Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Rick Race

Oct 7th, 1952 - Mar 27th, 2017

   Richard “Rick” Race, age 64, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Monday, March 27, 2017, at his home.

   Rick was born October 7, 1952, in the Moline Public Hospital, the son of Gerald Dean Race and Virginia Joyce (Byrd) Race Tope.  He married Tara (Traub) McKnelly on October 6, 1984.  Rick graduated United Township High School in 1970 and served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a drill sergeant.  He was baptized in the Methodist faith at Clover Chapel in Woodhull.  Rick had worked for Spartons and Minwax, had operated a body shop in the past, and retired from East End Liquors, where he was a partner.  He loved outdoor sports, camping, fishing, boating with friends and family, going to drag races, and boating races.  He especially enjoyed mushroom hunting.  Some of Rick’s most enjoyable moments were spending time at the farm gardening and being with his grandkids.  He always had a joke to tell you and loved teasing everyone.

   Rick is survived by his wife: Tara Race of Louisville; 2 sons: Richard Raymond Race Jr. of Independence, MO, and Lucas Paul McKnelly (wife Brittany) of Louisville; 7 grandchildren: Harley (Logan) Hilderbrand, Brittany McKnelly, Jada McKnelly, Gracin McKnelly, Garrett McKnelly, Kyle Race, and Katelyn Race; 1 great-grandson, Kasen Hilderbrand, on the way; 1 brother: Gerald Dean Race (partner Vickie) of Moline; 1 sister: Holly (Race) Crawford of Moline; along with many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and a son: Shad McKnelly.

   A funeral service for Rick Race will be 4 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home, Flora, with visitation from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.  Military honors will be presented at the conclusion of the service at the funeral home.  Memorial donations may be given to the family to assist with medical expenses or to Clay County Hospice and these will be accepted through the funeral home.