Tributes

Richard A Goetz, 90, of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2022. He was born January 18, 1932, in McKeesport, PA, the son of the late Elizabeth Alma Holmbeck and Arnold Bernard Goetz. After serving 22 years in the military Richard retired from the Air Force in 1973 with the rank of Master Sargent. His military career began during the Korean War aboard the Navy amphibious assault ship USS Wasp where he was an airplane mechanic of the highest caliber. As his Naval tour of duty came to a close he made the decision to re-enlist in the Air Force to be closer to his young family. The next two decades would see Richard and his family stationed at military bases located from east to west and up into the far north of the United States, with a brief, one year tour of duty, without family, in Greenland. Out of all the places he was stationed, Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage, AK was his favorite. The beautiful landscape of Alaska gave him an opportunity to throughly enjoy his love of fishing and hunting—especially fishing, a skill he happily passed to his children and grandchildren. Following retirement from the Air Force he accepted a position with the U.S. Postal Service back in his hometown area of Pittsburgh, PA. After retiring a second time Richard soon became restless. Along with Shirley, his wife, he bought a travel trailer and for the next year they toured the U.S. for the next year visiting family and friends. He was never one to sit still and was always up for a challenge. He started a furniture upholstery business in Iowa, learned data processing, became a hobby farmer, learned to fly single engine planes, was a car enthusiast, started a real estate business and served as a body guard for Elvis Presley. He is survived by two daughters, Linda Mierke (Alan Mierke) and Laurie Dobis (Ken Huether); four grandchildren, Ashley Chaky (John Chaky), Bryan Mierke (Bethany Woomer), Brad Mierke (Lina Mierke),Victoria Dobis (Chase Cochran); two great granddaughters Hadley Chaky and Marlo Gray Mierke; and a loving first cousin Charlene Graham. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Shirley M. Goetz and his younger brother Donald W. Goetz. Friends will be received for viewing between 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Monday, September 5, 2022 at Goldfinch Funeral Home. A service with full military honors will begin at 12:00 p.m. Immediately after, a reception for friends and family will be held at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations are appreciated in Richard’s memory to the following organizations: Grand Strand Humane Society, 3241 Mr. Joe White Avenue, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 https://www.grandstrandhumanesociety.com/how-you-can-help/donate/ Low Country Food Bank, 4716 Northgate Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 https://lowcountryfoodbank.org/donate/ For access to view the service from our livestream please visit https://vimeo.com/746324078 and a link will be posted 15 mins before the service time for viewing. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is handling arrangements for the family.

Tributes

Richard A. Goetz

January 18, 1932 - September 1, 2022