Obituaries

Richard Lawrence Fooks

July 9, 1979 - May 20, 2026

A memorial service will be held at a future date. To help Samantha and Richie navigate this unexpected tragedy and upcoming expenses, a GoFundMe page has been established in Richard’s honor at https://gofund.me/6b5dec28d

Richard Lawrence Fooks, 46, of Fort Myers, Florida, originally from Pennsville, NJ, passed away suddenly on May 20, 2026, with his wife, Samantha, by his side. Born on July 9, 1979, in Vineland, New Jersey, he was the beloved son of the late Richard A. Fooks and survived by his mother Karen G. Prigger (Richter) and stepfather John “Jack” E. Prigger, Jr.

Richard worked in construction and building maintenance. He lived a vibrant life full of passion and deep love for his family and friends. Rich was known for his sharp sense of humor and always enjoyed making people laugh. He deeply cared for his loved ones and had a kind heart. He found solace and peace in nature and enjoyed the beach and listening to music, which he firmly believed was medicine for the soul. Rich was a dedicated family man, and a man of deep faith. His baseline of strength came from his belief in the Lord.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Samantha Fooks (Martinez); his children, Emma Lynn Fooks and Richard “Richie” Lawrence Fooks Jr.; his sisters, Elisha Donelson (Fooks) and Jessica Mathis (Fooks), step-siblings Tara Patterson (Prigger), Jayson Prigger, and the late Jaclyne Prigger, his niece Alyssa Barra (Fisher), nephews Jacob Byrne, Kasen Mathis, and Gary Donelson III, and great-nephew Xavier Barra; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard A. Fooks.