Corporal Richard Leroy Fly, A Marine's Story
Corporal Richard Leroy Fly, A Marine's Story
Richard Leroy Fly, known to family and friends as “Buddy,” was born on December 18, 1924, in Jackson, Tennessee. While he was still young, his family relocated to Natchez, Mississippi, where he was raised on a small farm outside of town, an upbringing that shaped his work ethic and quiet sense of responsibility.
On June 30, 1942, Fly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, joining thousands of young Marines who carried the burden of a global conflict far from home. Like many veterans of the Pacific, his service was marked by endurance, discipline, and experiences rarely spoken about in later years.
After the war, Corporal Fly returned to Mississippi and built a civilian life rooted in work and service. He earned his living in hardware sales and spent much of his free time volunteering as a courtesy shuttle driver, offering rides and assistance to others simply because they needed it. He also developed a love for searching out and restoring old relics, preserving pieces of the past with patience and care.
In his later years, Fly’s life story was gathered by his niece, Debbie Bewley, who recorded his memories, reflections, and faith. These were published in the book Fly Like an Angel: A True Story of Life, Faith, and Compassion, preserving his voice and experiences for future generations.
Corporal Richard Leroy “Buddy” Fly died on September 23, 2012. He is buried at Natchez National Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi. His life reflects a quiet form of patriotism through service in war, dedication in peace, and compassion shown day by day.
* Read about a.d. elliott's Everyday Patriot Project here*
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
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