RICHARD OTTO SCHOCH

Born in Akron, Ohio, September 10, 1925

Died in Richmond Hill, Georgia, December 11, 2021.

Richard graduated from East Akron High School.  At 17, he obtained his father's permission to enlist in the US Navy in Walla Walla, Washington.  He served as a Seaman First Class on the USS Birmingham, where he was severely injured by shrapnel when the USS Princeton was attacked and destroyed while the crew of the Birmingham attempted to extinguish the fire onboard the Princeton at the Battle of Leyte Gulf in WWII.  He was honorably discharged and received a Purple Heart.  Visit https://www.historynet.com/eyewitness-to-tragedy-death-of-uss-princeton-may-97-world-war-ii-feature-htm for more information.

After a long hospitalization and rehabilitation, Richard began his post-war life working at Good Year in Akron, Ohio.  He soon met the love of his life, married, and started a family.  With two children in tow, the family moved to North Carolina and completed their family with a third child.  Richard began a long partnership with Babe Malloy, opening drive-in restaurants in Ashville and Charlotte, North Carolina.

After a stint in Charlotte, Richard moved the family to Savannah, Georgia, in 1960, where he opened two Kelly's restaurants.

Richard later sold both Kelly's Restaurants and was employed at Savannah Country Day School and later Forrest City Gun Club.

Richard accomplished one of his lifetime dreams of owning waterfront property and moved to Richmond Hill in 1989.

Richard enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He delighted in planting and replanting fruit trees.

Richard survived the passing of his beloved wife of 62 years, Alice Lucile (Ertle) Schoch, his parents Otto and Anna, and his beloved siblings Norman, Harold, Elmer, and Elsie.

Survived by his three children, Norman (Judy) Schoch, Gail Sisson, and Jeffery (Lisa) Schoch.

Grandchildren: Brian (Jenn) Schoch, Brett (Eppie) Schoch, Brandi (Bret) Soverel, Lew (Elisabeth) Sisson, Jessica (Cody) Ellis, Stepgrandson Andrew (Crystal) Cook, Kathryn Schoch

Greatgrandchildren:  Hunter (Katie) Schoch, Brooke Schoch;  Brayden Schoch, Macaiah Schoch, Saylor Schoch, Ember Schoch; Boden Soverel, Daisy Soverel, Rose Soverel, Violet Soverel, Bear Soverel; Otto Sisson, Elise Sisson, Kaylee Owen, Ronan Ellis; Hayden Cook, Tyler Cook.

In lieu of gifts, please support these nonprofit organizations: Veterans Administration, Alzheimer's Association, or a Hospice organization.