Homegoing Celebration | April 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM
Processional “Heaven must be like this” (pre-recorded song)
Prayer ....................................................................................................... Pastor Bill Barnett
Scripture Reading ..................................................... Psalms 107:23-31, Berthenia Latham
Song Tribute ...................................................... “How I got Over”, Sister Vanessa Murphy
Obituary Reading ........................................................................ Dala Aboui, Great Nephew
– Video Montage –
Family Tribute .................................................................................. Cheryl Nalls, daughter
Simone Coretta Nalls, Granddaughter
Acknowledgements ................................................................................ LaQuetta Shamblee
Song Tribute ........................................................ “Precious Lord”, Sister Vanessa Murphy
– Expressions of love –(2 minute remarks)
Eulogy ....................................................................................................... Pastor Bill Barnett
Benediction ............................................................................................... Pastor Bill Barnett
Recessional .................................................................................. “Hero” (pre-recorded song)
– Military Honors –
Marisco’s Los Alto’s Restaurant, 1005 Pescadero Ave, Tracy, CA 95391
After 88 years of joyous living, fun adventures, travels, and experiencing all that life had to offer, our patriarch RICHARD NALLS, respectfully known to his loved one’s as “DOC” transitioned to heaven on March 14, 2023.
Richard was born on November 22, 1934, in Memphis, Tennessee to his late parents; Vivian and Letty (Jack) Nalls. Richard was the youngest of eight children; Margaret Towns, Vera Stevenson, Alice Hilliard, Lillian Ray, Charlie Nalls, Eugene Nalls, and Mildred Smith, all have preceded him in death.
As the baby of the family, Richard was spoiled rotten by his mother and his sisters but he was determined to pay it forward by being self supportive and finding a good job.
In 1952, Richard graduated from Booker T. Washington high school in Memphis where he met his first wife Onie V. Fletcher (Coleman). He enjoyed playing baseball and working odd jobs with his father. Richard accepted Jesus Christ early on. While still in high school, Richard worked several small jobs to help support his family and was eventually hired as an orderly at a local hospital in Memphis where he developed a love for the medical field.
In 1957, Richard married Onie and from their union four children were born; Michael, Clark, Cheryl, and Charles Steven. Although their union was dissolved in 1975, both continued to co-parent their four children and pour love and blessings into their lives.
Richard enlisted in the United States Navy in 1953. The following is a summation of his illustrious military career:
Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA, Kaneohe Bay, Marine Base in Hawaii, San Diego Naval Hospital Base, Oakland Naval Regional Medical Center, Port Hueneme Naval Base Ventura, CA, New London Naval Base, Groton, Connecticut , Navy Support Activity Base, Holy Loch, Scotland, and Bremerton Naval Base, Washington. Richard was deployed on the USS Norton Sound, Weapons and Radar Test Ship, USS Fulton Submarine Tender, USS Simon Lake Submarine Tender, USS Proteus Submarine Tender, and the USS Samuel Gompers Destroyer Tender.
Richard worked as a Nuclear Medicine Technician, a Medical Assistant, and a Medical Field Service Technician. In 1973, after 19 years of honorable and commendable service, he retired at the rank of HMC E-7, Chief Petty Officer.
After retirement, Richard moved to the Bay Area and worked several other jobs to stay busy; Peterbilt, Monsanto, General Instrument, and as a civilian he worked for the Alameda Naval Air Station. Richard worked in the medical field for many years while in the Navy. He was quite proud and reveled in his newfound medical training. So much so that when his daughter was six years old, she was rough housing with her brothers, and they accidentally split her ear. Without hesitation, Richard grabbed his medical kit, pulled out a needle and thread, and a cold pack and stitched her ear right up without any anesthesia. Now that’s what you call a “hands-on” Dad. Richard loved his children immensely. His boys were his pride and joy, but his daughter was his little angel.
Richard enjoyed learning new things and was constantly increasing his knowledge on various subjects including music, art, reading and technology. Subsequently, he was hired to inspect elevators for the State of California as a Senior ERT Engineer in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Elevator, Ride, and Tramway
Unit. Richard worked on this assignment for almost 20 years and earned a second retirement honor.
