Richard "Dick" Pence, Jr.

It is with great sorrow that the family announces the death of Richard (Dick) Pence, Jr., 94 of Floyd, VA. Dick passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard S. Pence, Sr. and Mary Eleanor (Quick) Pence; along with his late wife, Nancy Radar Pence. He is survived by his wife Clara (Judy) Reed Pence.

Dick was born on June 4, 1930 in Los Angeles, CA. After high school he joined the Navy in 1949, where he served an amazing 31-year career. While in the Navy, he served in the Korean War, and five tours in the Vietnam War. His career included being an integral member of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). Dick was a deep-sea diver, a member of the Navy Experimental Diving Unit, and was recruited for the Marine Mammal Program. He finished up his career in San Diego, CA as a Chief Petty Officer Mineman (MNC), Master EOD Technician with his duties including being an Instructor for Under Water Ordinance and Diving, Explosive and Radiation Safety Officer, and Diving Supervisor. Dick received many decorations, medals, badges, citations and ribbons and awards throughout his incredible career to include the Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam), Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Navy Expert Rifle Medal, and Navy Expert Pistol Medal.

Dick married his loving wife Clara (Judy) Reed Pence 21 years ago on August 31, 2003. They enjoyed their retired years together traveling, enjoying family, friends and the charm of living in the country in Floyd, VA. They frequently listened to local musicians and attended the Friday night jamborees with close friends. Dick and Judy enjoyed living in Floyd, a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains where the scenery is tranquil and beautiful. Dick raised catfish and large-mouth bass in their backyard pond and both he and Judy loved seeing the beautiful sunsets over the pond, watching the wildlife of deer, turkey, bear, geese, fox and beautiful birds right from their family room and porch.

Dick loved the outdoors and always enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping throughout his life. He continued taking his annual trips across country to Nevada and the high Sierra mountains with his family until he was 92 years old. They enjoyed fishing the lakes in Nevada and California and camping together. Over the years and having shared many experiences, Dick shared his favorite fishing lakes and life stories along the way.

Dick is survived by his wife, Judy Reed Pence; his three children, Debra Pence, Richard (Scot) Pence (Debbie), and Craig Pence (Beth); his six grandchildren, Sarah Massie (Jerel), Nathan Massie (Courtney), Ellen Massie, Courtney Pence, Richard Pence (Elizabeth). and Anna Dahlstrom (Matt); and a great-grandson, Dante Massie. He is also survived by his three step-children, Sandra Reed, Camden Reed, and Jeff Reed; six step-grandchildren, Andrea Fishburn (Nick), Leah Beland (Madison), Laura Reed, Chrissie Shives (Wes), Jason Reed, Colin Reed; and a great-grandchild, Alyas.

There are no memorial services scheduled at this time.