Richard Ewing Cartwright joyfully departed from us on March 12, 2018. He will be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-uncle. Richard was a deeply faithful man, and openly shared his affection for his Savior Jesus Christ.
Richard was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on February 2, 1953 to Bill and Virginia Cartwright. Always a faithful son to the great state of Tennessee, Richard was blessed with experiencing the breadth of the American experience. He lived Oneida, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri and finally settled in Texas.
Richard is survived by his wife of 37 years Phyllis and sons William Benjamin, Matthew Ewing and Andrew Richard Cartwright; and granddaughter Madalyn Grace. He loved each with equal passion and commitment.
Richard was fortunate to have a large family and is survived by his brother Robert Cartwright and family Marie, Kevin, Eliza and Cullen; and his sister Connie Kurek and family Ralph and Raymond. His eldest sister Anne Vannoy who has passed away, her husband David and daughters Christy and Allison. He remained close with all his siblings and their families as they served as a connection to his past and present.
Richard met his future wife and soulmate Phyllis in Nacogdoches while both were attending SFA. A fateful car accident brought the two together, and they never parted. They were wed at Miller’s Crossing on March 22, 1980 in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Richard met the last love of his life when his first grandchild Madalyn Grace Cartwright was born. Richard and Phyllis always wanted a little girl, and got the best of both worlds when she was born. Some of his last thoughts and words were to her.
Richard kept many close lifelong friends who will serve as honorary pallbearers Joel Spellings, Jim Craze, Guy Richardson, Dave Richardson, and Clark Springfield.
Richard was a man that enjoyed life. He knew that each day was a blessing, and that you weren’t guaranteed tomorrow. Richard created some of the richest fullest stories told. It was his gift to paint pictures with words, and create a moment in time in his audience’s mind.
Richard will rest eternally in his two favorite places in the world Kauai, Hawaii and the Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. It was his one last gift to this family for an opportunity at adventure.
Richard’s family will be receiving friends and family from 6-8 pm at Lloyd James Funeral Home 1011 East First St. Tyler Friday March 16. Followed by a celebration memorial of his life on Saturday March 17 at 3pm at Grace Community Church 3215 Old Jacksonville Hwy.
Memorials may be made to Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital, St. Jude’s Children Hospital or the Kidney Foundation. Flowers and condolences may be sent to Lloyd James Funeral Home.
“Uva Uvam Vivendo Varia Fit” - Cpt. Augustus McCray, Texas Rangers
