Richard A. Shafer

Ric Shafer passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the age of 74. Richard Augustus Shafer was born October 5, 1950, in Mooresville, NC. He graduated from Marshall High School, Falls Church Virginia, in 1967 and received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1973. Ric served the Peace Corps in 1974 in Taiwan and upon his return joined the Army in 1975, serving until 1978 in Vicksburg, MS where he resided thereafter. Ric had a long career at Waterways Experiment Station (now ERDC) in the Environmental Laboratory from 1975 to 1995 and gained his professional Engineering license in 1983. He retired in 1995 to raise ostriches and emus full time and was very successful. During that time, he was president of the Mississippi Ostrich Association and board member the American Ostrich Association. Ric was instrumental in promoting ostrich meat and Leather goods. In addition to exotic birds, Ric also raised buffalo, llamas, chickens, pot belly pigs, pheasants and many other critters. He lived with his long-time pet Amazon parrot, Ogie, who died at the ripe old age of 67. Ric also had a passion for flowers and gardening. Until his passing Ric grew organic vegetables and flowers and made wreaths which he sold at the Mississippi Farmers Market in Jackson. Ric was a longtime member of the Redbone community and of Redbone United Methodist Church. Aside from farming, Ric enjoyed fishing and the company of his friends. Ric is preceded in death by his father Robert Shafer, Sr. and his mother Elaine Sloop Shafer. Ric is survived by his brother, Robert Shafer, Jr. (Sharon); nephew Robert Shafer III (Sarah), and great-nephew and -nieces. He is also survived by his unofficial son, Steven Ray Bailey. Services will be held Saturday, October 19 at 10:00 am at Redbone Cemetery with Rev. John Evans Officiating.

Pallbearers will be Nick Davies, Jordan Watson, Thomas Carr, Tony Lobred, Bryton Hixon, and Dan Townsend. Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Palmertree, John "Butch" George, Jose Llopis, and Ron Waahl.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard A. Shafer, please visit our floral store.