Richard Patrick McLaughlin

Richard “Chief Mac” McLaughlin
Richard Patrick McLaughlin (USAF – CMSgt retired), born July 10, 1927, passed away in Savannah, Ga., on Sept. 25, 2016, after a long life of service to his country.
Richard spent 30 years of active military service starting with his underage enlistment into the U.S. Coast Guard in early 1943. After serving in the North Atlantic during World War II he re-enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became one of the original members of the new U.S. Air Force in 1947. He then served in Korea and Japan during the Korean Conflict and was sergeant major of the 1st Special Operations Group (the “Air Commandos”) at Hurlburt Field during the Vietnam War. His career highlights included serving as command sergeant major of U.S. Air Forces Europe and sergeant major of the Air Force Academy. Patricia Franklin McLaughlin, his wife of 60 years, shared his life’s adventure as they were assigned to such places as Japan, Turkey, Libya, Germany, and multiple stateside locations. Following his military career Richard devoted another 20 years to government service, primarily as an inspector for the Environmental Protection Agency based out of Dallas.
A longtime resident of Arlington, Texas, Richard was an avid golfer, Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys fan, and fond of a good gin martini from time to time. He was a lifelong member of The American Legion and founding member of at least one post during his career. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, and is survived by his son, Michael McLaughlin (Monica) of Savannah, and daughters Lucinda McLaughlin of Alexandria, Va., and Mary Smith (Ralph) of McKinney, Texas. Richard and Patricia also leave behind their grandchildren Morrin, Megan and Molly McLaughlin of Savannah; and Shane and Erin Smith of McKinney.
Richard (and Patricia) will be interred together at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard and Patricia’s names to the Air Force Enlisted Village (for surviving USAF spouses) would be greatly appreciated. Please see http://afev.us/ “Giving” for details.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, Savannah, GA (912) 352-7200