Mr. Richard Arlin Wingard Sr.

Mr. Richard Arlin Wingard, Sr., of Sylacauga, AL, was born on December 2, 1931. He passed away May 19, 2011 at Coosa Valley Medical Center in Sylacauga at the age of 79. Mr. Wingard leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Margie Nell Wingard of Sylacauga; a son, Rick Wingard and wife, Susan, of Spanish Fort; a daughter, Tina Fleaman and husband, Bradley, of Sylacauga; two brothers, Morris Wingard of Pinson and Olin Wingard of Rockford; and three beloved grandchildren, B.J. Fleaman, Blake Fleaman, and Caitlin Brett Fleaman. Mr. Wingard was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Wingard.

After graduating from Rockford High School as a member of the Class of 1951, Mr. Wingard furthered his education by completing a two year course at Reynolds Business School in Sylacauga. Mr. Wingard was known by many throughout the area by virtue of his many community activites and via his job as a rural mail carrier. For 34 years Mr. Wingard delivered the mail as a rural carrier for the Sylacauga Post Office. He was an active member of Oldfield United Methodist Church where he served in the office of Treasurer. For 38 years "Coach" Wingard made an indelible mark on the youth of Sylacauga through his tireless involvement with and dedication to Little League Baseball. Mr. Wingard received the high honor of having the Little League fields in Sylacauga officially named Wingard Park in celebration of and as a symbol of honor to this Coach who encouraged each child, admonishing them to "do your best" and "share with others." Mr. Wingard's memory will live on in the lives of those countless young men whom he coached in baseball and life over his lengthy career.

Visitation for Mr. Wingard will be held Friday, May 20, 2011 at Curtis and Son Funeral Home's North Chapel on the Talladega Highway from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held the following day, Saturday, May 21, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. The Reverend Rodney Frost will officiate. Serving as pall bearers will be Bain Culver, L.P. Hickman, Buddy Sanders, Sherrill Harris, Bobby Collins, B.J. Fleaman, John Smith, and Mack Berry (serving as honorary pallbearer). Burial will follow in Rockford Cemetery located in Rockford, AL. Online condolences may be left at www.curtisandsonfh.com

Richard "Arlin" was named after a movie star from the 1920s-1950s who was the Clark Gable of that period.

He was known by many names: Richard, Arlin, Rich, Paw Paw, Mr. Richard, Coach Wingard and Big Richard--because of his big heart for others.

He was very giving. If you ever had the pleasure of going out to eat with him he would never let you pay.

He was a Little League Coach for 38 years and enjoyed coaching many young people. Wingard Park was named in his honor. His coaching went beyond the game. He wanted each player to be responsible, respectful and give their best to everything in life. Richard also coached football and basketball. He would invite his team to attend church together with him one Sunday during the season.

One of his favorite things to do was water skiing. Later in life, he was still skiing on Lake Martin. He enjoyed teaching others how to ski.

Some of the other things he liked to do were squirrel hunting, playing Rook and visiting with family and friends.

He was always caring for others. I'm told that during Tina's preschool years he would even help her eat her peas (when Margie left the room) so Tina could get up from the table.

Richard was always willing to take time to write notes or send cards to friends and family members to let them know he and Margie were thinking about them.