Richard Miles Jernigan, a United States Army veteran and a resident of Duncan, has joined that great spirit Army whose footfalls cause no sound. Richard passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 15, 2022, at the Tucson Medical Center, surrounded by his family. He was 71.
Richard was born in Florence, Az to Leroy & Mabel Jernigan. The family resided in Duncan, Franklin, Morenci, and Tucson. Richard graduated from Catalina HS in Tucson in 1970. He then attended and received an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice at Pima Community College. In 1974, he enlisted in the United States Army serving four years and was in the 8th Infantry Division. He was stationed in Germany for most of his military career. Upon discharge, Richard went to Carlotta Police Academy. After graduation from the academy, he worked as a police officer for the Duncan Police Department, eventually becoming the Duncan Chief of Police.
On April 19, 1980, he married Marcia Pennington, his one true love. The marriage lasted almost forty-two years before Marcia lost her lifelong soulmate. Richard worked fifteen years as a Deputy Sheriff for the Greenlee Country Sheriff’s Department. He then served four terms as the Duncan Justice of the Peace. Upon his retirement, Richard served as the Town of Clifton Magistrate for an additional ten years.
Richard and Marcia were blessed with three children. Evan, Hilary, and Chan. They lost their daughter at the age of five days old. Richard was a loving, happy, funny, caring husband. He and Marcia did everything together. He was a wonderful father and pal to his boys. They enjoyed playing guitars, raising 4-H pigs, going to University of Arizona ice hockey games, vacations to California and throughout Arizona, canning salsa, fun at the chili cook off, camping, fishing, playing video games together, shared interest in LOTR and raising ten guide dog puppies for Guide Dog for the Blind.
Richard was a Boy Scout Leader for fifteen years. He loved scouting! Many scouts through his encouragement received their Eagle Rank including his two sons. Richard was very proud of his scouts. In addition, he also served as an EMT for Greenlee County for three years, Gun Hunter Safety Instructor for five years and served two and a half terms on the Duncan School Board. He enjoyed holidays with the family, weekly Bingo at the Catholic church, Art Classes every Monday, road trips to Washington, and the Amazing Magical trip with Marcia, in 2018, to Nova Scotia.
Richard had a wonderful life and was a permanent fixture in the town of Duncan. In 2003, he was the Greenlee County Grand Marshall at the parade for which he was so honored.
Richard was known as “Papa” to his three grandchildren, Ella, Trevor and Kwentin. He loved them very much and was so proud of the three Munchkins. Richard will be truly missed by family and friends.
Richard is survived by: his wife, Marcia; two sons, Evan (Cece) and Chan (Maria); his sister, Linda Jernigan; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services for Richard are currently pending and will be announced at a later date.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
