Richard Jernagin

Richard Jernagin was born on June 8, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Irene Mary Coleman and Nathaniel “Pee Wee” Jernagin. Raised primarily by his grandparents during his early childhood, Richard’s years in St. Louis, though short-lived, left a lasting impression. He formed lifelong friendships and carried a deep love for his birthplace throughout his life.

As a pre-teen, Richard relocated to California to reunite with his mother following the birth of his baby sister, Carol Turner. He enrolled at Louis Pasteur Junior High School, where he met the love of his life – a Jewish girl named Carole Samuels. Despite the societal challenges of being in an interracial relationship during that era, their love endured. They went on to attend Hamilton High School together, although Richard, known for being a bit strong-willed, would eventually attend several high schools throughout Los Angeles without receiving’s diploma at that time.

At 17, Richard was sent to serve in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed primarily in Korea. Upon his return, he married Carole, and together they welcomed their first daughter, Lisa, followed by their second daughter, Tracy. Later, Stephanie joined the family as daughter number three – although she was the second oldest.

As a dedicated family man, Richard took on several jobs to support his loved ones. He worked for a fire extinguisher company and a beer brewery (possibly Anheuser-Busch), but eventually realized he wanted more out of life. He returned. to school, earning not only his high school diploma but also an Associate’s Degree from West Los Angeles College.

Richard went on to thrive in the tourism industry, beginning a long career with Gray Line Bus Tours. His love of conversation – whether he was cracking jokes, sharing wisdom, or giving tough love – made him a natural in the role. He formed deep connections with people from all over the world, many of whom became lifelong friends. One of his favorite stories was that he was the only bus driver to ever crash into a Disneyland ticket booth a moment that made the newspapers and made him laugh every time he told it.

During his years at Gray Line, Richard met Debbie LaJoie, the mother of his youngest daughter, Haylee Marie. The two remained lifelong friends and successfully co-parented Haylee with love and unity.

Later in life, Richard joined the City of Los Angeles as a Refuse Collection Truck Operator, working there for ten years. Despite working in waste management, Richard was anything but ordinary – he had a taste for the finer things. He flashy cars with personalized plates, fine shoes (rarely ever in sneakers), and stylish suits. He always dressed to impress – even just for Sunday breakfast.

Two of his favorite breakfast spots were Tal’s on Florence – where he had his own iced tea cup with his name on it – and Pann’s, where everyone from staff to patrons greeted him like family. It was his own real-life version of Cheers a place “where everybody knows your name.”

After retiring from the city, and with two bad knees, Richard returned to what he did best – talking! He worked with Tour Coach, where he continued to do Vegas turnarounds and other tours, making even more friends with every trip.

By 2025, Richard was immensely proud of achieving 45 years of sobriety, always carrying his sobriety chip with him. He had accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior early in life and was a devoted member of several churches throughout the years. He served as a Deacon, was known as Brother Jernagin, Reverend to some, and the Church Van Driver to many always offering rides to the elderly or anyone in need of transportation.

Richard’s faith was unwavering. His home was filled with Bible verses written on scraps of paper. He prayed fervently for those he loved and was known as a spiritual pillar to many in the community.

He was a father figure to countless people whether related by blood or love. Known affectionately as Unc, Brother, Grandpa, or simply Dad, Richard never missed a birthday, a graduation, or a wedding. He was present – fully and joyfully.

Later in life, he was given the nickname “Watchman” by his DreamNation family. He became known for gifting personalized watches to those he cherished – a symbol of his generosity and thoughtfulness.

Richard had the rare gift of making everyone feel like they were “the one.” And truthfully, he meant it. His love, laughter, wisdom, and larger-than-life presence will leave a lasting impact on everyone he touched.

Richard spent his final days surrounded by close friends and his loving family – just the way he lived: with love, connection, and joy.

He leaves behind a family that will forever cherish his memory his uncle Richard Coleman Sr. That was more like a brother His sister Carol Turner, his Daughters Lisa and Tracy Jernagin, Stephanie Roger’s, Bonus daughters Kellie and Casey Styles, his grand children Ryan, Branden, Faiza, and Chyanne McFarlane. Granddaughters Ebie Wright, Chloe, Sydney & Chris Littlejohn, Samantha LaSane and Kaysen Williams. He also leaves his Cousins Shellee and Richard Coleman, Tony Brown and a host of other children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews!