966, followed by Allen (1968) and Jim (1971). Richard was the proud grandfather of six, and a great-grandfather of one.

Richard was active in the Episcopal Church for many years and served as Senior Warden at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church for two years.  He was also active in his homeowner’s association and local municipal utility district.

Richard is preceded in death by his mother Elma Loree Clayton and his father, Julian Frank McCalla.  He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Charlotte, his daughter Suzanne and her spouse Traci Garlington, his son Allen, his son Jim and his wife Alice, his siblings Sandra, Billy, Jerry Wayne, Beverly and Del, and his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren:  Genevieve, Sarah, Adam, Michael, Brittney, Jacob, Jack, and Luke.

Papoo, you were loved by so many, and you will be missed!

 

A memorial service will be held at the St. Christopher Episcopal Church in League City, Texas, on February 24, 2018 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to the St. Christopher Episcopal Church Memorial Fund in memory of Richard McCalla: https://stchristopher.breezechms.com/give/online