Colonel Richard H. Slye, USAF (Ret.) 82, passed into the arms of our Savior on June 23, 2024, surrounded by family love.  Born to Harry and Esther Slye on November 4, 1941, in Washington, DC, he was an eighth generation Marylander.  Richard played college basketball his freshman year at the University of Maryland. He graduated from the USAF Academy in 1964, completed pilot training, and served 32 years in the USAF as an officer, amassing more than 3200 flying hours, mostly in the RF-4C Phantom II.  He was a decorated combat veteran and command pilot and flew 160 combat missions in Vietnam, obtained a Master's Degree in Political Science and another at National Defense University.  Following his military retirement he worked for many years as a defense contractor.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Cross Slye; son Ryan A. Slye and wife Suzanne, daughter Kathryn Slye Allen and husband Robert, and 2 granddaughters Vivian Slye and Ramsey Slye; brothers Harry L. Slye III, Jack J. Slye and wife Faye, sisters Sandra Slye Ehlert and Judith Slye Lilga and husband John; brothers-in-law,  Col. Jack Cross (USAF Ret.) and wife Patricia, and Dr. Herb Cross and wife, Jan; and  many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, July 19, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, 110 E. Queen Street, Hampton, VA followed by a reception in the church Fellowship Hall.  Colonel Slye will be laid to rest at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Richard was a loving, attentive, generous husband, Dad, and grand Pop and brother.  He exemplified integrity.  He loved our Lord and his church.  Family always came first.  He was a man of courage, loyalty, honor, duty, and service, and he was deeply loved by his family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to First United Methodist Church, Hampton or Click Here .