Richard James Pingle

Richard James Pingle, a longtime resident of Clawson and Royal Oak, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on October 13, 2025, surrounded by the love and laughter of his family. He was 68 years old.
Born on February 4, 1957, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, to Albert and Eileen Pingle, Richard lived a life marked by service, hard work, and the kind of genuine character that's hard to find and impossible to forget. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Richard carried the values of strength, discipline, and loyalty throughout his life-always standing tall for what he believed in.
A true jack-of-all-trades, Richard worked for over 20 years at Kellett Construction in Bloomfield Hills, specializing in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. He could build it, fix it, or figure it out-often without saying much, but always with precision. If you asked him a question, you got a straight answer-no fluff, no nonsense, and often with a side of sharp-witted humor that kept everyone around him on their toes. You never had to guess where you stood with Richard-and somehow, that honesty made people feel seen and respected.
He was also lovingly known by a title he wore with pride: "The World's Greatest Athlete." Whether coaching, playing, or simply telling stories, Richard brought energy and spirit to everything he did.
Richard had a big heart and a big laugh, and both showed up most when he was with his family. He was deeply proud of his children and grandchildren, and nothing brought him more joy than their laughter, their hugs, and the memories they made together-especially with "The Fab Four": Walker "Bubba," Willow, Luke, and Raif. To them, he was more than a grandpa-he was Papa Cheech, a name that always made him smile. Their love told the story of a man who loved well and was well loved.
He coached Royal Oak recreational and travel league sports for over two decades, including boys and girls soccer and women's softball. His players knew him as tough, fair, and fiercely loyal-traits that defined every part of his life.
When not on the field or on the job, Richard could be found enjoying the great outdoors, especially fishing, a quiet passion that gave him peace and perspective.
Richard is survived by his loving wife and partner of 44 years, Donna, whom he married on December 19, 1981, in Berkley, Michigan. Together they built a home filled with honesty, laughter, and unconditional love.
He is also survived by his children, Richard (Rachel) Pingle, Mandie (Jonathon) Wells, and Jeanne (Patrick) Langley; and by his grandchildren, Walker "Bubba," Willow, Luke, and Raif, who were truly the light of his life. He also leaves behind his loyal four-legged best friend, Max, the family's German Shepherd and constant companion.
Richard is survived by his siblings, Alberta Roberts, Michael (Kelly) Pingle, Mark (Jeanne) Pingle, Robert (Barb) Pingle, Cindi (Tom) Wilkos, Tim (Sheila) Pingle, and Kim (Richard) Morelli. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Sandee Juarez and Tami (CJ), and his brothers, Albert (Deb) and Kurt.
He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart and brought him great pride and joy.
A visitation and gathering of family and friends will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gramer Funeral Home, 705 North Main Street, Clawson, Michigan (located between 14 Mile and 15 Mile Roads on Livernois). A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation – Michigan Chapter, in honor of Richard's strength and resilience. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard, please visit our floral store.