Richard Smith Kleeberg

Richard Smith Kleeberg passed away peacefully with Lyndia, the love of his life for 65 years, at his side. He was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey on September 28, 1939, and moved to Burlington in 1946. Richard and his 3 brothers were raised in Burlington's Front Street Methodist Church. He later attended both Low's Lutheran and Springwood Presbyterian Churches before attending and serving as treasurer for several years at St. Philip Lutheran church in Raleigh.

Richard graduated from Williams High School and attended Elon College for four years. He earned an advanced degree in technical management from the University of North Carolina and held multiple certifications. He was a pioneer in data management, computer programming, and systems engineering. Richard served in the army reserves and worked at Western Electric for six years followed by a 26-year career at the DMV where he affectionately came to be known as 'Klee'. Richard retired from the Department of Transportation in 1990.

For forty years, Richard and Lyndia ran Kleeberg Photography Studio in Raleigh and Burlington. As a lifelong learner, he enjoyed numerous hobbies and had a vast knowledge of just about any topic. Richard was a charter member of the Gibsonville Museum and Historical Society established in 2008. He and the museum curator created a permanent exhibit for the 2011 grand opening developing a collection of pictures, maps, and other artifacts assembled into the exhibit we see today. He also created, edited, and printed a semiannual newsletter until his retirement from the board in 2017.

Richard is survived by his wife Lyndia; his son Rick, his three brothers and their families; Larry Kleeberg (Anita) of Winston-Salem, NC; Chuck Kleeberg (Susan) of Tacoma, WA; and Tom Kleeberg (Lana) of Summerfield, NC; spirited cousins; his treasured aunt Dolores Kleeberg of Coral Springs FL; and chosen family members Joyce Davis and Miriam Stratton of Gibsonville, NC.

Richard was predeceased by his parents Fred and Betty Kleeberg and a beloved daughter (Kelley Lynne Kleeberg).

A memorial service will be held at Springwood Presbyterian Church on Friday August 29 at 11am followed by lunch. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Hospice at Authoracare Collective. 2504 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405 or to the Gibsonville Museum and Historical Society. 200 W. Steele St. Gibsonville, NC 27249.