Richard James Shilling, 89, a long time resident of Crossville, TN, died unexpectedly of natural causes on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Cumberland County Medical Center. He was born August 9th, 1931 in Meadville, PA, the son of John Hugh and Ruth Arvilla (Stainbrook). Dick was a graduate of Meadville High School. Following graduation, and during the Korean War conflict, he served with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard while stationed in Germany. He was attached to the 112th Infantry Regiment, heavy mortar. He received an honorable discharge and was awarded the German Occupation and Good Conduct medals. Prior to his military service, Dick was wedded to Polly Ann Shilling (Etheridge) for 35 years; they were blessed with 4 children. He later married Mary Louise Kidd (Hoffman); they celebrated 33 years together on February 14th as husband and wife. Joining in the family construction business at an early age, Shilling became the president of his own commercial venture, Meadville Remodeling. Learning to fly in 1958, he then sold the business and followed his dream to become an aviator. He earned all of his ratings including his Airline Transport Rating and flew professionally for many years. He became the president of Skyline Aviation, and then Erie Airways. Shilling served on the Pennsylvania Board of Aviation, and was also a board advisor to the aviation fuel producer Triton Energy Group. He was passionate of all things aviation. Born and raised in rural Pennsylvania in a loving home, he moved to Crossville, TN 22 years ago where he was an avid civic leader. He and Mary were deeply involved in the Cumberland County Playhouse. Shilling served on the Board of Directors for the local Council of Churches, twice as Chairman. He was involved in the numerous activities at the Crossville Flying Association and assisted in the production of several local airshows. He was a lifelong member of the Order of Free and Accepted Masons.
In addition to his parents, his brother Jack, his infant sister Shirley and stepson Jeff predeceased Shilling.
Surviving in addition to his wife Mary Louise of Crossville, TN, and his former wife Polly Ann Murray of Easley, SC, are his two remaining brothers, Daniel Shilling of Conneaut Lake, PA and Ronald Shilling of Charlotte, NC, his three daughters, Cindy Polliard of Charleston, SC, Susan Allen of Landrum, SC, and Sally Castle of Easley, SC, and his son, James Shilling, of Bradenton, FL. Also surviving are his stepchildren, Karen Todak of Anaheim, CA, Sara Beach of San Diego, CA, Ellen Kidd of Meadville, PA, and Todd Kidd of Linesville, PA, and many loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
His body was cremated Wednesday, December 30th.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on June 19, 2021, at Christ Lutheran Church in Fairfield Glade where he will he interned.
He hunted, fished, and golfed, he traveled the world, he lived life, he loved, and he flew. He was a kind, gentle, patient teacher and will be sadly missed by all those who knew him. Those who wish to remember Dick in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Cumberland County Playhouse, 221 Tennessee Avenue, Crossville, TN 38555.