Richard Lamar Metcalfe

Richard Lamar Metcalfe, 87, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, at Big Elm Nursing and Retirement Center in Kannapolis, North Carolina, surrounded by the family who loved him dearly.

Born on August 25, 1938, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Thomas Hardin Metcalfe and Elizabeth Lea Metcalfe, Richard led a life marked by adventure, dedication, and an enduring sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 63 years, Cordelia Yvonne Metcalfe; his brothers, Thomas Hardin Metcalfe Jr. and Donald Lee Metcalfe; his sister, Betty Jane Rudolph; and his grandson, Joshua Allen Moore.

A proud graduate of Valley High School’s Class of 1956, Richard’s athletic prowess shone early as a member of the mile relay team that became the first in Kentucky history to run a sub-four-minute mile. Following high school, he served his country with honor in the United States Army. It was during these years that his legendary gift for storytelling took root; whether recounting the time he hitchhiked from Richmond, Virginia, back to Louisville simply to save on airfare, or sharing the countless other tales that defined him, Richard possessed a unique ability to unite others through laughter.

A man of many passions, Richard was an avid motorcyclist who took great pride in his machines, most notably his 1971 Maico 400, and his 1975 Honda. His competitive spirit also flourished on the drag strip, where he spent his late twenties and early thirties chasing the thrill of the race.

Professionally, Richard was a skilled machinist who dedicated 25 years of service to Philip Morris. Serving as a Shop Steward, he was widely respected for his intelligence, reliability, and commitment to his colleagues before his retirement in 2009. Beyond his professional life, Richard was a dedicated Freemason for over 50 years, holding membership in Valley Daylight Lodge #511 in Louisville, Kentucky. A perpetual student of history, he often turned family road trips into educational excursions to state parks and historical monuments. A true tinkerer, his projects were as varied as his interests—perhaps none more iconic than the home-built dune buggy that remains a source of joy and memories for his family today.

Above all else, Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He remained sharp-witted and “smart as a whip” until his final day, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Asa Metcalfe and Elizabeth Metcalfe; his grandchildren, Brittany Ferguson (Blake), Kassidy Lonetree-Burgess (Marshall), Amelia Metcalfe, and Miller Metcalfe; and his beloved great-granddaughters, Cora and Hannah Ferguson.

Richard leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, grit, and unwavering love. He will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of his family and friends.

Service Information

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 13th, followed immediately by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Carolina Memorial following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Metcalfe family.