Ric passed away from a lengthy illness on April 4, 2014, in Floyd, VA.  He went directly from high school into training as a Richmond City police cadet, graduated with honors, and became an officer. He was named the Rookie of the Year in 1969. Ric later became a plainclothes detective, received more honors from the police force, and retired at 39.   He was survived by his sons John and Scott and his brother Walter "Stony" Creery.