Richard Lee Puckett

Richard Lee Puckett was born in Miami, FL, the youngest of three brothers to Richard Pluss Puckett and Maggie Lee Harvell in 1934. He was recruited from Miami Jackson High School along with classmate Eddie Franklin to come to Florida State University on full scholarship to perform as the Flying Seminoles during pregame and halftime with the band during FSU football games in 1953. After graduation he enjoyed working at WFSU-TV creating sets for local shows. It was there he worked with FSU philosophy and religion professor Anna Forbes Liddell who was one of the first to teach a credited course through the University’s TV station. They became lifelong friends and she taught him how to make the perfect dirty martini. In 1964 Richard became the first director of LeMoyne Art Foundation, the newly formed nonprofit arts center created to promote local artists and offer art classes. His creative, innovative themed exhibits and the caliber of the artists brought together though LeMoyne, endeared the organization to the community and created many family memories in this historic Meginniss-Monroe House in downtown Tallahassee. He even took a few art classes himself from lifelong friend and LeMoyne favorite, George Merritt Milton. After ten years, he took on a new challenge of managing Shaw’s Furniture Store. His sense of design, and ability to pull together furnishings with the perfect artwork and accessories, traditional or modern, created lasting friendships with many of his clients and beautiful homes in Tallahassee. In 1989 Richard returned as Executive Director of LeMoyne, retiring in 1999. To help raise funds for LeMoyne in 2006, he opened his home to visitors to see his art collection, how it is displayed throughout his home and the opportunity to bid on 300 pieces of art. After the sale he had the pleasure of rearranging the art displayed in his home and buying a few new pieces, too. During his last years, he downsized and lived comfortably at Allegro. He enjoyed walls filled with favorites from his art collection mixed with his favorite large stuffed animals which were a hit with his new neighbors and visiting children. Richard, known as Uncle Duke by the family, is predeceased by his parents, his wife of fifteen years Joyce Muriel Chick, his brothers John Pluss Puckett, Jr. and Thomas Ludell Puckett. He is survived by nephews John Puckett and Richard Puckett (Pam), and nieces Linda Puckett, Leslie Puckett (Steve Neale), and Vivian Vogt (Peter), grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and a great grand-niece. A Celebration of Richard’s Life will be held Sunday, May 5, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., The Woman’s Club, 1513 Fernando Drive, in Los Robles, Tallahassee, FL. In his memory, contributions to LeMoyne Arts are appreciated. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)

Tributes

Richard Lee Puckett

December 5, 1934 - March 31, 2019