Richard "Rick" Clifford Elson

Richard (Rick) Clifford Elson, 62, of Yulee, returned home to our lord and savior while surrounded by his family on January 1, 2023.

He was born in Miami, FL to Richard and Emma Jane on December 19, 1960. He was the youngest of four kids. He spent a great deal of his childhood here in Yulee with his Aunt and cousins. The Groovers loved him dearly and took him in as one of their own. As a child he loved to fish, pick up and play with fiddler crabs, play on the riverbanks, and enjoy the outdoors with his cousins. Once he was able, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as Security Forces. The military brought him to Hill AFB, UT where he eventually met his wife Denise (Peterson) Mahaffey. Although not married for long, they were blessed with five children that he adored. He never remarried.

After serving in the USAF, he spent his life working with his hands and mind as a Field Engineer diagnosing and repairing complex office and industrial equipment. When not working and providing for his family he spent his life in the service of others. He will be remembered for many things, but above all he was absolutely compassionate of others. He loved family, hated Utah, and eventually returned to Florida where he built the home he always wanted and soon retired. He and his dog Beauty enjoyed nature, the beach, and relaxing. While retired he enjoyed feeding the wildlife in his backyard, barbequing, tinkering in his garage, and visiting all area restaurants where he loved to try new foods. Rick had a great love for his grandchildren: Bailee and Liam Elson, Gavin and Bannen Stripling, Emma and Penelope Korth, and Gaige and Adeline Elson. He was lucky enough to have his daughter marry a great man whom he thought of as his own (Cliff).

We as a family collective wish to thank all the many caregivers that our father had along the way that helped him with his transitions. The generosity and kindness that us children have felt from everyone has been appreciated and we are humbled by the love we have felt from those that have loved him.

He is survived by his sisters: Mary (Mike) Roberts, Stormy Nelson; His brother Skip (Grace) Harrison; His four children: William Elson, Bambi (Benjamin) Korth, Ryan Elson, and Amber (Clifford) Stripling.

He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, Richard and Emma Jane Elson; Sister, Margaret Ida Puhl; Daughter, Jessica Loraine Elson.