Richard M. Okumura

August 30, 1942 - January 14, 2022

Richard M. Okumura, 79, of Vonore died battling cancer on Jan 14, 2022 with his loving wife, Winifred Okumura, by his side. Rick was born to Jack and Nancy Okumura at the Tule Lake Segregation Center, Tule Lake, California during a difficult time for our nation and for people of Japanese descent. His family eventually moved back to the Sacramento, California area to begin to rebuild their lives. He attended Lodi High School, where he excelled at all sports—especially football. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 21 years in the United States and abroad, including two years of combat in Vietnam. He met and married his wife, Winifred, while stationed near Athens, Greece in 1976. Upon his retirement as a Master Sergeant, Rick pursued his passion for golf. He served as golf pro at Wright Patterson AFB (Ohio) and Heatherwood golf course in Oklahoma. He excelled at teaching and helped many people learn to love golf. After retiring his professional status, he continued to play as an amateur for the rest of his life. He loved his family, loved his country and loved golf and fishing with a passion. Rick is survived by his wife, Winifred (Boughton) Okumura of Vonore, Tennessee; his children Richard M. Okumura Jr. and Katherine Kokkalaires; sister Gale Okumura and brother Jerry Okumura (Carleen); and grandchildren Alexandra Okumura; Justin, Kaitlin and Dylan Kokkaliaris. There will be no services at this time. A private Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.