Richard F. Pickett

Richard F. Pickett, 82, of Thonotosassa, passed away on March 6, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. He is survived by his son, Randall F. Pickett (Debbie); daughter, Jacqueline T. Clark (Randy); grandsons, Skyler G. Clark, Coleton R. Pickett and Logen R. Pickett, all from Thonotosassa, Florida. Richard was preceded in death by his son, Richard L. Pickett at the age of 35; father, Richard L. Pickett; mother, Alberta L. Pickett; and sister, Elizabeth Gay, all from Tampa, Florida.

Richard was born on July 23, 1935 in Tampa, Florida to Richard and Alberta Pickett. He graduated from Brandon High School in 1953 and was drafted to the United States Army where he served for 2 years. At 26, he married Josie L. Davis (Swift and Company) and they had three children. Even after their separation in 1972, they remained very close friends. He loved visiting and talking to Elaine and Frances, his sister-in-laws.

Richard accepted a position with Continental Can Company in Tampa, where he worked as a lithographer and pressman for 34 years. When the plant closed, he worked at Fife Electric in Tampa, where he eventually retired. After his retirement, he spent many years as a real estate investor with his son in the Tampa area; together, they flipped and rented properties. Richard attended State Highway Baptist Church in Tampa as a child, where he was baptized; and later attended Temple Crest Baptist Church in Tampa. His primary focus in life was his family and making sure everyone was satisfied, safe and on the right track. He enjoyed handy man work and maintenance on the rental properties he and Randy managed, spending time with his nieces and nephews, and all of their children, vacationing or visiting the beach, watching football (Go Bucs!), and eating Sunday dinner. Richard always had a smile and a hug for everyone and a helping hand, no mater who it was. His absence will leave behind a great void and he will be missed terribly.