Gist, Richard C. "Rich", 65, of Brandon, passed away Monday 27 July 2015 after a short battle with cancer. Rich is survived by his wife Pamela and son Jonathan. Rich is also survived by two sisters; Patti McNeace and Carla Elliott. Rich retired as a MSGT from the U.S. Air Force after 23 years of honorable service. He then continued to serve for the next 16 years as a government civilian at USCENTCOM. Rich was an avid and accomplished golfer and spent many of his happiest times on the course. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the "First Tee" at "donate.thefirsttee.org." A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2015 at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home in Riverview