Larry Richmond

Larry Mark "Coach" Richmond was born May 2, 1951, in Sentinel, Oklahoma. He died peacefully December 24, 2025 in Garland, Texas after a long Parkinson's Disease battle. In his early years, his family lived in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Tennessee before settling in West Memphis, Arkansas, in 1957. His parents remained in the same small house the rest of their lives while living a modest life serving many in their church community there, while being a loving "home" base for their sons. Larry attended school in Marion, Arkansas for twelve years; many of his classmates remained forever, cherished friends. Larry's lifelong best friend, who he loved as a brother beginning when they were 5 years old, is Dr. Bill Robertson of Little Rock, Arkansas; they will have a grand reunion someday. Larry went to Harding College (now University) and received his BA in 1974; his MEd in 1976; his EdD from Texas A&M-Commerce (now East Texas A&M) in 2000. He loved learning, reading, and graduated with honors at all collegiate levels including being the outstanding doctoral student in his program.

Larry was known as Dr. Richmond to some but mostly was Coach! He loved teaching kids of all ages his entire life; the last few years his PD took away that ability. Until he was unable to vocalize and express his thoughts, he regretted not getting to go to work and be with "his" kids. No teacher or coach ever loved their job more or put in long hours with more happiness, optimism. He would have worked for free (and just about did for many years). He so enjoyed classroom teaching at all levels-including junior high, high school, college. A true love of his students and athletes, even the difficult ones, was obvious. He was fortunate to coach thousands of guys in football, basketball, track & field, soccer, tennis through the years in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas. He even coached Louisiana girls in basketball, tennis, track & field for a couple of years when a desperate need arose. That was a humorous challenge; he was unfamiliar with the hormonal, teenage needs of females!

Coach loved to play tennis daily with many great tennis pals and did so until recent years. He had so much fun giving hundreds of kiddos tennis lessons. Again, sometimes almost for free. Cindy's mother taught him a love of fishing and furnished his first Zebco rod & reel with S&H green stamps! Through the years, he had wonderful times with many guys catching thousands of poor fish. He also took countless small children on their first fishing expeditions. Don Sanders of Searcy, Arkansas was his #1 fishing buddy from age 22 on.. Coach fried innumerable fish for group fish fries he and Cindy held several times a year. He also loved to exercise until his Parkinson's was advanced. He lifted weights, jogged, did half-marathons, played basketball, ran bleachers, jumped right in with his athletes & students in doing whatever he was requiring of them.

His faith was an engrained, quiet, consistent part of life. Teaching Bible classes, greatly enjoying weekly visits with shut-ins and disabled seniors, serving as a deacon in the past, helping with whatever tasks needed to be done at Saturn Road (his wonderful church home for most of the time since1983). The SR church family has been a continual support and comfort to Coach and Cindy on his long PD journey. With their encouraging assistance, he has arrived at his much-desired new home.

Larry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cindy; his beloved son Rusty of Forney, Texas; his brother Allen Richmond (Lori) of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; his longtime "adopted" son Steven Fitzhugh (Jana) of Monroe, Louisiana; treasured in-laws Kathy O'Neal Dutke of Tyler, Texas; JC Dean of Tyler, Texas; Carolynn Richmond of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; numerous dear nieces, nephews, special cousins Marcus Richmond, Sandra Wright Perry along with many other cousins, extended family members. He also considered many of his buddies and former players to be family. A special thank you to his dear friend Jerry Galloway for all the assistance, faithful love during the Parkinson's battle. Cindy deeply appreciates the help of Stephanie Paul, the Bella Hospice staff with Donna Sue's extra love, dear friends and neighbors-too many to name-who have generously given, encouraged, and constantly met our needs. You know who you are: thank you!! Please honor and remember Coach by serving God, loving people, finding joy and wearing a smile. He lived a simple life with gratitude, positivity, and optimism.. Thank you for being here today.

In lieu of flowers, for those who asked to do something, donations to the following are possibilities:

Camp Summit (Rusty's special needs camp) 

Harding University Football Program (℅ Coach Paul Simmons)

Saturn Road Missions