Richard Lance, 96, of Epworth, Georgia, formerly of Toledo, Ohio, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2015 in Fannin Regional Hospital, Blue Ridge, Georgia. Richard was born September 14, 1919 in Hancock County, Ohio to Jessie (Merritt) and Orlo Lance.Richard's parents died when he was a young boy. He was raised by his grandmother, Alice (Hastings) Lance, who instilled in him a love of learning, respect for others, and a strong work ethic which he carried with him throughout his life. Richard served in World War II in the U.S. Navy aboard the destroyer, U.S.S. Stockton, in the Pacific Theater. He received an Asia-Pac. Area Service Ribbon, 1 star, for participation of Okinawa Gunto 3/17/45 - 6/11/45. He also received an Asia-Pac Ribbon, 1 star, for participation in strikes against the Japanese Homeland 7/10/45 - 8/15/45. He was awarded a Victory Medal for participation in the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign. Richard was aboard the U.S.S. Stockton as an escort ship to the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay for the signing of the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945. Richard received an Honorable Discharge from the Navy February 18, 1946.Richard returned to Toledo after the war. He held various jobs in Toledo, including working for the A.O. Smith Corporation and the Libby Owens Ford Corporation (LOF). He left LOF to take a more stable job with the U.S. Postal Service where he worked for 24 years, retiring in 1983. He was very active in the American Postal Workers Union, serving as vice-president.Richard was an avid bowler, being recognized by the Toledo Bowling Honor Roll in 1961 for bowling a 693. He bowled a 603 in 1991 ABC Tournament held in Toledo. He was also an enthusiastic golfer. He loved boating, camping, and taking off on vacation with his wife, Christine, and the cats in the motor coach. He heartily enjoyed rooting for the Cleveland Indians and The Ohio State Buckeyes.After retiring from the U.S. Postal Service, Richard became interested in designing, sewing, and flying his own custom made stunt kites, operating a kite making business known as SKYLANCER KITES. He flew with the Black Swamp Air Force, a Toledo area kite flying club. He also conducted seminars on kite making and participated in the annual North Coast Stunt Kite Games held at Maumee Bay State Park.Although Macular Degeneration took most of his sight, he still enjoyed golfing and listening to audio books which he loved. He also loved working in his wood shop. He designed small furniture pieces. Although unable to actually do the measurements and construction because of failing site, he taught Christine how to measure, cut, and assemble the finished pieces, making for some lively afternoons.Richard was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Albert Lance, and sister Alice (Lance) Domer.Richard is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Christine (Szymanski); son Larry (Jeanne) Lance of Columbus, OH; daughter Cheryl (Tom) Noonan of Phoenix, AZ; and grandchildren: Jacqueline (David) Woodall of Birmingham, AL; Jennifer (Rick) Lance-Collins of Hyampom, CA; Chad (Jenny) Noonan, of Phoenix, AZ; Corey (Debbie) Noonan, of Chicago, IL; and Colin Noonan of Phoenix, AZ; and eight great-grandchildren.Memorial services will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be in the Columbarium at the Arlington National Cemetery.Donations may be given in the memory of Richard Lance to the Humane Society of Blue Ridge, P.O. Box 2126, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA was in charge of the arrangements. .