Richard Edward Huckabay

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Richard Edward Huckabay, 48 years old, of Amarillo, unexpectedly passed away on the morning of Thursday, August 27, 2021, at his group home, Community Options, in Amarillo.  He was born on April 23, 1973, to Bennie Huckabay, Jr. and Patricia Richard in Beaumont, Texas.

Although born in Beaumont, Winnie, was his hometown and where he grew up.  Richard graduated from Bridge City High School and was extremely proud of his accomplishment because as we are all special in the eyes of God, some of us are just a little more unique than others and Richard was certainly one of the more extraordinary ones!  In 2011, he moved to Pampa to live with his sister and brother-in-law, Dedra and Jason, then lived in the Community Option Group Home in Amarillo for about eight years.  He loved the other residents of the home and quite often got into trouble for pickin’ on the staff.  As a 10-year-old little boy stuck in a 48-year-old man’s body, he was carefree, full of zest and vigor, and just simply a joy to be with.  Although it seems strange, Richard actually had it more together than most adults without any disabilities.

Being autistic, he was intrigued with appliances and took great pride in disassembling oscillating fans to clean then put back together.  Kites were just greater than sliced bread, soccer balls were his absolute favorite thing and if you wanted to make him angry, just take apart a Rubik’s Cube to solve it…that was cheating!  He could solve one likety split from the time he was young without cheating.  His favorite color was red, but he also loved the wild, bright neon colors as well as the classic rock of the 80’s, not to mention the soap operas and the TV Guide collection he kept and read over and over again.  Richard Edward, the favorite “celebrity” of the family, you and your infamous wisecracks will be forever missed by all who loved you so much!

Those who were waiting at Heaven’s Gates with open arms for him were his maternal grandparents, Emile and Winnie Richard; paternal grandparents, Bennie Sr. and Norma Huckabay; Uncle Donald Richard; Aunt Judy Bertrand; Uncle T Joe Bertrand and a nephew, Keegan Waites.

Those left to grieve his absence and miss his amazing personality are his mother, Patricia Royer of Pampa; father, Bennie Huckabay, Jr. and wife Bernadette of China, TX; six siblings, Tray Huckabay of Beaumont, Jason Royer of Dallas, Alisha Kennedy of Livingston, Andrew Huckabay of Beaumont, Dedra Waites and husband Jason of Pampa, David Huckabay of Beaumont and a nephew, Brad Royer of Pampa.

Richard will be available to pay last respects on Tuesday, August 31st from 5pm until 8pm and again on Wednesday, September 1st from 9am until 8pm at Winegeart Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life Graveside services are scheduled for 10:00am, Thursday, September 2, 2021, at Fairview Cemetery with Brother Jim Sinyard officiating.  The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.

Should you wish to make a donation in honor of Richard, the family suggests they be made to the Texas Panhandle Centers, Attn. Carol Cobb, P.O. Box 3250, Amarillo, TX 79116.

To leave words of comfort and encouragement for the family on Richard’s Book of Memories, please visit www.winegeartfuneral.com.