Richard "Rick" Layne Joeckel

Richard Layne Joeckel, 74, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, in Fayetteville, NC.

Richard "Rick" Joeckel was born on April 1, 1950, in Missouri. He was the youngest of two children, born to the late Hedwig "Hadie" Joeckel and Gerald Joeckel. Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald "Ron" Joeckel and Virginia "Nina" Chilton, Randy Chilton, and Rami Chilton. 

Rick attended Southwest Missouri State University where he played on the basketball team and earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He was also a student of the Department of military Science, where he was selected as a "Distinguished Military Student"; the highest honor bestowed upon a Senior US Army ROTC student based on leadership, superior academic achievement, and high moral character. He then served 8 years for his country as a Captain and Pilot in the United States Army Special Forces. Rick received the BROKEN WING AWARD after successfully landing a helicopter, manually, saving his crew and the aircraft.

He traveled the world as a quality control engineer, visiting Africa, Japan, Dubai, Australia and most of Europe. Despite his many achievements, Owner of Omega Gymnastics for over 40 years, master’s in accounting, Brokers license, General contractor, he was most proud of the home he built from the ground up for his family. You could often find him in his garage, working on one project after another. Rick was a man who lived his life with honor, integrity, grace and love.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gayla Joeckel; his daughter, Julie Brack and his son-in-law, David; his son, Blake Joeckel and his daughter-in-law, Jenny. He is also survived and beloved by his grandchildren, Ryan and Reed, Brack, Mason and Sutton Joeckel; his great-grandchildren, Luna Ann, James Homer, Mayer Thomas, and his extended family, Luke, Jett, Shea, Nancy Chilton, Allen Jones, Dr. Rory "Sam" Chilton and Francesca Chilton, Dr. Rudy and Austin Chilton, Rhonda, Bruce, Erica and Heather Akers, Ryan Chilton and family, Zachary Chilton and family, Rodney Chilton and Family.

We would also like to thank Rogers and Breece Funeral Services for the immense care and compassion they provided during our family's difficult time. We cannot thank you enough.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home from 10 to 10:45 am. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at 11 am with Brother Larry Chason officiating. Burial to follow the service at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, the family request charitable donations to the Autism Society in Rick’s honor.  

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