of West Memphis, AR
January 24, 1941 - November 25, 2019
James Richard "Dickie" Williford passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2019. He was born in West Helena, Arkansas on January 24, 1941, and graduated as a "Bulldog" from Mississippi State University in 1962.
He moved to Crittenden County, Arkansas and became a Certified Public Accountant for the Dodge, Thomas and Goss Firm. He then formed his own real estate agency, Williford Realty Company, Inc in 1976. Richard served on the Mid-South Community College Board of Directors, as well as on the Boards of Citizen's National Bank and Helena National Bank. Richard was the Financial Raising Chairman for the Chickasaw Council, Boy Scouts of America for many years. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award.
He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed bass fishing, duck hunting, participated in land conservation programs and was an Atlanta Braves fan. Richard loved his family, was a loyal friend and a generous and true southern gentleman. So many are better for having known him and he will be deeply missed in our lives and our community.
Richard was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha McWhorter.
He is survived by his wife, Sandy Goldsby Williford; a daughter, Kelley Williford Nelson; two grandsons, Don Nelson III, Ryan Nelson (Taylor Witulski); a sister and two nephews.
Memorials may be sent to:
ASU Mid-South - Thomas B. Goldsby Scholarship Fund
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Chickasaw Council, Boy Scouts of America
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23 Condolence(s)
Chickasaw Council, Boy Scouts of America
Monday, December 9, 2019
Richard Williford will truly be missed in the Scouting organization. His commitment to raising funds to provide programmatic opportunities for Scouts in Crittenden County Arkansas. Richard was a great friend to the youth he cared so much about. The Williford Family is in our prayers.
jim mayer
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Dickie and I were childhood friends he was always a wonderful young man and caring and giving adult. He shared his time caring and leading others in the tsadition of the Silver Beaver Boy Scouts highest honor. You are in our thoughts and prayers. At his 60th reunion he was so kind to ask a mutual friend how I was doing a very special Gentleman Jim & Diane Mayer
Grady and Willa Collum
Monday, December 2, 2019
Richard was an extraordinary man. There are many in the community who will deeply mourn his passing as his was a life of service, love, compassion and excellence. It was an honor to have known such a great person. Truly, he will be missed by all. May God embrace you and the family in his loving arms during this difficult time.
Elizabeth Alexander May
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Dear Sandy, I am so sorry about Dickie’s death and your loss. He was a great high school friend and a great, loved and respected man. Thinking of you and praying for you!
So sorry I missed the reunion! Love to you! Liz
Lori Nicholson
Friday, November 29, 2019
Mr. Williford was a wonderful man. He always greeted me with a warm smile and brightened my day. He was very encouraging and supportive to me and WMCS. He will be missed greatly. The family will be in my prayers. Hugs to Kelly, Don, and Ryan. May God bless you with peace and comfort.
Betty Thompson
Friday, November 29, 2019
Kelly, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bo McElya
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Kelly,
So sorry for the loss of your Dad and wish you comfort in your mourning. You are in my prayers. God bless you and your family.
Curt Hodges
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Dickie was a longtime friend whom I did not visit enough. I visited with him only shortly at our graduating class (class of1959, Central High, West Helena) only a couple weeks ago. He chided me for not visiting him in a while and I promised to do so soon.
Better visit your friends while you still can!
Dickie helped me out when the last of my aunts who lived in West Memphis died. I had to dispose of their home and beauty shop on Missouri St. Dickie found a buyer quickly at a fair price. He was a good guy and will be missed by a lot of folks.
Donna Aguirre
Thursday, November 28, 2019
A truly great man. He will be miss.
Ernie Thomas
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Will sincerely miss my friend
Becky Stephens
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Richard's passing. We always had lively conversations. I enjoyed hm so much. Prayers for you all.
D'James Rogers ll
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
A true loss to Crittenden County. Such a generous person. He gave me so much knowledge and wisdom. He will be truly missed. Prayers for the family.
John C Tardy
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
I was Dickie's classmate and friend. I last saw him at our 60th class reunion. He was a gentleman, and liked by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.
Barbara P Cook
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Jason Collard
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Very sad to hear of Mr. Williford's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
I always enjoyed seeing Mr. Williford out in the community and catching up on how he was doing. I also "enjoyed" him telling my kids (every time they were with me) during our visits the same story of how I was practicing to be sanitation worker when I was three years old walking around our house with the garbage can on my shoulder.. My kids just loved hearing that story.... I could always count on him to retell the story ...
Jason Owens
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
I've know Mr. Williford since I was a little boy and my father had his first real estate license with him. He was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences.
Jason Owens
Bill DeCamp
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
I, along with all of the Helena Central Class of '59 wish to extend our deepest sympathy to family and friends of Dickie. We last saw Dickie at our 60-year class reunion in Helena on November 3rd. Actually, I saw him and his wife the following morning as they were passing through West Helena on their way home. May our loss be Heaven's gain.
Sharon bechel
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
We will keep your family in are prays
Jason Long
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Mr. Williford was a great man! He has always been extremely good to me! He will be missed by me and my family. We lost a good one with Mr. Williford!
steve stevens
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Right now I'm in shock at Richard's passing. I heard the news early this morning and I immediately thought about my relationship with him. I've met Richard in 1970 and we have been friends since that time.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Richard's family and friends and this fine man will really be missed. R.I.P my friend!!!
Tammy Merritt
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
He was a good person praying for your family, he will be missed.
terry merrritt sr
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
To a man I have known for many years as a friend and land lord. you will be missed our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. From my family to you Richard. God Bless
Teresa West
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
A great man. A helper to others. He will be greatly missed.