Richard Oury

When reflecting on the life of Rick Oury, it is easy to see that he was the heartbeat of wherever he went. He was a hardworking man of honor who was a lifelong resident of the community he loved and well respected by everyone he met. Rick was a devoted family man who found his greatest joy in being surrounded by the love of his family. Throughout his life he experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer, but what made these experiences so special was sharing them with the ones he loved most. Generous and kind, Rick will be forever missed.

Life during the 1950s was exciting in America. Televisions were becoming part of our homes in record numbers, and with shows like I Love Lucy and Father Knows Best our view of the American family was very diverse. Civil rights came front and center when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus, and by the end of the decade we had welcomed Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states. It was just as this decade was dawning that George and Donna Sue Oury were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Richard on August 29, 1950. Raised in Pinckney, Michigan, during his earliest years, he was the oldest of four boys as he was joined in his family by his three brothers, James, George, and John. When he was 11, Rick’s family moved to Plymouth.

In many ways Rick experienced an upbringing that was fairly typical for the youth of his generation. He enjoyed working on motorcycles, but he really loved racing them. It has also been said that at times Rick crashed a motorcycle or two. He attended local schools and graduated from Plymouth High School in 1969.

When he was just 19, Rick joined the United States Navy. He was assigned duty with the Seabees and was stationed in San Diego, Virginia, and Puerto Rico, where he enjoyed snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea. Known for his strong work ethic, Rick also worked hard as a civilian. He made a career that spanned 32 years at the Sheldon Road Plant of Ford Motor Company. Throughout his career there Rick worked in a variety of positions including in assembly, set-up, hi-lo driving, and relief.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was his introduction to the woman who would change the course of his life forever. Her name was Gloria McMullen, and they later married. Together they welcomed two daughters, Jennifer and Janice, into their hearts and home. After meeting Barbara at work, they married and together they shared more than 22 wonderful years. Rick was so thrilled to become a grandfather to the grandchildren he adored, Ricky, Karly, Joey, Jacob, Caitlyn, Molly, and Madelyn, and more recently he welcomed his great-grandchild, Tanner, into the family.

Over the years Rick was one to keep busy. He traveled to both Arizona and Mexico with his daughters. Rick also made several trips to Florida and also enjoyed camping with his family. Adventurous, he even took a month long cruise to Australia and also traveled to New Zealand, Tasmania, and Fiji just last year. Rick loved being on the water and fished at Murray Lake nearly every day from Memorial Day thru Labor Day. He also enjoyed paddling around Murray Lake in his pontoon boat. Not only did he enjoy fishing, but Rick also enjoyed collecting fishing supplies. He liked playing cards, especially Euchre, and he played the slots at Greektown Casino. Rick liked attending Red Wings games as well as watching Steven Colbert every night and NCIS. He loved anything chocolate, but he was really a fan of Reese’s peanut butter cups and M&Ms. Rick liked grilling, but it was only charcoal for him. When it came to music, Rick enjoyed 70s rock.

Described as honest, kindhearted, sincere, and respectful, Richard Oury was an extraordinary man to know and love. He lived an active life and enjoyed so many of the best things that life has to offer. Selfless and trustworthy, Rick was the sort of person who would help others in any way he could. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Richard "Rick" Oury, passed away on April 27, 2018. Loving husband to Barbara. Son of Donna and the late George. Beloved father of Jennifer (John) Morgan, Janice (Johnny) James. Stepfather of Susan (Michael) Timmerman. Cherished grandfather of Jacob, Caitlyn, Ricky, Karly, Joey, Molly and Madelyn, and great-grandfather of Tanner. Dearest brother of James (Maurine), George, and John. Family will receive friends Friday from 2 - 8 p.m. at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, Canton. A funeral service will be Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at St. John Neumann Church, Canton. Instate 9:00 a.m. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.