Richard Emmett Thompson

Richard Emmett Thompson
Richard Emmett Thompson

Richard Emmett Thompson, 71, of Amarillo, Texas, peacefully went home to Jesus April 29, 2023. Memorial services for Richard will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 at Hillside Christian Church West chapel at 4:00 p.m. with Bob Attaway and Johnathan Mast officiating.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Richard was born to Lee Otis and Mary Thompson on September 30, 1951, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He spent his childhood scouting, camping, hunting and fishing, becoming a Life Scout at age 15. He was drafted by the US Army in 1970, serving in Savannah, Georgia. Richard was a talented artist and musician. He had a career as a sign painter for over 20 years, working for Donray Sign Company, as well as owning his own company, Thompson Brothers Signs. In 1988, he received his degree in Computer Drafting and Design. He went on to work for Utility Engineering, Zachry Engineering, and Altura Engineering as a Senior Designer until he retired in 2019.

In 1969,  Richard married his high school sweetheart, Kathy. Richard and Kathy had two daughters together, Shelly and Staci, and remained good friends their whole lives. In 1980, Richard met his soulmate, Patty. He married the love of his life in 1983. Together they had 2 children, Sarah and Ryan, and spent 40 beautiful, happy years trying to out-love each other.

At age 46, after the encouragement of his daughter, Shelly, and a Walk to Emmaus, Richard gave his life to Christ. He was very active doing God’s work. Richard was involved in Kairos prison ministries, working as a chaplain assistant at Clements Unit, Youth Center Ministries and helping people battle addiction through Celebrate Recovery. Richard was on the board of elders at Hillside Christian Church for many years and at the time of his death was a campus elder.

For the past 10 years, Richard battled the disease scleroderma. He suffered well, and he never lost sight of God’s purpose for his life. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Jaxon Fielder Griggs, his parents, Lee Otis and Mary Thompson, his parents Danny and Gladys Olivier.

Richard is so loved, and left behind a large family.

Richard is so loved, and left behind a large family. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Thompson; his children: Shelly and Barry Harp, Staci Thompson Reveile, Sarah and Joshua Griggs, and Ryan Thompson; his siblings: Bruce and Marisin Thompson, Greg and Monisa Thompson, Chris Thompson, Terry and Charlie Smith, and Ann and Mark Reedus; his grandchildren: Jordan Allford, Jake Allford, Nate Harp, Samuel Harp, Eli Harp, Collin McCormick, Kobe McCaslin, Kristen Reveile, Karson Reveile, Harper Griggs, Mackenzie Griggs, and Presleigh Frank; and his great-grandchildren: Hudson Washington, Dean Richard McCormick, and Alice McCormick; along with more friends and family than can possibly be listed.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Kairos Prison Ministries Int’l. designated to the Clements Unit or to Hillside Christian Church.

He lived his life with a smile on his face and love in his heart. Well done, good and faithful servant.

 

 

 

 

20 Replies to “Richard Emmett Thompson”

  1. Fly high Richard. I know when my dad was alive he enjoyed serving in the prisons with you.. You have a beautiful family and they will be ok, as they have each other, and that is how you would want it.

  2. Many prayers for his family whom I know he loved very much.
    Richard was one of my first mentors as a young draftsman at Phillips Petroleum, then again at Utility Engineering. He was always such a positive light to be around and I always looked forward to his lighthearted demeanor. So sorry to have missed the service, as I would have definitely attended to honor such a great man.

  3. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Patty. It was always a pleasure to visit a little when we would see you and Richard out and about. May God bless and keep you.

  4. Richard, thank you for always being a good friend and a voice of reason when times got hard. You always knew how to make a tough situation easier to bear. I was blessed to meet your incredibly smart grandson Hudson! He sure is proud of you as I’m sure everyone who was blessed to know you is too. I’ll be praying for your wife, family, and friends. Until we all meet again!

  5. What a legacy of faith and servanthood Richard leaves with us. He was loved by all who knew him, especially many “Brothers in White”. He was an inspiration to us all as he served through the pain with a smile on his face and real joy in his heart. May our Father hold Patty and all the family in His loving arms.

  6. Richard, was a sweet friend and encouragement each and everytime we talked. You will be missed.

  7. Patty- I am
    So so sorry to hear this. Richard was one of the kindest men I’ve known. My dad loved doing Kairos with him! He also made such a sweet impact on Remy’s life. Such a great man with the biggest heart for people.
    Jill Sharp

  8. Patty I will be praying for you and your family during this time of your loss. Richard and I worked for many years at UE and Zachry lots of memories together.

    I love his testimony and know that he is now well and at the right seat of Jesus.

    He is home and doing the Work of the Lord.

    Your Friend James Daniel (Doug)

  9. I was fortunate enough to work with Richard for about 15 years at UE/Zachry Engineering. He was a genuine man of character and a vessel for Christ’s Grace. We had many great conversations where Richard strengthened my faith. He visited my stepmother many times in an Alzheimer’s unit to serve her communion without any request from my dad or I and thereby showed compassion to her. I’m sure I was one of many that Richard blessed as a daily occurrence. Our paths separated for the last five years but I look forward to seeing Richard again in His presence. I’m sorry for his friend’s and family’s grief and pray that God comforts you.

  10. Patty, Sondra and I are lifting you and the family up in prayer daily. Our hearts are broken but our spirits celebrate Richard and his witness! We will see him again! Love you, Ken Cargle

  11. What a great legacy to leave your children and grandchildren!! That loss is still hard though. Praise God for the hope we have in Jesus that he’s in a far better place and you’ll see him again!

    1. So sorry for your loss, Patty. I loved seeing him at CR. He always greeted me with a smile and handshake. His testimonies always encouraged me. Prayers of comfort for the entire family.

  12. Such a good man will forever be in our hearts 💕 Many thoughts and prayers to all the family. I luv u cuz

  13. Thank you Richard for being a wonderful lifelong friend. You are loved and missed. Thank you for helping Frank find God again. Thank you Patty for sharing him with us.

  14. Richard was a wonderful person. He was always very friendly and I will miss him dearly, but I am rejoicing that his is in Heaven and now pain free. My prayers are with the Thompson family and extended family as well.

  15. Loved my brother Richard! He was such a great encouragement to me and faithful attender of our Bible studies at work for many years. He was always bragging on his wife Patty, especially her banana pudding! Richard was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever known and I am so happy that he is now with Jesus!

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