Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at the Willie L. Shaw Jr. Memorial Chapel.  Visitation will be 30 minutes prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.  Richard Debose was born on November 28, 1961, in New Hanover County.  He was educated in the New Hanover County School system.  Richard was a man of courage, so strong and brave.  He was known by many and was always trying to support those he loved.  He enjoyed being outdoors, especially during the summer months.  He had become an avid traveler, his favorite place was Miami, Florida or anywhere near the beach.  He would always be amazed by the different climates and cultures.  He was a good father and always tried to show up for them.  He made sure they knew the family.  He was so proud and amazed at their modern ways and funny personalities.  Richard was a great support system, full of ideas and always ready to push you to go further.  He would promote, advertise, and "definitely" help you gain clientele.  He was a "Go Getter" and could sell anything.  Richard would make time to show love by stopping by, making a quick phone call, or just coming to share a pizza.  Richard loved watching documentaries, CSI, and sports.  He would spend hours reminiscing about past life experiences, and his best stories were of the times he spent growing up with his sibling and pretending to be a wrestling star.  Richard was so full of jokes and loved to see you laugh.  It wasn't a hot number he couldn't catch or put together.  Richard was a natural protector and could bounce back from anything.  You could often find Richard in his alone time worshipping God, while listening to the Williams Brother's or Canton Spirituals.  He was a gentle giant under his tough exterior. Richard was preceded in death by his parent James and Doris Debose, sisters Gwen Brown and Jannie Rita Debose. His memory will remain in the hearts of his wife Davida Debose, children Shavonne and Shanitta Simpson, Richard Debose, Jr., Dionna Debose and Rihanna Barnett; brother the Reverend James Johnson (Pam); sisters, Josephine Hankins (Teddy), Gloria McDuffie (James), Linda Lee (James), Wanda Stuckey (Bruce), Minister Robin Gore (Mike); grandchildren, Keyaon, Jaquarious and Ja'Ziah; three aunts, Geraldine Callands (Herman), Linda Cobia and Miriam Johnson; one uncle Shawn Johnson; godfather Richard Simpson.  Close friends, Tony Anderson, Tom Doughty, Rick Doughty, Dray, Fox, Ralph McNeil, Rev. Michael Nixon, Jonathan Baldwin, Jimmy, and Ms. Audrey Tyson.  A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and associates.