Richard was extremely giving and very sociable. He never met a stranger. He enjoyed life to its fullest and cultivated many relationships with close friends and people he met along his journey. His boisterous laugh was contagious and could be heard yards away. You knew he was in the building. He also loved life, women and song. More so women than song, but that’s what made him special. Richard loved hard, but never expected anything but love in return.
In the early 90’s, Richard married his second wife Shirley Walker. Ultimately, that marriage was dissolved several years later. Richard enjoyed over 55 plus years with his best friends Eddie Moss and Rufus Watkins who both preceded him in death. Richard was Eddie’s caregiver for a few years as Eddie struggled from stomach cancer. Best friends indeed, you did not see one without the other. To Richard’s children, they were referred to as “Uncle Eddie” and “Uncle Rufus”.
Richard was an avid reader, loved bowling, played dominos like a champ, loved bid whist and spades, he enjoyed watching western movies, he loved to eat tasty food, enjoyed jazz music and concerts (Nancy Wilson was his favorite), but most of all he loved sharing time with his family.
Richard leaves behind his four children; Michael Nalls (Stacy) Clark Nalls (Henrietta), Cheryl Nalls, and Charles Steven Nalls (Pleshette). His grandchildren; Tamika Harry, Shamika Hardnett (Martez), April Nalls (David), Clark Anthony Nalls, Simone Nalls, Richard Nalls, Jordon Nalls, Sheniya Ben Israel (Aryah Ben), Stephanie Nalls, and Starr Nalls (Maurice). His love is also shared by his 14 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends. Rest peacefully in heaven Dad, aka “Doc”, aka, “Chief”, aka “Dick”, aka, “Rich” aka, “Mr. Nalls”.
We Love You.
What an awesome journey we had together. Talking, laughing, crying, singing, playing, and loving each other unconditionally. You’ve been my inspiration. I would not be me, without you. Everything I needed to tell you, I already did and for that I am thankful. I can still hear your hearty laughter echoing in my daily thoughts and it makes me smile. Thank you for being my dad.
I think we tortured him with the camping trips. He may have been a “no-show” if it weren’t for the love of his family and the food, but he was always a good sport about it. Once I knew he could handle that pressure, we drug him around to every possible social event given by my family and friends, so much that everyone (young and old) looked forward to his presence at their events. Then he started getting personal invites because he was the life of the party. He has been a great inspiration. Never thought about a time when he wouldn’t be in our lives because he was always there. The time has come now but because of you, we will ALL be okay.
You were my best friend, parent and number one supporter. Thank you for defining and instilling in me what it truly means to be a Nalls.
Rich, you were always so WELCOMING towards me and treated me as family immediately when I first met you as Steve’s girlfriend. I just wish I had spent more time with you especially with bringing your granddaughters and great grandsons to see you. I’VE ALWAYS LOVED YOUR SMILE AND YOUR LAUGH!
Love, Pleshette
Even though life can be hard, cruel and painful, it is still incredible. And we get to experience it. We get to live it. We get to be in the middle of it. My dad, my best friend.
Love, CJ
I wish I had the opportunity to get to know my grandfather better. He raised strong children, including my father, and I am forever grateful to him for that.
Love, Shaniya
To sum up my feelings for my dad……Love and Respect. Memories from a kid to an adult that will never be forgotten.
See you soon, Love Steve
My amazing grandfather! Oh how you will be missed. You spoiled us with so much love! You never missed a moment, you were always front and center with the brightest smile and the most infectious “ Hey Babyyyyy”. I love and miss you with my entire heart.
Forever, your baby girl April.
Although I did not get the chance to develop a bond, my heart is sad to hear that you have passed away. I hope your passing will be full of light for your loved ones & shall they honor your life in peace. Peace & love from your granddaughter.
Starr Nalls
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to everyone for their prayers, phone calls, texts, emails, visits, cards, flowers, support, and expressions of love. God bless you and keep us in your continued prayers.
Special thanks to PR & Associates Business Resources, Pleshette Robertson, Tracey Benjamin, Fry Memorial and Pastor Bill Barnett
