Captain Richard “Rick” Aaron Darby was born on July 7, 1951 to Richard Patrick Darby and Alice Elizabeth Witt Darby in Jacksonville, FL and left this earth on May 16, 2023. Upon graduating from Wolfson High School he joined Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department in 1971 where he served for 33 years. He married his high school sweetheart Janet Reed Darby in 1972 and remained happily married for 51 years. They had two daughters, Shannon Darby Woloschuk and Tricia A. Darby and two joyous grandchildren, Elayna P. Darby and Sir A. Prater.

Rick was not only a dedicated family man, he also served NE Florida in many ways. After retiring from the Jacksonville Fire Department he served as Chief for the Clay County Fire Department Volunteers. Rick was Fireman of the Year in 1982 and received the Silver Medal of Honor for Heroism and graduated Valedictorian with his Associates Degree in Paramedic Studies in 1987. He was President of the Westside Business Leaders Association 2001-2002, served as Vice Chair on the TPC Players Tournament First Aid Committee for 27 years and Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee from 2004-2008, served as a Guardian Ad Litem in Clay County, and Supervisor of the Clay County Soil and Water Conservation Board from 2015-2022. While serving NE Florida he received the Carol & Bob Graves Environmental Award during his time on the Cecil Field Restoration Advisory Board in 2002 and Certificate of Appreciation from the White House Medical Unit for Outstanding Support to President George Bush, Jr. in 2003. After surviving two bouts with cancer, he was involved with before the first ever FACE (Firefighters Attacking the Cancer Epidemic).

Rick is survived by his loving Wife of 51 years, Janet Reed Darby, two daughters, Shannon Darby Woloschuk (Chris) and Tricia A. Darby, two grandchildren Elayna P. Darby and Sir A. Prater as well as many loving cousins and friends. Rick was fiercely passionate of his faith, family and service to his community. He touched many lives and will truly be missed.

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