Richard Hite Sr.

DETECTIVE RICHARD ALLEN JOHNSON HITE, SR. was born on October 16, 1939 in Chicago, IL, and he went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 16, 2017. The eldest of four children born to Robert and Gladys Hite, "Frumps," an affectionate nickname given to him by his mother, was educated in the Gary, Indiana school system where he excelled as a scholar athlete in both football, and track and field. In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, the late Bernice Person and from this union three children were born. Richard was a man of committed determination and joined the U.S. Navy wherein, he served his country for 10 years. Upon his honorable discharge, he joined the Baltimore Police Department and later married Christine Byndum of Gary, Indiana. Detective Hite, as previously stated, determined during his 33 years of service was able to obtain his AA degree while working in a variety of assignments in the Baltimore Police Department, including Patrol, Vice, Property Crimes, States Attorney's Office and the Personnel Division. He loved his work and quietly advocated for and mentored many future leaders within the police department. He was an avid reader, staying up-to-date with current events, and a lover of western novels, the Bible and was a historian of contemporary jazz. A Man of Style, Richard was known for his distinctive taste in suits, hats, and other clothing, which he ordered from countless international clothing catalogs. Always searching for that unique look! He was nicknamed the "Tipper" by his friend and fellow Detective, Dave Parris for the way he walked. In other words, he had swagger before 'Swag was called Swag'! As a man of faith, Richard attended Wayland Baptist Church until health issues prevented him. He loved scripture and cherished his favorite passage, the 23rd Psalm. Richard had very high standards, which he did not mind voicing. However, no matter how hard he was on you, you could not stay away for long. He was a devoted father and grandfather, who held the family name in the upmost of respect and instilled this sentiment in his children and grandchildren. He had special appreciation for social gatherings and took great pride and joy in orchestrating the annual Family Easter Brunch, where he relished in sharing family history, his views on religion, current events, and his most favorite topic, "Football...Football...Football...!" His legacy lives on through all who knew him and in particular his loving family: son, Richard Jr.; loving daughters, Beatrice Fields (Edgar) and Karen Spence; sisters, Lynn DeLong and Fletcher Chapman (Marion); brother, John (Bettye); grandchildren, Resha, Sabrina, Edgar, Joylene, and Shirnice, and devoted grandson, Steven; loving great-grandchildren; special friends, Ethel Bowen, Fred Whiting, Jimmy Robinson, Thurmond Eldridge, Jerry Stokes, Larry Jones, Leonard Hamm, Dave Parris, Bertina Silver and a host of other friends too numerous to name; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members. Amongst other things, he will be fondly remembered for his expansive knowledge, warm smile, and sense of humor, and will be truly missed.

Tributes

Richard Hite Sr.

October 16, 1939 - August 16, 2017