Richard Ardell Styron Sr., 93, of Cedar Island, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

A graveside service to honor Richard's life will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, November 9th at Cedar Island Community Cemetery.

Richard was born on August 17, 1933, in Morehead City, NC, to the late Samuel Ardell Styron and Naomi Goodwin Styron. One of 12 children, he grew up surrounded by a large family that remained an important part of his life.

Proud of his military service, Richard served three years in United States Army and was a Korean War veteran. Following his time in the military, he began a long and fulfilling career with Norfolk Dredging Company. Starting as a deckhand, Richard worked his way up to superintendent through hard work and dedication, retiring after 41 years of faithful service to the company.

In his younger years, Richard especially enjoyed hunting. He was a natural handyman with a keen mind and a talent for fixing just about anything.

For Richard, life was made all the more special by the love of his sweetheart, Jo Anne. Together, they shared 70½ wonderful years of marriage, building a beautiful life and raising a family that meant everything to him. Having spent his entire life along the coast, Richard loved fishing and oystering, especially when Ms. Jo Ann was by his side. They also enjoyed traveling together, with Ocracoke and Tennessee being among their favorite destinations.

Above all else, Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family was his greatest joy, and he loved each of them with all his heart.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Jo Anne Styron; daughters, Melodie Robinson and significant other Randy of Harkers Island, NC and Pollyanna Davis and husband Michael of Wendell, NC; sons, Robert Styron and significant other Annette, and Dean Robinson, all of Cedar Island, NC; daughter-in-law, Mary Styron of Cedar Island, NC and sister, Blondie Goodwin of Cedar Island, NC.

Richard was blessed with numerous grandchildren, Melissa, Amanda, Richard, Charles, Josh, Fred, Joanna, Allison, and Destiny; and great-grandchildren, Chassidy, Adam, Johnathon, Emily, Lilliana, Richard, Willow, Summer, Stella, Carter, Sebrina, Levi, Iris, Raymond, and Davin.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his son, Richard "Pie" Styron Jr.; sisters, Addie Goodwin, Ester Gilgo, Caldonia Gaskill, Ellen Goodwin, Janet Fulcher, and Winnie Goodwin; brothers, Curtis Styron, Harliss Styron, Donald Styron, and Bennie Styron; grandchildren, Robert "Bubby" Styron Jr. and Vada Styron; and great-grandson, Noah Styron.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome, or donations may be made to Cedar Island Community Cemetery Fund at P.O. Box 660, Cedar Island, NC 28520 or Pilgrims Rest Freewill Baptist Church, 621 Lola Road, Cedar Island, NC 28520.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.