Richard Fernando Diez

Richard Fernando Diez passed away on March 8, 2025, in Bradenton, Florida. He was born in Tampa, Florida, to Siretha and Charlie Diez on June 21, 1940. He is survived by his wife, Cecille Diez, daughter, Rebecca Dianne Thompson (Mark), and step-daughter, Chelsea Dawn Bruner. He is survived by Rebecca's mother, Marian Owen. He was predeceased by his parents, his late brother, Charlie Diez, Jr., and Charlie's late wife, Mary Ellen.

Richard was proud to be a native Floridian. He spoke often and fondly of his childhood, growing up in Tampa on 20 acres on 22nd St., and then moving to his father's ranch on Race Track Rd. There he rode horses to move cattle, built fences with his dad in swampy water, and helped brand cattle, due to the open range laws at that time. His father started a drag racetrack there, which instilled Richard's love for all types of cars. He also worked shifts at his father's dairies. He attended Thomas A. Edison Elementary school, Memorial Jr. High School, Hillsborough High School, and was in the inaugural graduating class of Chamberlain High School, 1958.

Richard joined the U. S. Army January 1960. He signed with the military in Tampa, was taken to Jacksonville for swearing in, and then to Fort Jackson where he was issued his uniform. He then was assigned to Ft. Benning, Georgia. His second 8 weeks of basic training were at Ft. Sill Oklahoma where he had artillery school and Surveyor training. At Ft. Campbell, he was tested to enter the Airborne training program. He was assigned to 319th Echo Battery, Artillery, 101st Airborne. The 329th was part of the 506 Battle Group.

Richard graduated from the University of Tampa with an accounting degree. He worked in both public and private accounting. He served as the Assistant Finance Manager for Osceola County, Florida. In this capacity, he introduced the first computer-based accounting procedures for the county. He was hired at Disney World prior to the first anniversary and took part in its first financial audit. He was named as the Executive Director, for the new Osceola Parkway. He took the position during the contractual stage and oversaw the financial side of construction, contracting, and the opening and use of the new road across Osceola County to Disney World. His last position prior to retirement in 2004, was the Financial Director of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.

Richard had a singing voice that placed him in church choirs, and in Loch Haven Baptist Church men's quartet. They sang regularly on a Sunday service radio broadcast. His greatest hobby interests were woodworking and cars. His woodworking skills produced many Shaker-style items which became treasured gifts for family. He loved acquiring cars to restore and lost count of how many he had owned in his lifetime. He and his wife Cecille enjoyed becoming certified Scuba divers, with additional certifications in cave diving. Both girls become certified, which provided some amazing family travels to dive locations. He often referenced those years as some of his happiest and most memorable.

His greatest pride was being father to his daughter, Rebecca, and step-father to Chelsea. He regaled friends and strangers with their accomplishments as their careers flourished. He will be remembered as a man whose life held many special moments. He felt he had lived a full life, with a childhood few would experience on a ranch. He and Cecille were married 44 years. Together they forged careers of which they were proud, and saw their daughters become outstanding young women.

At Richard's request, there will be no funeral or services. His cremated remains will be interred at Bay Pines Memorial Cemetery, St. Petersburg, Fl.