Richard Palma

Richard Palma age 94, passed peacefully from this life into eternity on September 15, 2021 in Carrollton, Texas surrounded by family. He was born on April 3, 1927 in Dallas, Texas to Narciso and Refugia Palma. Richard was raised in Dallas and graduated from Dallas High School before joining the Navy in 1944. He served his country bravely as a Privateer Airplane Ordnance Specialist for 2 years. After the war, he returned home to Texas and later met the love of his life, Virginia Rodriguez in 1949. Richard and Virginia married on January 27,1950 and went on to raise three beautiful children, Ramiro, Lydia and Trini. Richard enjoyed his first career as a Journeyman Signman for Zimmerman Sign Company for over 25 years. After his retirement, he served as a school bus driver for Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD. He found joy in driving and working as a bus monitor for special needs students throughout the district. He would also drive bus routes and field trips that were important to his grandchildren just so he could spend more time with them.

Richard received many awards and accolades throughout his years. He was awarded bus driver of the year from Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD. He was honored numerous times from Primera Iglesia Bautista in Dallas. Richard was also recognized by the Mexican Baptist Convention for his service to Primera while the church was without a pastor. His greatest accomplishment aside from his family was serving as a member of his church. His dedication to Primera Iglesia Bautista never waned and he spent even more time serving after his beloved Virginia died in 2008.

Richard loved going to church with his wife, Virginia and serving the Lord with her. He started each day in God’s word and truly had a passion for scripture and prayer. Richard served as deacon, song leader, and everything in between at Primera Iglesia Bautista. He also enjoyed playing golf with his friends and family. You could often find him fitting in a round of golf in between his morning and afternoon bus routes. He loved spending time with his brothers and sisters as well as his wife’s family. He was happiest sharing a meal with his entire family. Richard and Virginia hosted so many gatherings and parties over the years. They loved taking trips to see their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed seeing national parks, museums, and gardens. Richard also loved documenting all of these trips with his video camera and still camera and enjoyed his role as family historian.

Richard’s family and friends will remember him as the ultimate family man. He was always there for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was the closest example of Jesus to his friends and family. He always pointed those around him to the Lord and selflessly poured out his life to others. He humbly served as a father-figure to those who needed it, giving many children a place to call home during his 94 years. His closest friends became family and his legacy of love is spread all over the country. He was so giving, tenderhearted, gregarious, joyful, hopeful, and most of all, loving. He was there to celebrate with you, cry with you, pray with you, and hold you up when you could not stand on your own. Richard will always be remembered as a man of integrity and eternal hope. He was the most loving partner to Virginia, devoted Father to his children, beloved Lito to his grandchildren and faithful Toto to his great-grandchildren, loving brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Virginia, brother Trino Palma, sister Anita Valencia, father, Narciso Palma and mother Refugia Vela Martinez.

Richard is survived by sister Mary Velez and brother Adam Palma. He is survived by step-son, Ramiro and daughter-in-law Lydia V. Sanchez, daughters Lydia Alvarado and Trini Palma Garza. Richard leaves a legacy of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Grandchildren include Marc A. Alvarado, Denise M. Alvarado, Angela E. and husband Daniel Padilla, Aaron D. and wife Kira Sanchez, and Jessica E. and husband Joshua D. Grammon. Great grandchildren include Aleczandria N. Alvarado, Trevor M. and wife Sherilee Alvarado, Nicolai R. Gomez, Darian W. Gomez, Elias A. Gomez, Zeke R. Gomez. Natalia G. Padilla, Mauricio A. Padilla, Everleigh D.Sanchez, Londynn G. Sanchez and Smith M. Grammon. He also is survived by numerous cousins, nephews and nieces

A memorial service to honor the life and legacy of Richard Palma will be set at a later time this fall. You can find details about the service on the Primera Iglesia Bautista Dallas’ website.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to be made to Primera Iglesia Bautista Dallas in memory of Richard Palma. Primera’s address is 4151 Royal Lane, Dallas, TX 75229