KILL DEVIL HILLS, NC––Richard Lauder “Dickie” McEwan Sr. passed away unexpectedly on December 10, 2024, from complications caused by pneumonia.
The son of Winnifred and John McEwan, “Richie” was born in Albany, N.Y., on January 21, 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, where he and his first wife, Joan, raised their two sons Chardy and Briggs. Following Joan’s passing in 1995, Dickie moved to Irvington, drawn to the Chesapeake Bay by his passion for sailing. While living in the Northern Neck, he met his wife, Christie. In 2003, they wed and he welcomed Laura as his daughter.
When their grandbabies started to show up on the Outer Banks, Pop Pop and Meme relocated to Kill Devil Hills, N.C., 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, N.C., and Laura (Matt) Thornbrough of Southern Shores, N.C.; 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 2 p.m. Saturday, January 18, at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church. A reception will follow at 2 p.m.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.
