Richard was born and grew up in Henderson, NC, and graduated from Henderson High School in 1966. Immediately upon leaving school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Infantry and served in Vietnam. Richard was a 1st Lieutenant and was awarded two Bronze Stars for "Valor and Heroism in Ground Combat in operations on November 27 & 28th, 1968 in Vietnam".
After leaving the Army, Richard pursued his degree in biology at NC State University, graduating in 1975. He worked for over 30 years in pharmaceutical and medical diagnostics in both North Carolina and Maryland.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Lueco Richard Gooch and Willie Haywood Kimball Gooch, of Henderson, and his sister Carolyn Gooch Brock of Lynn Haven, Florida.
A graveside service for Richard will be held at Mt. Auburn United Christian Church, 111 Kimball Point Road, Manson, NC 27553 on Thursday, May 4 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Mt. Auburn UCC.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the Gooch and Kimball families.
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