Richard Hale, 73, of Plant City, died Nov. 12, 2016.
He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and a retired staff sergeant with the Alabama, California and Florida National Guard.
He was a loving family man who enjoyed fishing, football, morning coffee with his buddies and feeding squirrels.
He is survived by his daughter, Thea Downs, of Victorville, California; three grandchildren; longtime companion, Susan Salter, of Plant City; sister, Barbara Pratt; and several other close family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, D.C. Hale and Essie Mae Garcia; and stepmother, Mary Hale.
A celebration of life was held Nov. 19, at the Silver Dollar Saloon in Plant City.
Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.