Richard Cyrus Wotring, 82, of Pomona Park, passed away on Sunday, February 06, 2022, at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center following a brief illness. He was a native of Terra Alta, WV and had lived in Putnam County since 1980 coming from St. Petersburg, FL. Rick was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville and briefly served in the US Coast Guard. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Jacksonville University where he lettered in every sport. During his 30-year career, Rick taught and was a coach in Duval County at Robert E. Lee High School, Azalea Middle and Seminole High School in Pinellas County as well as Jenkins Middle School and Miller Intermediate in Putnam County. “Coach” had a positive impact on numerous lives and will be greatly missed.
Rick was an avid Gator fan and loved to hunt and fish. He spent many summers participating in the Suncoast Tarpon Roundup, and in 1973 caught a world record tarpon. He was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated for his 218lb world record catch.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Gayle Wotring, parents, Richard and Pauline Wotring, brother, Doug Wotring and brother-in-law, Earl Bessent.
He is survived by his daughters, Jill Harris (Steve) of St. Augustine, and Karen Chesser (Lanier) of Bybee, TN, sister, Mary Bessent and grandson, Cole Harris.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Richard’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com .
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.