Richard H. Tracy

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Celebrating the life of
Richard H.  TracyJanuary 12, 1920 - September 24, 2008

The Landings at Skidaway Island, Savannah. Dick Tracy, 88, beloved husband of Diane Sellars Tracy quietly passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, while under the loving care of Hospice and members of his family and friends. Dick was born to Adlai and Harold Tracy on January 12, 1920, in Canonsburg, PA. Dick and his two brothers Ted and Jerry grew up helping in the family grocery business, Tracy's Market, in Waynesburg, PA. This is where he learned his sales skills and compassion in the depth of the Depression.

After graduating from Waynesburg High School, Dick attended Bucknell University, Class of '42, and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Since his father had instilled a love of flying in his sons, Dick received his private pilot's license in the summer of 1940. Suspecting that the United States would eventually be drawn into the escalating global war, Dick left Bucknell after his sophomore year and joined the Army Air Corps Cadets in January 1941. He earned his Wings and 2nd Lieutenant Commission September 26, 1941. The surviving cadets who graduated that day meet annually on September 26 as Flying Cadet Class 41-G.

Dick flew P-39 Fighters in Alaska in 1942 and, after attending Fighter Command School, Dick was promoted to First Lieutenant and designated a squadron commander, ending up flying P-38 Fighters on search and destroy missions in New Guinea in 1943. He was ordered back to the Fourth Air Force in San Francisco and promoted to Captain in command of a 32-plane squadron training new pilots for combat. In December 1945 he had the opportunity to go to Air Transport Command for training in "heavies" and received his Air Transport Rating. He separated from active duty to the Reserve in December 1946 as Army Air Corps Major. He was a volunteer member of the Air Force Reserve as the Major Operations officer of the 375th Troop Carrier Wing at Pittsburgh and was called back to active duty with his airmen in September of 1950. Dick served his two-year recall in Japan as the Director of Operations and Training of the 314th Air Division in Japan flying an F-94 jet fighter.

Dick dedicated 35 years of his life to Equitable Life Assurance Society after service to his country. Dick began working for Equitable in 1947 as a District Manager in Pittsburgh until he was promoted to Agency Manager in Philadelphia in 1962. In 1963 he received his Chartered Life Underwriter designation from the American College in Bryn Mawr. He counted his clients and Equitable management and staff as his dearest friends. Dick was an Honorary Member of the Equitable managers' advisory group, The Old Guard, after his many years of service to that organization. He was President of the Philadelphia Chapter of Chartered Life Underwriters and member, long-time membership chairman and President of the General Agents and Managers Association. He was a member of Whitford Country Club in Downingtown, PA and served as Elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Cherry Hill, NJ, and later a member of Central Presbyterian Church in Downingtown, PA.

Upon retirement he moved to The Landings at Skidaway Island in 1984 and enjoyed many years of golf and close friendships. He was a founding member of Kiwanis and a member of Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are his wife, Diane Sellars Tracy of Savannah, seven children and two step-children: Richard H. Tracy, II, of Desert Hot Springs, CA; Jeffrey D. Tracy, Tucson, AZ; Daniel B. Tracy Ann of Marshall, VA; Maurita Z. Haden Keith of Kailua, HI; Col. Juli T. Olson Kimbrent of Huntsville, AL and currently serving in Bethesda, MD; Pamela T. Stanke of Malvern, PA; Paul S. Tracy Laurie of Wilmington, NC; Christine Sellars Holley David of Anderson, SC; and David A. Sellars Wendi of Roswell, GA. He leaves 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren to cherish his memory. Also surviving are his brother Jerry Tracy Jebbie of Lompoc, CA and a sister-in-law Betty Tracy of Pittsburgh, PA and 3 nieces and 1 nephew.
Memorial Services will be held at Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, 50 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4. An Interment Service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, on Wednesday, October 22. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church or to Hospice Savannah, P. O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416

Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel

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Dear cousin, So very sorry to hear your news. We got home from our 30-day trip yesterday and just checked our email. Know that you are loved. Our prayers are with you. Pat and Bob

- Pat and Bob Bruner, Glendale, AZ

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are very close friends with Paul, Laurie & Justin and we love them dearly.

- Jon & Beth Balkcum, Wilmington, NC

Everyone at the 41-G reunion was saddened by Dick's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Eleanor Bjoring, San Antonio, GA

Dianne, We just reviewed your e-mail. Dick sure lived a rich, full life and we can see that he will be missed by a large family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Maryann and Dave Rees

- Maryann and Dave Rees, Pittsburgh, PA

It was an honor to read the obituary of man who gave so much for others, actually given for all of us who are still here. God has blessed you with a precious role-model, may His blessing continue with memories, peace and wisdom.

- Lynne Sheppard, Shippensburg, PA

Hello Diane and Family. What a wonderful life he lived - you should be very proud. May God give you strength and an abundance of wonderful memories. Love you. Marsha, Mike, Matt & Meredith

- Marsha Floyd, Richmond Hill,, GA

Dear Diane, It was a privilege to have known Dick and to have shared so many wonderful family times with you both. Our prayers and sympathy are with you and all his family. Love, Teddi and Cliff

- Cliff and Teddi Jackson, Plantersville, TX, TX

Dear Diane, We are so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. We thought so highly of him. He was a dear, devoted, gentlemanly man and husband. You have our deepest sympathy. We will be in touch with you in the coming months. God's peace and blessings be with you. Love, Judy and Gus

- Judy & Gus Oakley, Bethel Park, PA

Dear Diane, I am so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I know he will be sorely missed.Thank you for sharing his obituary--What a full and rewarding life he led that blessed so many, including his service to his country.Love, Kay

- Kay Carringon, , GA

Diane, Our deepest sympathies to you and your family on this loss. We will be thinking about you in the days ahead. Love, Robert

- Robert Glenn, Gaithersburg, MD

Dear Diane, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. With love, Jo Ann

- Jo Ann Grunick, Pittsburgh,, PA

Our thoughts are with all of the Tracy Family.

- Keith Haden, KAILUA, HI