Richard Lee Blocker

May 19, 1946 – August 19, 2025

Richard Lee Blocker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away surrounded by family on August 19, 2025. He was married to his wife, Nancy, for 55 years, and together they built a life filled with commitment to family and community.

Richard was born to Cecil and Ruth in the state of Texas on May 19, 1946. He was the second in a line of ten siblings–Shirley, Georgia, George, John, Dan, Barbara, Ken, David, and Stanley. Richard and his siblings spent their youth moving frequently, eventually landing in the state of Oregon, where Richard resided for the remainder of his life. Richard graduated from Albany High School in 1964 where he was known for his rebellious spirit and daredevil nature. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force where he served for four years, including 16 months in Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, Richard met Nancy and, realizing what a catch she was, promptly married her a few months later. Richard and Nancy had two children, Hondell and Jeri, who they took on yearly camping vacations–instilling in both of them Richard’s love for dirt bike riding and speed! In addition to his love for two wheeled dirt bikes, Richard also enjoyed car racing both as a driver and a spectator–Malcolm Smith being one of his greatest idols.

In their home in Southeast Portland, Richard and Nancy were known for hosting many parties and gatherings for just about any occasion. The house would fill with family and friends and Richard could often be found entertaining the little ones–playing games and tricks. Given his industrious nature, when not entertaining, Richard could be found working on this or that project around the house or yard. Always generous with his time and skills, Richard could be counted on to help others around town.

Professionally, Richard worked for 15 years at Oregon Metal Slitters and later, in collaboration with his wife, opened Dick’s Tires. Dick’s Tires was a mainstay of the Southeast Portland community for 29 years–serving hundreds of satisfied customers and making plenty of lifelong friends. Richard was also a dedicated member of the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association–always committed to giving back and helping out in the community where he lived and worked.

Richard will be remembered for his gregarious and friendly demeanor and for his joy in making other people laugh and smile. He was always ready with a joke and a warm welcome and could be counted on for lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was devoted to his family and dedicated to his community. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

A short funeral will be held on Friday, September 26th, 2025 at 9:30 am at Willamette National Cemetery, to be followed by a celebration of life at Scouters Mountain Nature Park picnic area in Happy Valley at 11:30am.