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Mr. Richard Wayne “Rick” Bozeman, age 72, of Brooks, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 2, 2020.
Rick was born on August 5, 1947 to the late Doris Bozeman. Rick was the middle child with an older brother and a younger sister. He grew up in Forest Park and graduated in 1965 from Forest Park High School, where he became smitten fellow classmate, Jean Hawkins. Soon after graduation, Rick enlisted in the United States Army and was sent overseas to serve in the Vietnam War. Rick served with distinction as a Gunner and Crew Chief of Bird Dog airplanes. During his tour, Rick earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, among other honors. Soon after Rick’s return home, he was wed to his high school sweetheart, Jean. The couple moved to Fort Hood, TX where Rick was stationed for the remainder of his military service. After proudly serving his country, Rick was honorably discharged as an E5 Sergeant. He returned to Forest Park along with his wife to settle down and raise their only child, Chad.
Rick joined the Eastern Airlines team where he had a long career as a mechanic and fueler until the company’s closing in 1991. He had a knack for fixing just about anything. He used those skills when he went to work for Landmark Christian School and then Grace Christian Academy, from where he eventually retired. During his work at the schools, Rick handled all of the maintenance issues. He also coached Landmark’s softball team which gave him the opportunity to have a lifelong impact on so many of the students. He found true joy in the sport and his amazing players.
Rick was a resident of Brooks for 41 years. He had a deep appreciation for his old family land and home. He was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He liked tinkering with cars, which he often did with his son. A “jack of all trades,” Rick was a real handy man around his house and his church. He was a longtime member of Fayette Bible Church where he became the church’s volunteer caretaker. From driving the bus to fixing the plumbing, Rick was always available to serve the house of the Lord.
Rick’s life was centered around his family, particularly his grandchildren. He was a doting husband, supportive father and attentive Paw Paw. He was jovial and happy. He was patient and lovingly shared wisdom, advice and quality time with his family. Although he will be dearly missed on Earth, Rick had no fear of death. His family will take comfort in knowing Rick is with Jesus and his precious grandson Joey.
Along with his mother, Rick was preceded in death by his grandson: Joey Bozeman; brother: Danny Bozeman; sister: Tina Flippin. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years: Jean Bozeman of Brooks; son and daughter-in-law: Chad and Christy Bozeman of Brooks; grandchildren: Ricky, Mikey, Rachel, Jonathan and Rebekka.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Rick’s honor at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Fayette Bible Church, 355 McDonough Road, Fayetteville. A reception will be held immediately following the service. Casual attire welcome. The Bozeman family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville. Messages of condolence may be left at www.GeorgiaCremation.com.
Jim and Mary Ann Babb says
What a beautifully written tribute. We remember Ricky as a smiling, happy man that truly loved the outdoors. Ricky and Jean were both in Mary Ann’s graduating class. Ricky was a football player and Jean was very smart. Rick has been a good friend for a long time and he will be missed.
Dennis and Gail Marsengill says
A wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. We remember Ricky happily serving the Lord at Mt. View Baptist Church along side his family and many friends. What a blessing he and Jean have been to our life. Rick, our good friend, will be missed, Jean and family, you are in our prayers.
debbie dumas says
Jean and family
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, father and Paw Paw Knowing he is in great hand s of the lord bring you comfort at this time of sorrow. Praying for grace and kindness during this time of need.
Bob Young says
I will always remember Rick as a true and dependable friend. He taught me everything I know about deer hunting and I will always cherish the hours we spent together in the woods during deer season and at Big Jim’s for breakfast afterward. I knew I could always depend on Rick for advice or help for any project. He was a true “jack of all trades.” There were no facades with Rick – what you saw was what you got – and what you saw was always a person who was more concerned with the welfare of others than himself.
Jane Cook Cole says
We are so sorry for your loss, Jean.
May wonderful memories help to ease the pain and bring comfort to you and your family.
Praying that God will give family and friends
strength and peace.
Jim and Jane Cook Cole
Mike & Jan Bearden says
To Jean and Jean’s wonderful family: we loved Rick and were proud that he was our friend.
Our friendship with Rick (and Jean) began 50 years ago ( and before that for Jan). And for over a decade or so we did life together. We treasure the many various experiences we benefited from being with Rick…from cutting logs, to camping, lots of softball, socializing, raising kids together and countless hours serving together in church fellowship.
Our heart hurts at his passing, but we celebrate his coming home…as we know from our personal experiences with Rick that his testimony and focus was always and forever on Jesus…so he is now one with Him.
We loved you Rick and were proud to call you our friend.
Mike and Jan Bearden
Brenda Stanley says
I am blessed to have called him friend. We had fun working together. Whatever I needed he was there. He had such a love for the kids. Rick & Jean were George & I’s closest friends. We had lots of fun conversations & drove miles for great BBQ. Rick had a gift of making you feel special. My heart hurts for you Jean. Wonder if our guys are enjoying each other again ❤️
Margaret Gillham says
I am sorry for your loss but rejoice knowing he’s with Jesus and has a new body! He was a sweet man!
Sending love and prayers!
Margaret (Stover) Gillham
Chris Hanners says
I will never forget the many things Rick did to help out so many people and ministries. He always had a smile and a “can do” attitude. He was one of the true good guys, and we are certainly going to miss him! We love you Rick!
Henry and Pat Goss says
Jeanie and family,
You are in our prayers and held in our hearts and best memories. To Ricky, for a life well lived.
God bless, Henry and Pat Goss
LTC John Lewis US Army ( Inf Ret) says
Rick was my crew chief on the O-1 airplane I flew in the Delta of the Republic of Vietnam in 1968 at a time when the fighting of that war was particularity. We were dispatched to the airfield late in the evening of 31 Jan 68 so that I could fly a mission over an ARVN outpost that was under attack. It was unusual because our unit did not routinely fly at night. Rick got my plane outfitted with two high intensity flares and four rockets and sent me off into the night and the unknown. It was less than an hour later when I was over the outpost that all of the major cities and many smaller towns in Viet Nam came under attack and the campaign known as the TET Offensive was kicked off. The next three months were very, very intense with our unit and the organizations we supported. Rick never wavered at any time and my plane was incredibly well taken care of by him. I took him flying a couple of times to look for bad guys and for a maintenance flight. We both enjoyed the time in the air.
I am sad that Rick has gone West at such a young age. He was a really good man that looked after me and our machinery in an outstanding manner. I was proud to have served with him on active duty and especially proud to have helped him with his claim for disability with the Veterans Administration many years later.