Obituary

Col. Richard Clinton Cloy

January 29, 1938 - September 26, 2026

Richard C. Cloy entered the church triumphant on September 26, 2026 and is now with his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Richard was born on January 29, 1938 in Bogalusa, Louisiana, and was the son of the late Ray and Louise Cloy. Richard grew up as the first of nine siblings primarily in McComb, MS, where he graduated from McComb High School.

Colonel Richard C. Cloy enlisted in the Army from the National Guard in 1956 and led the Nation's sons and daughters in peace and combat operations over an illustrious 33-year Army career. He was commissioned as a Regular Army Officer at the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, graduating on April 18, 1958. He commanded Soldiers at Ft. Jackson, SC and Ft. Myers VA, a battalion at Ft. Ord, CA, and the garrisons of Pusan, Korea, Ft. Ord, CA, and Ft. Carson, CO. He was awarded the Legion of Merit with 1 oak leaf cluster. He served two combat tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters and a Purple Heart. His Regimental affiliation was the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry, “The Old Guard.” While serving as Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander, 3rd Infantry, at Ft. Myers, he led the Old Guard Soldiers who were responsible for the burial honors of President John F. Kennedy, as well as the Presidential Salute Battery and the Continental Color Guard and Fife and Drum Corps and the Caisson Platoon. Richard graduated from Command and General Staff College at Leavenworth, KS, and the Army War College at Carlisle, PA. He graduated from St. Benedictine College with a BS in Business Management and the Florida Institute of Technology, earning a Master's in Logistics Management, and was a Registered Professional Logistician. After retiring from the military, Richard served in the defense industry, primarily in special operations logistics for 16 years and retired from Raytheon to Palestine, TX. in 2005.

Richard is survived by his wife Mrs. Cindy Cloy, his three sons, Michael C. Cloy (Debbie) of Morganton, NC, Russell C. Cloy (Donna) of Hattiesburg MS, and Stephen C. Cloy (Lynn) of Greer, SC; and adopted daughter, Sarah Sirovetz (Robert) of Riverview, Fl. Nine grandchildren, Ryan Cloy, Melanie Murdock (Edward), Samantha Cloy, Mason Cloy (Shannon), Daniel Cloy (Heather), Kate Hendry (Carter), Andrew Cloy, Rachel Sirovetz and Jake Sirovetz; Thirteen great-grandchildren, Kyrie Marie, Eden, Emery, Keira Anne, Zane, Owen, Phoebe, Clarke, Addie Grace, Jedidiah, Kohen, Hazel Jane and Titus.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol Anne Cloy, his brother Maurice Cloy,and his sisters Annette Williams, Rita Dickinson, and Mary Ellen Barham.

Richard was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Palestine, TX. A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist on October 10 at 10 AM. A funeral service will be held at a future date at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery in South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT at woundedwarriorproject.org

Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.