Richard Silver, age 61, of the Newdale Community, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 12th, 2025, at Mission Hospital. Born September 28th, 1963, in Mitchell County, he was the son of Eloise Brewer Silver and the late Hal Silver. Along with his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Tammy Edwards, and step-brother-in-law, Marvin Silvers.
Richard was an avid outdoorsman, most at peace in the woods or on the water. He lived for the early mornings spent hunting and quiet afternoons casting a line with his cousins and friends. He passed that love of the outdoors on to the next generation, teaching the boys how to be self-sufficient – how to hunt, fish, work hard, and stand tall. He made sure the girls were never overlooked, always ensuring they had what they needed, and that they were cared for with kindness, strength and grace. He was a dedicated family man, and that meant more to him than anything in life he ever accomplished.
For 20 years, he served the North Carolina Department of Public Safety with unwavering dedication. He gave the best of himself to his work, just as he did to his family and friends. When he retired, it wasn’t just the end of a career – it was the close of a chapter filled with service, sacrifice and integrity. Richard was a jack of all trades – the kind of man who could fix anything, build everything, and did everything he could to always help others. He did it because that’s who he was – a man who believed in showing up, rolling up his sleeves, and doing right by others.
He has gone on to join our Lord in a better place, one of peace and everlasting rest. But down here, we will carry on his legacy, in how we love, what we do, and how we live.
Left to survive his memory are his wife, Olena Dellinger Hicks; son, Jake Silver; stepson, Jeff Hicks (Tia); stepdaughter, Kelly Westall; two granddaughters: Rayanna Hicks (Josh) and Sky Peterson; two grandsons: Daniel Westall (Abby) and Scotty Hicks; two great-grandsons: Weslee and Lane; sister, Mecheel Ford (David); two nieces: Sarah Woodby (Cody) and Addie Woodby; stepdad, JC Harding; step-siblings: Nancy Silver, Linda Hughes (Danny), and Mike Harding (Kim); as well as several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18th in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Service. Rev. Jeff Brewer will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Rest easy now husband, father, friend and mentor. You gave everything of yourself, and everyone who knew and loved you are forever better for it.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
