Richard Glenn Caviness, Sr.

Richard Glenn Caviness, Sr., 86, of Siler City died Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro after a courageous fight against several recent illness.

He was born April 22, 1931, and was preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene Meeks Caviness, brother Rezzie Caviness.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Anne Capps Caviness, and son, Richard G. Caviness, Jr. both of Siler City; son, Mark S. Caviness of Greensboro, NC and daughter, Elizabeth J. Caviness of Charlotte, NC; step brother, Michael Lynn Caviness.

Visitation will be Monday, October 16, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 N. Second Avenue, Siler City. Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church, 1101 West Raleigh Street, Siler City, NC. Interment will follow at Chatham Memorial Park, Hwy 64 East, Siler City.

Richard graduated from Siler City High School where he lettered several seasons playing running back for the varsity team. He served 4 years in the United States Navy, most of which was aboard the USS Seminole (AKA-104) in the Pacific during the Korean War. His service aboard the Seminole included several cruises and port calls in the Korean War zone area as well as other Pacific area of operations. Richard served on the USS Seminole along with several close friends from Chatham County including, Welford (Dick) Beck and Jimmy Cranford who remain lifelong friends after completing military service together.

Richard founded Caviness Printing Service with his wife in 1966 which continues as a family-operated Siler City business.

In 1961, Richard joined and was especially proud of the Siler City Fire Department, serving in many roles including Captain, Assistant Chief and Chief as well as other position in his 55 years of firefighting service to Siler City. He was a tireless advocate of expanding and enhancing the capabilities and skills of the Fire Department to grow with and serve the needs of Siler City.

His active civic support of Siler City over the years included serving on the Siler City Planning Board, board member of Chatham Trades, Inc., and board member of the Farmer’s Alliance Store. Richard was a strong supporter of the economic health and new business development of Siler City, and was generous of his time in those efforts.

He was an active member of Siler City Rotary Club since 1975.

Richard was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Pat McCrory in 2015 for his 50+ years of firefighting service.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one;s choice.

Smith & Buckner funeral Home is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.