Richard M. Dalton, resident of Morgan County, GA, died at home on August 31, 2017 after an extended battle with cancer which he fought with grace and courage.

Richard was born in Osborn, Ohio (now Fairborn, Ohio) on January 25, 1931, son of Olen and Angie Dalton. He attended Bath Township Elementary and High School where he graduated in 1949. During his primary school years in addition to academic studies, he was active in football, band, orchestra, dance band, barbershop quartet and chorus. Richard attended the University of Dayton where he was a member of the marching band. He graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Second Lieutenant Commission in the United States Air Force. He served five years in the Air Force, two of which were in Sidi Slimane, Morocco. After leaving the Air Force in 1960, Richard started his career at IBM in Dayton, Ohio. He retired from IBM in Atlanta, GA after a successful career of 32 years. In retirement, he has lived at Lake Lanier, Lake Oconee and finally on a small plot of 17 acres in Morgan County, GA. During his lifetime, Richard has been involved in many church, civic, community and political activities, where he often served in leadership roles. Richard was interested in many things, including music, working with his hands, photography, duplicate bridge, computers, boating, reading, traveling, the theater, and neighborhood get-togethers. He especially enjoyed his final years doing home projects with his beloved friends and neighbors in the wonderful community of Sweetbriar.

Richard is survived by his wife Sheila of 39 years, his daughter Sandra K. Job-Rivera, his son David Scott Dalton (Chris), four grandchildren Cameron Dalton (Kelly), Jessica Job, Stuart Dalton (Kate), Caroline Filacchione (Tyler), and great granddaughters Morgan and Brooke Dalton. His youngest son, Jeffrey Spencer predeceased him in 2007. Richard was a Christian who had a strong belief in God and in God’s Nature. He was especially grateful for God’s gift of freedom to mankind. Richard lived a full and happy life with few regrets. He died a happy man.

Funeral services to be held at Bostwick United Methodist Church, Bostwick, GA on September 5, 2017. Visitation at 11 AM, worship service at noon. Following the service, the family welcomes everyone to Dick and Sheila’s home at 1170 Sweetbriar Trace, Madison, GA for a celebration of Dick’s life.