Ric was born June 8, 1945 in Lubbock, Texas to Henry Glen Akard and Montez Holmes. He attended Lubbock public schools and graduated from Lubbock High. He attended Texas Tech University shortly before entering the Army in 1966 where he was stationed in Germany in the heavy armor tank division and later at Fort Hood before his honorable discharge as a Sergeant E5.
He worked as a printer for many years in local print shops and finally as shop foreman at Tech Press on the Texas Tech campus. He eventually opened his own color specialty print shop, Master Multicolor Lithographers. When he retired from printing, he opened the RC Model Shop where he enjoyed the RC hobbies he had been involved in his entire life.
Ric was quite the inventor and innovator developing many useful tools. He loved working on any kind of engine be it cars, airplanes, motorcycles or even lawnmowers. All his life he was an avid motorcycle rider and for almost 40 years rode with his wife to Wyoming and Sturgis rallies on custom built motorcycles and trikes. He was a charter member of the American Trike Association and was very active in the association for over 40 years.
More than anything, he loved his family and pets. He met his wife, Becky, in 1973 and they married in 1978. He was devoted to her and always put her needs before his own. He was very proud of his son and daughter-in-law and loved every aspect of being a grandfather. He never met any kind of animal that he didn’t love and give care to. They were constant, loving companions in life.
Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Akard, his mother, Montez Ray, a son, Chass Akard and his wife Marci Akard of Lubbock, three grandchildren, Christian Akard, Sean Akard, and Lauren Akard and former wife, Ruth Ann Wright. There are numerous cousins surviving as well. Preceding him in death include his father, Henry Glen Akard, his beloved step-father, Charlie Ray, and brother Rodney Akard.
The family suggests memorials to the Lollipop Kennels, The Haven, and Meals on Wheels.
Online condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.
