CLAREMONT, N.C. - Dr. Richard Charles Symington, age 81, of Catawba Valley Living at Rock Barn, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Warlick Funeral Home.   

Dr. Symington was born December 4, 1942, in Great Lakes, Illinois, to the late Arthur Leland Symington and Ethel Mae Richardson Symington.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Chrisman; and brother, Robert Symington.  After obtaining his medical degree, he became an anesthesiologist and enlisted in the United States Navy serving at the Chelsea Naval Hospital in Chelsea, Massachusetts.  He spent one of his eleven enlisted years on the USS Shenandoah {AD-26}.  During his time in the Navy, Commander Symington received a National Defense Service medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation twice.

He is survived by his wife, Florence Heine Symington; two sons, David Symington and his wife Beth of South Carolina, and Sean Symington of Maiden; daughter, Alison Symington of Lincolnton; three grandchildren, Chase and Gregory Symington, and Hunter Hollar; and four sisters, Judy Symington of Florida, Sandra Helm of Georgia, Cindy Symington of Florida, and Kandy Bellanova of Florida.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to K9s for Warriors, 114 Camp K9 Road, Ponte Vedra, FL  32081.

Warlick Funeral Home of Lincolnton, N.C. is serving the Symington family.