Richard S. “Dick” Westbury of Palatka died May 30, 2020 at Haven Hospice. Born in 1935 in Gainesville, FL to D.S. “Smith” Westbury and Myra Westbury, he grew up in Melrose, Ocala and Palatka, FL. He graduated from Palatka High School in 1953 where he played basketball and baseball.
He graduated from University of Florida with a B.S in Advertising in 1958. He was a member of Alpha Delta Sigma, National Professional Advertising Fraternity and Phi Delta Theta Social Fraternity. While a student at the University he worked as a desk clerk at Florida Union. In 2008, he was inducted into the University of Florida Grand Guard.
He married Doris Ann Warren in 1958 and began active duty in the United States Army. He began his career in 1960 after returning from active military service. He soon became the Advertising Manager of the Palatka Daily News. In the mid 60’s he started the Marketing and Promotional program at Rodeheaver Boys Ranch. In the late 60’s he was a sales representative for 3M National Advertising Co, specializing in outdoor advertising around the entire state.
In 1970 he was hired to establish a Communications and Promotion Department for Hudson Pulp and Paper Corp. He began publishing a monthly newspaper “Hudson Today” and a quarterly magazine for the company’s four plants and corporate office in New York City.
After being the Executive Manager of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce from 1974-1978, he started a 25 year career as co-owner of Palatka Printing where he was President and Webb-Westbury and Associates advertising agency as Vice President. Webb-Westbury started and sponsored the Putnam County Top 50 Scholars banquet for 15 years.
In 1998 he retired from the companies and began working with NEFEC. He helped establish the Foundation for Rural Education Excellence and served as President. The Foundation raises capital for 16 North Florida rural counties to increase public education programs.
For many years he was active in his community and around the state. He served as chairman of the Putnam County “Action 76” steering committee for the Bicentennial and was recognized by Governor Reubin Askew for this endeavor. He received the Jaycee’s Distinguished Service Award and was recognized by the National Jaycees as an “Outstanding Young Man of America”.
He was a member of the Palatka Rotary Club since 1962. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, served as President from 1970-71, and was recognized as “Rotarian of the Year” twice. He coached the Rotary Club Little League Baseball and Flag Football teams for 14 years.
He served on many boards over the years including First Coast Community Credit Union, Palatka Youth Association, local Gator Club, ARC Board, Ride Solutions, Foundation for Rural Education Excellence, Palatka Golf Course and Colony Reef Club Condominium where he served as President for 5 years in St. Augustine.
He was an active member of St. James United Methodist Church since 1950. He served on multiple committees, taught Sunday School and served as an Elder in the past.
He is proceeded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Doris Westbury of Palatka, and children Rick Westbury (Carole) of Prosperity, SC, Wayne Westbury (Martha) of Palatka, FL, and Dana Summers (Chet) of Senoia, GA., nine grandchildren, Shana Westbury, Angel Frisvold (Miles), Taylor Childs (Austin), Richard Westbury, Blake Summers(Mallory), Macy Cameron (Jarrod), Katie Westbury, Brent Summers, and Matthew Westbury, and four great grandchildren, Caleb Westbury, Madelyn Frisvold, Sophia Frisvold and Emma Frisvold. The family would like to thank his caregiver, Karrie Gill, for her wonderful care and compassion during his illness.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at a graveside service which will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at Palatka Memorial Gardens.
Flowers are gratefully accepted or the family requests memorial donations be sent to Rodeheaver Boy’s Ranch, 380 Boys Ranch Rd, Palatka, FL 32177 or Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Dick’s book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.