Richard Ridgell Mc Gaughy

Mr. McGaughy was a Kleberg, Texas boy at heart. He was the youngest grandchild to the late Doctor J. William Ridgell, which was one of the early pioneering families of Kleberg, Texas.

Dick was a man with an amazing sense of humor who enjoyed teasing his loved ones. Even though he suffered from dementia in his final years, his joy and humor remained to the very end.

Dick was a wonderful Papa to his 8 grandchildren; Grace Lundberg-Smith (Will), Richard Lundberg, Mathew William Ridgell Konkler, Chloe Faith Konkler, Jaeden McGaughy, Charis McGaughy, Liam McGaughy, and the baby of the family, Addie McGaughy. He loved having his grandchildren at his home for long visits. He equally enjoyed sending them back to their own homes. He adored them, but he treasured the quiet company of his wife of 58 years.

Dick was known by his neighbors as having an immaculate yard as well as an easygoing personality. His friends and colleagues knew him as the life of the party, storyteller, faithful friend, man of integrity and character. His family knew him to be a faithful and loving husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and papa. He was a man who would give you the shirt off his back. He was truly a man without guile.

Mr. McGaughy started Ranger Metals and Tubes in Longview Texas in the early 80s. His children and wife all worked for him at times. He was also known to fire and rehire them on occasion. His employees have fond memories of the pranks and laughter throughout the years at Ranger. Dick was a wonderful boss, who deeply loved and cared for all of his staff.

Dick was a member of the Longview Kiwanis club for decades, holding the position of President for a time. He looked forward to his yearly Christmas party which was an event held for the local MHMR. Every year Santa attended and brought presents and immense joy to adults with intellectual disabilities. If you were at his home in early December you would see a mountain of gifts stacked on his pool table for these remarkable folks.

Dick was a gifted athlete. He played quarterback for the Seagoville High School class of ‘59...go Dragons! His favorite receiver and friend, Don Sorells, remained his best friend until the very end of Dick’s life. Mr. McGaughy went on to play quarterback in college but missed his momma so much that he moved back home to Kleberg.

He had a life-long love affair with golf. His wife Linda often lovingly referred to Pine Crest Country Club as his second home/wife. His family would frequently call him during the workweek and hear the sound of strong winds whipping on his end of the phone, indicating that they had caught him playing hooky at the golf course.

Mr. McGaugy and his wife had a knack for building community wherever they were in life. The memory care community he found himself in the last two years was no exception. They may have had less time with him but they were no less important. He at one point told his caretaker, Barbara, that he wanted to be called, Richard instead of Dick because he was “fancy.” So, that is what everyone called him at Franklin Park Memory Care.

Dick has been reunited with his beloved Papa, Doctor J. William “Doc” Ridgell, his Mimi, Lola Ridgell, his best friend and mother Agnes McGaughy, father Jack McGaughy, grandson Joshua Lundberg, his faithful grandmother McGaughy, and his precious nephew, Keith Kanaman. He is also preceded in death by his loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and cousin William “Bill” Ridgell.

He leaves behind, his beloved wife, Linda Sue, and his children; John McGaughy and wife Jeanie, daughter Julie McGaughy-Campbell and her husband Jon, and his youngest, Leslie Gill and her husband Chad. He is survived by his wonderful brothers-in-law, Buzz Moore, Billy Blessing, Ron Allen and sisters-in-law Donna Allen VanWinkle, Patty Rowland, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Dick leaves behind both of his siblings. His big brother Jack Rowland of Godly, Texas was like a father to him. As an AG teacher of 40 years, Jack took Dick everywhere for 4H; teaching him and disciplining him along the way. He leaves behind his sister Nancy Kanaman of Campbell, Texas, who was a built-in best friend and playmate. Dick lovingly teased his sister for the past 81 years.

The family would like to thank his caregivers and nurses for taking such good care of him. Thanks especially to Barbara, Cindy, Tai, Chris, and Billie.

Finally, his family suggests in honor of Dick that you go have lunch with someone in a long-term healthcare facility. Embrace and get to know someone with cognitive/intellectual disabilities. And in the words he spoke before ending every phone call to his most ornery child, Leslie, “Be Nice.”

Services will be held Thursday, October 21 at Roselawn Funeral Home In Seagoville, TX. Burial to follow at family cemetery by the old family home in Kleberg, TX.