Richard Edwin Cutler

Richard “Dick” Edwin Cutler of Tarboro, North Carolina died on February 23 2021.  Dick was born May 8, 1936 in Preston, Minnesota.  Dick is preceded in death by his parents Max, Enid and Doris Cutler and sisters June Hanson and Arlene Thatcher.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Leanore “Lea” Paulson, sister, Louise Hill and brother-in-law Roland of Viroqua, WI and sister-in-law Mavis Nixon of Coon Rapids, MN.  Dick and Lea have 3 children; Jill Farley of Lynchburg, VA, Pat (Brian) Kiley of Chapel Hill, NC and Jeff (Holly) Cutler of Raleigh, NC.  Grandchildren; Matthew (Charlotte) Farley of Lynchburg, VA, Andrew (Janelle) Farley of Raleigh, NC, Craig Kiley of Chapel Hill, NC, Patrick Kiley of San Diego, CA, and Cole and Allie Cutler of Raleigh, NC. Great grandchildren; Liam and Griffin sons of Matthew Farley, Ellery and Avery daughters of Andrew Farley; and 15 nieces and nephews.

Dick grew up in Preston, a small town in southern Minnesota.  He graduated from Preston High School in 1954, lettering in four sports (basketball, baseball, football, track and field).  He was chosen All State in Football in Minnesota.  He received a football scholarship to attend Duke University.  He married his high school sweetheart, Lea, in Fountain, MN at the Root Prairie Lutheran Church on August 18, 1957.

A highlight of his college football career was playing in the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida in 1958.  As a student teacher, he was recognized by Duke University as “Future Teacher of the Year”.  He graduated from Duke in 1959.  He completed his Master of Education at Duke University.

Dick was a dedicated educator serving as a teacher and assistant headmaster at Durham Academy.  Headmaster at Rocky Mount Academy and Principal of Farmville Middle School in Farmville, NC.  He retired in 1998.  In retirement, he mentored student teachers attending East Carolina University.  Dick was a member of Farmville Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Treasurer.  He was an associate member of Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church in Tarboro, NC.

He loved attending Duke football games (Iron Duke), tailgating and watching Duke basketball.  He was an avid golfer and card player.  He enjoyed traveling with Lea, visiting friends and family and yearly vacations at Hilton Head, SC.  He loved a good joke.  He spent many hours supporting his grandchildren on the lacrosse, baseball, and soccer fields and attending musical recitals.  He attended his grandchildren’s High School and College Graduations.  He gave golf lessons and life lessons to them.  He was a man of faith, integrity, wisdom and generosity.  He was greatly loved by his family and friends, and was well regarded in his community, giving his time freely.

Upon his death, he wished to be a “silent educator”.  He is an Honored Ambassador at the Duke University School of Medicine.  He will be cremated following his contributions to medical science, and his ashes will be placed at his birthplace in Preston, MN.

Dick shared “I want you to know, I am grateful for the life I had, for family, friends and colleagues who helped along the way…… I am sincerely thankful”.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation, please consider the following, or a charity of your choice.

Farmville Presbyterian Church, 4138 Grimmersburg Street, Farmville, NC 27828 or Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church, 303 East St. James Street, Tarboro, NC 27886.

A private memorial service will be held.

Online condolences may be made at www.farmvillefh.com.

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