Richard "Dicky" Gafford
Richard “Dicky” Gafford was born in Beaumont, Texas at St. Theresa’s Hospital in 1941. On September 6, it was written in stone that he would share his life with us for 79 years. Olevia Lorraine Hebert Gafford and James Leland Gafford raised him in addition to his other siblings Jimmy, Sandy, and Patricia. Over time, Dicky became driven by his faith in the Lord, as well as values that led him to be a generous husband, father, and grandfather. His work ethic and dedication to his jobs were second to none, while always conducting himself with a smile and can- do attitude.
As a child, Dicky learned about faith, family and love of country. Attending Assumption Church in Beaumont weekly, Richard Gafford learned the value of faith. He was always with family, friends, or both. Dicky was raised to put his hand over his heart, stand for our National Anthem, and show appreciation for the country he called home.
At 12 years old, he began to work on Don Russel’s farm, where he learned the passion of putting in a hard day’s work and the value of it. He worked with animals and learned how fun and dangerous that could be. In doing so he became motivated to join his high school’s FFA program. Dicky also learned a passion for music, cars, and most importantly his wife- to- be, Patricia Montgomery.
Richard Gafford graduated from South Park High School in 1959 and enlisted in the Army with a passion to serve his country. He served in the Army Reserves for 5 years, achieving Staff Sergeant status. For the next 5 consecutive years, Dicky worked days for Melvin Long Plumbing, while attending night school to finally earn his plumbing apprenticeship from the Lamar College of Technology.
Dicky began his adult family life with his bride Patricia on November 5, 1966. His love for family evolved as he fathered a marine named Chris, and an athlete named Cory. His constant positive presence and willingness to help was transcending. Every day his boys were greeted with great enthusiasm, and they knew they were loved at the beginning of every day. More importantly, Dicky modeled on how to treat a wife. Richard Gafford was also a member of the Parrish Council of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, assisting in numerous church needs. In addition to serving the church, he served the local youth. Dicky coached multiple athletic teams, his favorite being baseball, and made an impression on many young men. To play hard, with enthusiasm, and to compete for your teammates are a few of the character traits he instilled in his players.
Richard Gafford was a plumber and contractor for over 30 years before working in the battery industry, and finally enjoyed numerous years at Henry Homberg Golf Course. His passion for being part of something larger than himself was contagious over his life. He was always willing to help and took pride in doing so with a smile, and this affected others he was around.
Dicky was blessed with two grandchildren, Caleb and Ashlyn. His attendance at their numerous sporting events was paramount to him, and he supported their multi- sport activities.
The loves of his life were his two boys, his grandson and granddaughter, his daughter- in- law, but ultimately his loving wife. A tiny woman with a huge smile, and an even larger heart, from Vinton, Louisiana.
Survivors of Dicky include his wife of 58 years, Patricia Montgomery Gafford; son, Cory Matthew Gafford and his wife Annette; grandson, Caleb Christopher Gafford; granddaughter, Ashlyn Nicole Gafford; sisters, Sandy Harville and her husband, Bobby and Pat Coldewey; brother, Jimmy Gafford and his wife, Karen; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Christopher Todd Gafford; nephew, Mike Harville; and brother-in-law, Leon Coldewey.
A Christian Vigil for Mr. Gafford will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a gathering of his family and friends until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 7, 2021, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A burial of his cremated body will be held, with military honors, at 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 8, 2021, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Gafford’s memory to St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77702.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov.
- 2715 calder beaumont tx 77704
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955 pine st beaumont tx 77703
Burial of Cremated Body
Burial of Cremated Body
- 4955 pine street beaumont tx 77703
- 01/08/2021
- 3:00 pm
Gathering of Family and Friends
Gathering of Family and Friends
- 2000 mcfaddin avenue beaumont tx 77701
- 01/07/2021
- 11:54 pm
Christian Vigil
Christian Vigil
- 2000 mcfaddin street beaumont tx 77701
- 01/07/2021
- 5:30 pm
Comments
Bill&Barbara Kunetka
So sorry Pat to hear of Dickie passing. Praying for you and Cory and all the family. Love you all.
LM and Jerrie Hebert
Pat, Cory and Family, So very saddened to hear about Dicky. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. We love you Pat!!! Please let us know if there’s anything y’all may need.
Barbara & Tommy
We are very sadden to hear about Dicky. He was a lifetime, good friend. May His soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed, Rest-In-Peace.
Jenny Blanc
Pat-We were so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing.. We always enjoyed visiting with him and he was so helpful to us. We will be at the service on Thursday.. Jenny and Mike
Jerry L Read
so sorry to hear about dickie, we spent so many years working together , there was nothing he and i could not fix, love and prayers are with you all, jerry read
Rodney Wing
Pat so sorry may the grace of. God be with you and your family
Myrtis Henson
I'm so sorry to hear about Dicky passing. Pat you and Cory and the rest of the family are in my heart and always on my mind. Love y'all bunches. ?????????
