Richard Lauder McEwan, Sr. “Dickie” passed away unexpectedly on December 10th, 2024 from complications caused by pneumonia. The son of Winnifred and John McEwan, Richie was born in Albany, NY on January 21st, 1940.
McEwan joined the U.S. Navy in 1960 where he served as a yeoman aboard the USS Newport News CA-148 and enjoyed numerous adventures and travel to many countries. Following his service, he graduated with a degree in business administration from Franklin and Marshall College.
Dick spent most of his 40+ year career working in sales and advertising in Richmond, VA where he and his first wife, Joan, raised their two sons Chardy & Briggs. Following Joan’s passing in 1995, Dickie moved to Irvington, VA drawn to the Chesapeake Bay by his passion for sailing. While living on the Northern Neck, he met his wife, Christie, and in 2003, they wed and he welcomed Laura as his daughter.
When their grand babies started to show up on the Outer Banks, Pop Pop and Meme relocated to Kill Devil Hills, NC where they amassed seven grands in seven years. The World’s Best Pop Pop became a regular and familiar fixture on the sidelines of ball fields, gymnasiums, and auditoriums from Buxton to Kitty Hawk, cheering on each of his grandchildren in all of their endeavors.
Always willing to share his time and talents, Dickie slayed retirement and stayed busy serving his Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church family and the Outer Banks Community in numerous capacities, regularly volunteering for Food for Thought, Meals on Wheels, and the Beach Food Pantry.
With his tireless energy combined with his love for Jesus, his love for those around him, and his huge kind heart, DickieDo was the constant and steady rock – grounding force in a family of free spirits. His encouragement, positivity, and support for his friends and family was undeniable. His gift of gab and master storytelling skills (always a beginning, sometimes a middle, rarely an end) are what legends are made of.
Dick surely is already the life of the party in heaven where he will be welcomed by his Savior, his parents, his brothers Ed and Mac, and his wife of 27 years Joan. Meanwhile, his legacy will be celebrated and cherished here on Earth by his best friend and loving wife of 21 years Christie, his children Chardy (DJ) McEwan of Atlanta, GA, Briggs (Kristina) McEwan of Salvo, NC, and Laura (Matt) Thornbrough of Southern Shores, NC, his seven wild and wonderful grandchildren – Lily, Joan, Turner, Marin, Cedar, Genevieve, and Wyatt, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family, and his countless friends.
A Celebration of this dear man’s Life Well Lived will take place at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church on January 18th, 2025 at 2pm with a reception following in the KHUMC Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Children & Youth Ministries of KHUMC, Interfaith Community Outreach, Food for Thought, or the Beach Food Pantry. Share words of comfort with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.
