Richard grew up in Oak Cliff, TX and graduated from Sunset High School in 1965. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in combat in Chu Lai Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1972. He attended Mountain View College and had a successful career in Finance and as Purchasing Manager in the steel fabrication industry.
Richard and Laurie fell in love 37 years ago and were inseparable from the start. They loved taking spur-of-the-moment weekend trips that often began with a random point on a map. They loved camping and hiking with their dog Sammy and Florida beaches. Scenic New England and Santa Fe, NM were their favorite vacation sites.
He was an adoring husband and loving father who just wanted everyone to be happy and to get along. He will always be remembered as the kindest and sweetest person who always gave much more than he ever expected for himself. Few people know that he was also a gifted artist and profound poet. His gentle and nurturing nature never faltered, even for the nine years that he was ill. He refused to let it make him irritable, impatient or cranky.
Richard loved God. The most important event in his life was his baptism into the Holy Roman Catholic Church and his sharing in Holy Communion. His ultimate goal in this life was fulfilled at the celebration of his Resurrection Mass.
Richard is survived by his wife, Laurie Lynn Smith and he was blessed in life with and is survived by three beautiful daughters, Ammie Michelle Hauck, Leslie Nicole Hauck and Andrea Belinda Ortiz-Rincon., a son, John-Carlos Ortiz, son-in-law/son, Marcos Julian Rincon and grandchildren, the joys of his life, Damien Guadalupe, Carlos Allan, Daniel Vincent, Gloria Isabelle, Maysen and Ethan Hauck He is preceded in death by his mother Margaret Dull Heryford, father, Merle Lee Heryford and brother, Steven Lee Heryford.
A visitation for Richard will be held Sunday, August 5, 2018 from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Grand Prairie Funeral Home, 733 Dalworth Street, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050.
Rosary service will occur Sunday, August 5, 2018 from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM, 733 Dalworth Street, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050.
Funeral Mass will occur Monday, August 6, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church, 2910 Corn Valley Road, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052.
Serving as pallbearers are Marcos Rincon, Damien Rincon, Carlos Allan Ortiz, Marty Arriaga, Gary Garza, Shirl Smith and Catherine Richie.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Heryford family.
