Richard Donald Parker, age 78, of Waxahachie, Texas, was taken to his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 15th, in Italy, Texas. He was brought into this life on July 18th, 1948, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Clint and Jessel Parker. He was raised along the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains in Lodi, Arkansas, and attended school in the bustling metropolis of Langley, Arkansas, population…about 15.

Richard was a pastor for 20 years and a Sunday school teacher for another 20 years. In his early years, he was a science teacher. (Apparently, he was a favorite teacher of the school... possibly because he rarely gave tests.) He was also a successful business owner for much of his life.

On May 14th, 1971, Richard married Sally Anne Howell. They were married for more than 55 years.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sally Parker; his son, Richard J. Parker; his daughters, Rebekah Mathers and Rana Ramirez; and his grandchildren, Taylor Mathers, Noah Ramirez, Haylee Mathers, Gavin Ramirez, Cole Parker and Olivia Ramirez.

Richard didn’t know a stranger. He was personable, kind, extremely giving, loving, helpful, endearing and full of life. As a child, he loved the outdoors. As an adult, he loved A/C. He loved hunting and, later in life, became an expert squirrel wrangler.

He loved all of his grandchildren with abandon and was always incredibly proud of their accomplishments in life. He loved hearing about what they were doing, celebrating their successes, and telling more than a few people about them along the way.

Much like his father Clint, he loved visiting friends and family, telling stories and sharing the past.

Richard will be remembered most for the lives he touched and the many people he led to Christ throughout his ministry and his time on this earth. He is now at home with the One he spent his life serving, his heavenly Father.