MARDELA SPRINGS- Richard Clayton Truitt, Sr., 69, of Mardela Springs, died Thursday, December 8, 2016 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 22, 1947 in Baltimore, a son of the late Oliver and Annie Truitt. Rick, as he was known by all who loved him, proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1966 to 1970. He worked at Crown, Cork & Seal in Fruitland as a forklift operator for 30 years until his retirement. After retirement he worked another 9 years at Auto Zone in Salisbury. He loved the outdoors and in his younger days enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his Harley and spending time on the water and crabbing on his workboat. He is survived by his wife of almost 26 years, Patricia Truitt; children, Jason Truitt and his wife, Kimberly, Richard Truitt, Jr., Michael Cline and his wife, Roshyl, Robert Stevenson and Lisa Powell and her husband, Jeffrey; seventeen grandchildren (and one on the way); 18 great grandchildren (and two on the way); an uncle, Don Truitt; and several cousins. He is also survived by his loving dogs, "Dagwood" and "Jenny." In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Truitt. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Mardela Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.