John Richard “Rich” Bozeman, 50, was born February 2, 1970 in Avon Park, Florida to James and Rebecca Bozeman. He entered the gates of heaven on December 24, 2020. Rich grew up in Sebring where he attended Fred Wild Elementary, Sebring Middle and Sebring High. He also attended SFSC and Troy University in Troy, Alabama. Rich returned to Highlands County and was the PE teacher at Fred Wild for 27 years until his illness no longer allowed him to work. He taught numerous children and adults to swim at the high school pool and spent many summers lifeguarding. He also coached volleyball. Rich loved Star Wars, volleyball, and Disney World. He was a kid at heart and enjoyed all the latest technology and gadgets. He was known to many as Coach Boze. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Rich was preceded in death by his mother Becky Gercken Bozeman. He is survived by his father, James Bozeman of Sebring; sister Jennifer Wirick (Darryl) of Lake Placid; nephews Jake, Luke and Kale of Lake Placid; cousins who were like a sister and brother, Erin Gercken of Windermere and Stephen Gercken of Winter Park; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. A celebration of life will be held at his sister and brother in law Jennifer and Darryl’s house on January 9, 2021 at 2:00. Please wear Star Wars or volleyball themed attire to honor Rich. There will be a BBQ and a volleyball net. Anyone that wishes to speak or tell a story about Rich is welcomed to. The address is: 808 Apthorp Ave., Lake Placid. In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the PE department at Fred Wild Elementary in Rich’s name to buy equipment, 3550 Youth Care Lane, Sebring, Florida 33870. Cremation was through Apostle 1 Funeral Home, 2403 14th Street W, Bradenton, Florida 34205, under the loving care of former SFSC Alumni C/O 92 Lavelle Bing.
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