Wayne & Kathy Brown
Dear Pat, you and your family have our deepest sympathy. Dicky and I go back to South Park, 1956 when we first met in the FFA. We had a common background and shared many interest over the years. I know he is in a better and more peaceful place. May he RIP. Wayne & Kathy
John & Judy Bryant
Pat, our prayers go out to Dickey, you and all of the Gafford family. I have known Dickey since the 1st Grade at St. Anthony Elementary School. I have fond memories of going to his house, on Railroad Ave (Pt Arthur Hwy?), to play games, sports, etc. I remember you, Dickey and his Mom, eating at Black Eyed Pea, and would always come over to say hello to Cory, Judy and I. May GOD grant him salvation, and a eternal life, as a member of the family of GOD, in Heaven..
Marguerite Jones
I'm deeply saddened to hear of Dicky's passing. He was always one of the "cool big kids" when I was growing up down the street. My condolences to all his family.
Darnelle Averre
Patsy and family! I am so sorry to hear of Dicky's passing. He was one of kind and always welcome me into the family with arms wide open. We know he is in a better place but I know the hurt is still there so my prayer for you and the rest of the family is that God will give you peace and understanding today and the days ahead. You know that if Bill and I can help in any way please let us know. Sending a lot of love and hugs from North Carolina. Love ya!
Red & Jean McMillan
We are so sorry to hear of your loss., Our thoughts and prayers are with you all..
Justin Arceneaux
Prayers from my family to yours.
Doug McCarter
Dicky and I go way back. I coached Chris many years ago. We shared a lot of laughs and good times. He was good man who loved his family. RIP my good friend.
Tony cox
I had the privilege to coach with Mr.Gaffordin senior league baseball also got to see him a lot when he was working with my Dad at Battery Warehouse. You will be missed !!! My prayers are with the Family.
Janet Decuir
Pat, I am so sad to hear that Dicky has passed. In the old days we all had so much fun going dancing with the group. I pray for God to give you strength and good health to carry on.
Michael galiano
To all my dear family. God bless. You know how I felt about you all. Pat, my prayers. Sandy and Bobby, my prayers for you about mike also. Someone please call me. 936 2034 517. Jimmy and Karen , pat coldewey, please call. God bless.
mary ann shumaker
We are so sorry to hear about Dicky's death. May his soul rest in peace.
Cindy Walker
Dicky was always so kind to Cameron and me. We have continued to share happy memories, funny stories, and love from our time with the family. We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his death. We hold the Gafford family in our hearts and in our prayers. God bless you all.
Bonnie Vessel
Rest In peace, Dicky.
Melanie
I am so sorry and wish I could be there. I have to work but you all are in my prayers and thoughts. He will be missed and I love all of you.
Diane Gafford Williamson
Dear Pat and family including my cousins Jimmy, Sandy and Pat, I was so sorry to hear of Dickie's passing. He always impressed me as truly being larger than life with his cheerful personality and ability at having never met a stranger. Even though he was so ahead of me in school,.I always enjoyed seeing him either at your home on Lavaca or at Granny and Pop's..I wish I could be with you all but just know I am in heart and spirit.. My love goes out to you all. .Diane
Aubrey & Sue Davis
Pat and Corey we’re so sorry to hear of your loss and your family is in our prayers. We met Dicky & Pat through our friends and neighbors Bob & Sandy and were immediately welcomed into the extended Gafford family. We thoroughly enjoyed working with Dicky and the family and helping out with the crawfish boil. Dicky will be missed greatly.
Denise Mitchell Silverman
I'm saddened to hear of Dicky's passing especially for his wife Patricia and his son Cory and the grandkids...he will be missed by so many. My deepest condolences to all the family...Love you all! Cousin Denise
Cory Gafford
Michael resend your number
Barbara McCorkle Flumerfelt
I was so saddened to hear of Dickies passing. It was only last year we were all laughing and having such a good time at our SPHS class of 1959 reunion. I will remember him that way! A great class member, husband to a friend and sister to Sandy, a good friend from Raymonds class; a wonderful Christian family.
Ann Jones
Dicky has been a wonderful neighbor and friend for 30 years. He was a man of many talents, and was held in high regard by all. He will be missed. Ann
Joe and Jo Crutchfield
Pat, so sorry to hear about Dickie. You and your family are in our prayers.
Joseph F Fertitta
Patricia, I was sorry to hear of Dickie passing. Sandy and I extend our sincere sympathy to you and your entire family. May he rest in peace. we all had some great time together.
Jerry Giardina
Pat I am very sorry to hear of your brothers passing . Prayers for you and your family.. May he rest peace.
Cary and Mary Russell
I would like to send the family condolences. Pat and Cory we are thinking and praying for you. Thinking about all the fun times at the ball games and reunions. The Poncho Russell family.
Ron Holmes
Dear Sandy, sorry for your loss . Prayers for you, Bobby and family
Mike Guedry
Cory and family, we are praying that y'all have the Lords peace and comfort. May God bless and keep you.
Jeane Whitnell
Pet - I’m so sorry about the loss of your life’s partner. You will be in my prayers.