Richard Dale Crandall

Richard Dale “Rick” Crandall, age 67, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness, on June 28, 2026, in Niceville, Florida.

Rick was born on August 27, 1958, in Asheville, NC, to Henry and Mary Caprice Crandall. He graduated from T.C. Roberson High School in 1977 and began a distinguished military career when he enlisted in the United States Air Force in April 1979. After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and technical training at Lowry Air Force Base, Rick received his first assignment at Royal Air Force Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire, England, where he served for 2 years. In July 1980, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Deborah Anne Weinkle. In July 1981, Rick was assigned to the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where he served nearly 9 years as an Aircraft Armament Systems Craftsman on the F-15 fighter jet. He later cross trained as an Aerial Gunner Crafstman aboard the Spectre AC-130 gunship and was assigned to the 16th Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field. There, he served with distinction for more than 17 years. Rick retired from the Air Force in 2005 after 26 years of honorable and dedicated service to his country. His tour of duty included numerous deployments spanning decades of military campaigns including but not limited to: Operation Just Cause, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Rick and Deborah were faithful members of Calvary Baptist Church since 1985. His faith was the foundation of his life and guided his devotion to his family, church, country, and friends. Rick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather (Pops), brother, and friend. He cherished time with his family and took great pride in the lives and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He had a passion for photography and loved capturing special moments of family and friends with his camera, as well as sunsets and nature. Other hobbies he enjoyed included golf and maintaining salt water aquariums. Rick started a side business for a few years of cleaning and maintaining saltwater aquariums for local businesses and residents.

Rick is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Deborah; his daughter Maitlin Grimes, (Matt), his son Giles Crandall (Kelly); his grandchildren, Greyson, Reagan, Karis, Isaac, and Merritt; his sister Becki Hansing (Dennis); and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mary Caprice Crandall; his brother, David Crandall; and his sister, Susan Morgan. His life touched countless people through his military service, his church, and the example he set for his family. Rick will be remembered for his kindness, quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and steadfast commitment to those he loved. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project. Visitation will be held at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville, FL, on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 4:00-6:00pm. A private graveside service will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 10:00 am at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.

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