WILLIAM "W.R." RICH

William Rodney Rich, 72, of Gainesville, MO, known to some as Rodney, W.R. or Pa, was born in Stuttgart, AR on March 4, 1942 the son of Walter and Eunice (Hart) Rich. He left this world on May 1, 2014 at 12:15 a.m. at the NHC Healthcare Center in West Plains, MO.

William Rodney Rich graduated from the Memphis Police Department Academy on April 23, 1956. He spent several years as a policeman and then changed careers to work for the railroad as an engineer. He later retired and enjoyed the rest of his life watching the wildlife out his backyard and telling stories to whomever would listen without interrupting him.

W.R. especially loved his Grandmother Jessie Jane Rich. She was one of the most important people in his life. W.R. had a huge heart and was always willing to help others. His life has changed over the years but he loved to tell stories about his past experiences as a policeman and an engineer for the railroad.

W.R. is survived by his wife Sharon Rich of the home in Gainesville, MO; his son Curtis Rich and wife Tammy along with their children Joshua, Lauren, Hannah and Jordan of Arkansas; his daughter Rhonda Green and husband Bruce along with their children Jessie and Tyler Riedel of Kansas; his daughter Reisha Brock and husband Michael along with their children Brandon Lutts and Boston Brock and special friend Wayne Phillips all of Tennessee; his son Stevie Rich and Rebecca Halmark of Caulfield, MO; his step-son Steven Sisney and wife Alicia along with their children Riana, Elijah and Shane of Lac-Du-Flambeu, WI; his step-daughter Julie Johnson and husband Dewayne along with their children Justin, Clayton and Stacie of Willow Springs, MO; his daughter-in-law Debbie Sisney and grandson Will Sisney; great-grandson William Junior Rich of Tennessee; his sister Donna Crowder of Little Rock, AR; brother Jim Emery of Little Rock, AR; his aunts Mary Weatherington, Addell Hudson and Helen Tippton.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother Jessie Jane Rich; his parents Eunice Emery and Walter Rich; two brothers Jerry Emery and Joe Emery; one sister Susan Emery; his son Rod Rich; stepson Stacy Sisney; and one grandson Ricky Johnson.

Funeral services for W.R. will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2014 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel in Gainesville, MO with Bro. Dale Roberts officiating. Burial will be in the Howard Ridge Cemetery. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to Howard Ridge Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com .