Richard Hundley

Richard T. Hundley, known as "Dickie" as a child, was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 9, 1943, to Doris Dena Smyles Hundley and Ira T. Hundley (deceased). Richard was born in his mother's bedroom in the family home on Hampden Avenue. Although he was the only child, he grew up with cousins who were like siblings: Jimmy, Jan, Fred, Lauren, Larry, Margaret Ann, Roger Jr., Karen & Denise "Dee Dee."

Richard accepted Christ into his life at an early age. He attended church at St. Andrews Episcopal Church where he served as an acolyte and sang in the choir for years. He attended Parkwood Drive Elementary and later Patrick Henry Junior High School (now known as Stephanie Tubbs-Jones Elementary School). Although Richard lived in the Glenville area, he attended Collinwood High School where he studied music theory and played the upright bass in the "advanced/senior" orchestra. He also received private lessons at the Music Settlement Center. Richard spoke about having to challenge other members in his section for a higher position in the orchestra. Needless to say: he was proud to have earned the number two spot! Richard took great pride in being one of the few Blacks selected to attend Collinwood's music theory program, The experience allowed him to hone his skills. In those days, every high school musician in Cleveland dreamed of qualifying for the bi-yearly All-City Orchestra events at Severance Hall. Richard's hard work as an upright bassist played off! He was one of the musicians selected and he was elated!

At the end of his 11th grade school year, Richard and his mother relocated to New York to reside with his Uncle Harry (deceased) & Aunt Lil and cousins Beverly Smyles & John Smyles. In June 1961, when Richard was 18 years old, he enlisted into the United States Airforce where he obtained his GED. He was proud about his decision to join the U.S. Airforce. He looked forward to experiencing new places and learning new skills. He served as a Technical Sergeant while in Germany, Holland, Vietnam. Back in the States, he also served at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. While Richard was deployed overseas, he and a few others formed a singing group which led them to perform for the American troops while in Europe.

While still on service duty in Washington D.C., Richard fathered two daughters: Karyn Swann and Karin Hundley. He married Cynthia Antonia Smith (deceased) and returned to Cleveland, Ohio where he continued to serve in the U.S. Airforce as a Recruiter. He had an office stationed across from Cleveland Heights High School until his retirement.

In 1977, Richard was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Soon after his diagnosis he retired from the armed service. A few years after retirement, Richard relocated to Atlanta, Georgia after purchasing a home directly next to his cousin, Roger, Jr. and his family. In the late 1980's, Richard returned to the family home on Hampden Avenue, later becoming a support and caregiver for his mother in her later years.

In his senior years, he resided at Shaker Gardens Senior & Assistant Living Community where he was elected to serve as president of the residents, advocating for the needs of others, better living conditions and meals. He was presented with many awards for his leadership. He even took the liberty to help organize the Shaker Gardens Gospel Choir and Bible Study meetings. Richard oversaw the visiting churches that would institute Sunday worship services for the residents and staff.

In 2011, he was the recipient of the Cornelius Award of Excellence and Leadership from the Sanctuary of Praise International Ministries. In 2013, Richard met all certification requirements to serve as Honorary Deacon of the Kingdom Builders Fellowship Center. In 2018, he received recognition for his dedication as Honorary Chaplin by Mega Church "Agape Outreach Ministry" in 2018. Richard kept records of all residents' birthdays and assisted with birthday recognition celebrations and other religious activities. Richard genuinely loved his Shaker Garden Family and established cherished spiritual connections with every outreach minister who came to Shaker Gardens to worship. Many of those relationships became unbreakable and invaluable.

Richard loved people and he especially loved his family. He would call various family members near and far to ensure the family stayed connected. He frequently called each of his aunts on Sundays at just about the same time every week: Aunt Lillian Hundley Jones (deceased), Aunt Earline Hudson (deceased), Aunt Jacqueline Martin (deceased), and Aunt Lillian Smyles. He enjoyed sharing a laugh, reminiscing, or just catching up with them. He loved his daughters and grandchildren dearly and he was extremely proud of all their accomplishments.

Richard established great loving relationships with everyone who crossed his path. He was known to have nine-plus lives; never letting anything knock him completely down. He overcame many challenges, fighting every battle to the end and never giving up. Through every challenge he has come out standing tall singing his favorite song, "Blessed Better Than Blessed, Thank You Lord..."

Richard leaves cherished memories to his two daughters: Karyn Swann, Karin Austin (Shawn Austin, Sr.); five grandchildren, Shawn Austin, Jr. "PJ", Jaelyn Swann and Lyric Swann, Kaleb Austin, and Myles Austin; Aunt Lillian Smyles; Cousins, Jimmy Martin-Geindo, Janathan Wooley, Fred Holland, Sr., Laureen Sanders (George), Denise Dougles and Margaret Ann Payton, Karen Johnson, Ramona Hudson Pulce, Roger Douglas, Jr., John Smyles, M.D. (Karen); Ricardo W. Martin, Ricard D. Martin, Jonathan Wiggins and a host of other treasured relatives and friends.