Richmond Sheek "Dick" Vogler, Sr.

Richmond Sheek “Dick” Vogler, Sr., was born on July 18, 1933, to Mary Lethia Myers Vogler and William Frank Vogler, Sr. Raised in Advance, North Carolina, he often joked that he graduated from the “school of hard knocks,” though he proudly graduated from Shady Grove High School in 1952. He loved sharing stories of his childhood growing up in a country store and frequently referred to Advance as “God’s Country.” A lifelong member of Advance United Methodist Church, his faith remained a guiding force throughout his life.

On April 16, 1954, he married Reta Gaye Owens. He later served his country in the United States Army as a medic in the burn unit at Brooks Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

Following his military service, Dick worked for A&P Grocery Stores and later retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. He proudly served his community as a founding member of the Advance Volunteer Fire Department and took great pride in his years of volunteer service. He was also a member of the Advance Masonic Lodge No. 710.

Dick will be remembered for his quick wit, colorful storytelling, and many crazy sayings that became part of his family’s vocabulary. He had a gift for making people laugh and could turn just about any experience into a story. He met no strangers and loved any opportunity to strike up a conversation. He was rarely without a pack of gum in his pocket and had a firm belief that there was always a good reason for ice cream. These little traditions, along with his stories, sayings, and endless sense of humor, became part of the fabric of his family’s life. To those who knew and loved him, Dick was a larger-than-life presence who brought laughter wherever he went and left behind countless stories that will be told for generations to come. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 52 years, Reta Gaye Owens Vogler; his son, Richmond (Dickie) Sheek Vogler Jr.; and his brother, William (Bill) Frank Vogler Jr.

He is survived by his second wife, Diane Koeval of Advance; his daughter, Kelly Hamrick (Mark) of Lexington; his grandchildren, Sam Hamrick (Lucy) of Raleigh, Rachel Hamrick (Jack) of Brooklyn, Dalton Vogler (Erin) of Asheville, and Alex Vogler (Keenan) of Colorado Springs; his sister, Nancy Shoaf; his niece, Melany Shoaf; and his nephews, Brent Shoaf (Carolyn) and Frank Vogler, all of Advance. He is also survived by additional family members, Carolyn Thurmond (Joe), Becca and Sarah Thurmond, all of Advance; Joey Thurmond of Wisconsin; Karl Koeval of Advance; Callie Koeval of Boone; Holly Koeval of Advance and Meredith Koeval of Advance.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 11:00 am Monday, August 31, 2026 at Advance United Methodist Church by Pastor Chad Nelson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity or organization of one’s choice. Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel is assisting the family.