Richard William Awtrey, Sr.

Richard William Awtrey, Sr was born on November 11, 1941 in Gilbert, AR and died on January 30, 2022 at the age of 80 in Baton Rouge, LA. He is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Linda Meredith Awtrey; children Dr. Richard William Awtrey, Jr. of New Orleans, LA, Meredith Awtrey Ritter (Allen) of Monroe, LA, and Susan Awtrey Seffens (Larry) of West Monroe, LA; grandchildren Hannah Seffens Martin (Geoff) of Ruston, LA, Sarah Grace Ritter and William Reid Ritter of Monroe, LA; great granddaughter Piper June Martin of Ruston, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace Elwood Awtrey and Hilda Mainer Awtrey; brother, Wayne Awtrey; infant daughter; and great grandson, Sawyer Maverick Romero. When Richard was two years old, his mother was tragically killed in a car accident. Raised without a mother by a single father in the 1950’s, he learned through struggle the importance of family. His undying love and adoration to those he held close will always be remembered. Well known throughout the area, Richard never came across a stranger. His kind demeanor and warm smile drew people in far and wide. He had the rare gift of making everyone feel not only important, but special. He was the consummate southern story teller. He had the uncanny ability of combining a quick, often stinging wit with a dry sense of humor which always allowed a good laugh. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, February 12th at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Monroe, LA at 11 AM with visitation starting at 10 AM. Officiating will be Reverend Robert Burgess and Reverend R.B. Moore. Private family interment will precede visitation. The family would like to thank his treatment team at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, especially Dr. Needa Somaiah and Dr. Barry Feig, who along with Dr. Kellie Schmeeckle at the Mary Bird Cancer Center in Baton Rouge provided him the care and comfort throughout all phases of his illness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the GIST Cancer Research Fund.