Richard Heywood

OTTO - Richard D. Heywood, 93, passed away peacefully Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Born Feb. 22, 1932, in Massachusetts, Dick lived a long and meaningful life marked by quiet strength and deep devotion to his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Gill; their children, Stephen (Judi Lynn) Smith of Plum Island, Massachusetts and Wilmington, Geoffrey (Janne) Smith in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, Phoebe (Gavin) Wilson of Gainesville, Florida, and David (Beth) Heywood of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; grandchildren Karina (Matt) Smith and Stephen (Emily) Smith of Central Coast, New South Wales in Australia, Richard (Elizabeth) Heywood of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and Jonathan Heywood of Memphis, Tennessee; as well as great-grandchildren, Alice and Jack Smith.
Dick will be remembered for his unwavering support of those he loved, his thoughtful presence and the steady wisdom he shared throughout his life. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Having moved to Otto in 1982, Dick directed his efforts to rebuilding an oak log cabin from the 1880s using traditional techniques, while tending the homestead he loved and cherished. He made an impact on the community and made many friends as a board member (1997-2017) of the Little Tennessee Watershed Association (later the Mainspring Conservation Trust).
Highlights of his life include attending St. Johns College, University of Virginia and the Army Foreign Language School, followed by active service in the U.S. Army (serving in the Korean War as a Russian interpreter), skippering charter boats and shark fishing in the Caribbean and then moving to Miami, Florida, for a career as a naval engineer.
Dick's interests included conservation, hunting, fly fishing, hiking, sailing, woodworking and gardening.
A private family ceremony will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to Mainspring Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 1148, Franklin, NC 28744 or online at mainspringconserves.org.