SMSgt Richard Alexander Mallory, USAF (Ret.)

Richard Alexander Mallory, 72 of Austin, Texas was called home to his savior on Sunday, August 12, 2012. Richard was born on December 27, 1939 in Seabrook, Texas to Felix Porter Mallory and Laura Gertrude Bishop.

Richard went to high school in El Paso, Texas at Ysleta High School where he was a standout basketball player and once held the high school record for most points scored in a single game. After graduating high school he went on to play college basketball in Oklahoma.

Richard spent 22 years in the United States Air Force as a meteorologist, traveling the world. His career was long and distinguished culminating in his appointment as the Detachment Chief of Meteorology for the United States Air Force Academy in Denver Colorado. At the time of his appointment he was one of only 13 enlisted men ever to have to been appointed to such a position.

Upon his retirement in 1983 Richard returned to Austin and attended Southwest Texas State University where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Business. Upon graduation he worked for the Travis Central Appraisal District until leaving to go into business for himself as a property tax consultant.

In 2000 he met and married Deborah Benoit, who he said was his angel and completed his life. They enjoyed many years living in Toledo Bend, La and working at Fort Polk training soldiers for duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. They spent the last few years traveling the country in their RV.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Amber Mallory, grandson, Jacob Willis, sisters, Iva Lou and Margaret Marie Mallory, brother, Robert Elton Mallory and niece, Carmen Bell.

Richard will be sadly missed by his loving wife Deborah Kay, daughters, Angela Magallan and husband, Fabian, Laura Willis and husband Gregg, Trish Barcomb and husband, Marc Jimenez , Beth Guillory and husband Angelo; grandchildren Bryan and Brandon Lassister, Aerin Mires and husband, Jodi, Mallory and Matthew Willis, Fabian Magallan, Noah Jimenez, Danny Magallan, Christian Guillory, Olivia Jimenez, Angelo Guillory and Hendrix Jimenez, great-granddaughters Sadie and Nova-Lynn great-grandsons Bayne and Gunner Mires, brother Charles Mallory and wife, Irene, sisters Felicia Bell and husband, Herman and Barbara Phillipus and husband, Marvin; other relatives and a host of friends.

The family will receive friends at 12:00 noon, followed by memorial services at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 17, 2012 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.