Richard Forrest Vaughn

Richard Forrest Vaughn, 67, passed away unexpectedly on March 29, 2023, in Lakeland, Florida.
Richard was born on February 4, 1956, in La Marque, Texas, to Jesse J. and Beatrice Vaughn
(Sandino).
Richard worked as a journeyman pipefitter out of UA Local 123 in Tampa before retiring in 2011. Richard
took a break from pipefitting to work for Publix Super Markets in store management for 13 years but
returned to the trade, traveling out of state many times to work in many interesting locations, such as the
U.S. Capital building. Richard also worked in many interesting places in Florida, he worked on the
Raiders of the Lost Ark attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Rock 'n Roller Coaster and he
worked at Kennedy Space Center making modifications to a rocket tower prior to 9/11.
Known as "Dicky" by his family, as a kid and young adult, Richard excelled as an athlete, playing both
baseball and football. He was the quarterback for Kathleen High School and continued to play travel
baseball as a young adult. Richard was also quite a cook and often enjoyed preparing tasty meals for
family and friends. He also loved all of his pets, especially his cats Barney and Simon.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Laura Leigh Vaughn (Harrelson), and their son, Forrest
Gregory Vaughn of Jupiter, Florida. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Carol Vaughn of Bartow,
Florida, and brother, Jesse J. Vaughn Jr. of Illinois.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronnie Vaughn and his nephew, Jesse
Michael Vaughn. No service is currently planned. If you wish to honor Richard, donations can be made to
St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland.

Online condolences can be made at www.lanier.care.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services, 717 Griffin Road Lakeland, FL 33805, (863) 687-3996

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