Richard J. Dease age 90 of Wauchula passed away Saturday, January 5, 2013 in Lakeland. He was born February 6, 1922 in Florida and move to Hardee County 65 years ago from Polk County. Richard was a member of the Loyal Order of The Moose, and the Elks Lodge. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as we as working with is son Steve on their watermelon farm. Richard was preceded in death by his parents William & Millie Dease, one daughter Vivian Dease Coker; and one brother Dewey Youngblood. He is survived by his beloved wife Martha Spearman Dease of Wauchula; three sons Steve Reas of Wauchula, David Dease of Bowling Green, Jeff Dease of Winter Haven; three daughters Joyce Dease Williams of Winter Haven, Joan Dease Givens of Winter Haven, Sue Dease Metzger and husband Herb of Brandon; one sister Claudia Pendergrass of Auburndale; and numerous grandchildren & great-grandchildren Visitation will be 10am 11am Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home located at 404 W Palmetto Street in Wauchula. Services will follow the visitation at 11:00am in the Chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, with Duck Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Wauchula Cemetery. The family has requested in lieu of flowers donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the ASPCA. On-line condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.