Mr. Richard Pressley Sullivan

Richard Pressley Sullivan was born on December 30, 1928 at home in Crowley, Texas and was the second from the youngest of six children. He grew up on his family farm of 112 acres in Reece Prairie community located in Joshua, Texas during the Great Depression. All the children had to work together along with their parents for survival. Hard times, hardships and hard work made them a close family.

Richard joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 years old from 1945 to 1947. At the age of 23 he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Stephens. By the age of 27 he and Shirley had three children, David, Donna and Debbie. Soon after, he started what would be a 32 year long career working for the Santa Fe Railroad as a carman and crane operator for derailments. His children enjoyed hearing all about his daily adventures at the railroad every night at the dinner table and all the shenanigans he and his co-workers would pull on each other. He loved telling jokes, funny stories and a good prank every now and then.

Upon retiring, he and Shirley bought an RV and enjoyed 17 years as members of The Good Sam’s Club traveling and sharing fellowship with their RV friends, which afforded them many great memories. His favorite hobbies were gardening, playing games, spending time with his family and friends, eating good food and listening to country music. And he always liked a good party!

After the death of his beloved wife of 70 years, he moved to Bethesda Gardens where he made new friends and a new life for himself and was loved by many in his community.

Richard loved his huge family and was quick to say how proud he was of all of them, and they were steadfast in showing their love and admiration for him. He maintained a good spirit, positive attitude and delightful sense of humor throughout his life and was cherished by all.

There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends, Thursday, June 29th, from 2:00-4:00 PM at Bethesda Gardens, 5417 Altamesa Blvd, Fort Worth. Please come by and share a story or favorite memory with the family. Graveside services will be privately held.

He was survived by this three beloved children: David (Lorenza), Donna (Jim) and Debbie (Phil), niece/daughter Lisa (Joe). He dearly loved his grandchildren: Jayson, Julie, Matt, Corey, Ross, Kara, Paige, Patrick and fifteen great-grandchildren: Casey, Riley, Joe, Sully, Bonnie, Emerson, Evan, Elise, Avery, Emma, Easton, Addy, Bryson, Emme and Greyson.