Richard E Gramm

Richard E Gramm (The Man, The Myth, The Legend--and occasionally, Santa Clause)

The year was 1958, Buddy Holly’s “Peggy Sue” was topping the charts. On the 17th of that December, Richard Earle Gramm was born, ready to bring laughter to the masses and hang 10 on every wave this ocean of life brought his way.

Rick was born to Millie Ann Hines and Richard Eugene Prewitt in Inglewood, California, and later adopted by Frederick “Bill” Gramm, who shaped him into the man we all love and cherished. Being the only son and baby brother to three older sisters, Sue, Cindy, and Judy, there is no wonder there are so many pictures of young Rick playing dress up. From cowboy to chef, he was born to entertain.

Rick’s teenage years were a blur, even to him, as he lived those days embodying a blend of his favorite movies “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Dazed and Confused.” The time came and he said, “Alright, alright, alright time to enlist in the United States Navy.” There he discovered the power of camaraderie in his fellow brothers in uniform. He later switched branches, joining the United States Air Force, where he eventually honorably retired as a Staff Sergeant. He was a patriot and proud to have served his country.

After the military, he resettled in Riverside, California, where he worked as a bus driver while putting himself through college to specialize in water treatment. With the comfort of his furry friend, Harry, he continued his career at the plant, but his calling and passion was providing a safe place for lost children through his job as a bus driver. He found joy in being able to connect with and be a part of the development of disabled and troubled youth throughout all communities.

His family life began when a ball crossed his fence and he heard a little voice call “Ricky.” He had, unknowingly, just met his first son, Justin. He married Rose, and shortly after, his first daughter, Sandra, was born. Just when they thought they were done, along came his bug-eyed beauty and final daughter, Nancy. The family never felt quite whole, though. Then, the same son that threw the ball brought his final son into his life in the form of Greg, who he adopted and loved as his own, the same way his father did before him.

With the family now complete, Rick chose Idaho as their home for retirement. He loved the fresh air, snow, and especially the gun laws. He enjoyed cowboy western shooting competitions and riding his favorite horse, Penny. The first few years you never caught him without a cowboy hat, and he never missed a local rodeo. He chaperoned every field trip, and never missed a band practice or show. His greatest retirement achievement was being promoted to Gpa.

Widowed in 2016, he shifted gears, got a Harley, and found freedom and direction on the open road where he found his second calling in the Harley Owners Group “HOG.” That choice led him to the love of his life, a woman who would share all his passions and joys, Lisa Sue Fox “Gma.” All while opening his eyes to life’s great adventures. This great love did not come without sacrifice...we all lost a great beard that day. Together, they traveled the United States on Harleys. From California to Florida, back to Idaho, just to relax and plan other adventures. They were very active in their retirement community where he served as the life of every party. Down there, you never knew what he would show up in. Might be an afro, a bushy, red leprechaun beard, or returning to the old west, like young cowboy Rick.

Rick was loved by many. Before the end of his journey, he had his family reunited, all in one place. He got to see all his greatest sacrifices pay off as he was surrounded by those he loved the most. From being silly with the grandkids, hitting the dance floor with Lisa, to making sure everyone made it home safe, he made sure to make time for everyone. Whether you call him Rick, Gpa, Dad, Uncle Rick, PK, Ricky, Pretty Ricky, he brought warmth and humor into our lives. He lived to bring people together, and on October 5, 2025, he was reunited with his fathers before him and Rose. Every time you hear thunder rolling through the clouds, know it is Rick, revving his Harley with that unforgettable smile across his face.