Richard E. Southwick

January 29, 1916 - July 13, 2013

Richard E. Southwick passed away peacefully at his home on July 13, 2013 at the age of 97. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bess Southwick; his brothers Robert and Donald (Eve); and his first wife, Janet Crider Southwick.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Julia B. Southwick; his daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Tom O’Rourke, of Overland Park, Kansas; 2 granddaughters, Laura VanLeeuwen (Dave) and Julie Kaul (Danny); mother-in-law Dorothy Bingham; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Elaine Bingham; 2 nieces, Jennifer and Jordan Bingham; and his beloved Yorkshire Terrier “Rusty”.

Dick was born January 29, 1916 in Iberia, Ohio, and ultimately became a dedicated musician and teacher. He began the study of violin at age 8 in Columbus, Ohio, and went on to earn both his Bachelors and Masters degrees from The Ohio State University where he was a member of the first marching band to perform the famous “Script O-H-I-O”.

In 1944, he moved from Findlay, Ohio to Salisbury, North Carolina, and taught for 12 years at Boyden High School, in addition to playing in the North Carolina Symphony in its infancy. In 1956, he moved to Raleigh, and began his tenure at Broughton High School. Dick taught band and orchestra in public schools for a total of 44 years during which he inspired thousands of students to make the most of their talents. He also served his community as the Music Director at Fairmont United Methodist Church; Music Director of the Raleigh Little Theatre; instrumental music instructor at Meredith College; founder and director of the Raleigh Youth Symphony; founding director of the Capital City Band and the Raleigh Community Band; private lesson teacher; summer band instructor; President of Local 500, American Federation of Musicians; and as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Music Educators Association. In addition, Dick played violin with the Capital String Ensemble and was a member of the Raleigh Sertoma Club.

An Interment Service will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park on Tuesday July 23, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.

A Memorial Service celebrating Dick’s life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at Fairmont United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m.

It was Dick’s request, that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to the music program at Fairmont United Methodist Church, 2501 Clark Ave., Raleigh, N.C. 27607.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary’s St. Raleigh, NC 27605.

Richard was a member of the marching band from 1935 through 1938. He played Alto horn.