For many, Richard's story really begins in 1996 or thereabout. When, with Lady Blue and Eugene Calame, Richard made up the group that was to burgeon into the one that we know now, alt.fifty-plus.friends. In those days it was much gentler. In fact at one time there was such a dearth of posts that Richard was forced to respond to his own.
"Then quite by accident, I came across alt.fifty-plus friends. None of the negatives existed because no one was in the ng. This was like in the summer of whatever year. I checked each day and nothing, just blank. Well, I started posting things on my mind and even responded to my own post".

The years went by and Richard continued to regale us with stories of The Flea and the Red Neck Restaurant. Stories beautifully illustrated by wonderful photos and anecdotes. We got to know Buster's and those that worked there like members of the family. We got to know a whole host of people each different, each with their own stories to tell, but mostly we got to know Celia and her lovely daughter Veronica. Celia was Richard's very special assistant.

Over the years, a few of our members have been lucky enough to meet with Richard and Ann his beautiful wife. They were even privileged enough to be taken to the Redneck Restaurant, to meet the ladies who made eating there such an event. Guests were sometimes allowed to pay.

It was Richard who first suggested Secret Santa, and Brenda who first organised it. That yearly event was a time to forget old quarrels and join in what was to become a very happy and international exchange of gifts. We all remember the year that people sent Richard ties. He insisted he didn't wear one, but looked very handsome in the tie he is wearing in the picture.

Richard was passionate about history, and would write regularly for both the Thomasville Times and the Lexington Dispatch, articles rich in detail. These articles as with most aspects of his life, showed just how much Richard loved people. He loved fishing with his friends for both crappie and oysters, and spoke with great affection for his friend Edward who died recently. Of Edward he said.
"He drank coffee from an old ballcanning jar...always cold by the time he stepped on his boat, DeadRise. He smoked Camels unfiltered. He worked, I watched, observed. He taught me waterman ways, showed me how he earn a living on the Pamlico Sound. I admired both he, his vocation and work ethic. He maintained the old Elizabethan accent all his life. I enjoyed every minute of his company. He will be missed by lots along the tidal regions of North Carolina".
The last part of that quote will apply to Richard.

Richard loved to fish for crappie, with his two very good friends Willie and Phil. On the 4th September. Richard wrote on AFPF:
"Ole Phil and me went crappie fishing today...and Willie too, early. High Rock was full pond from ole Fay. It's hard to catch crappie on high water but we make it look easy. We were back home at noon with 31 or 62 fillets".

Above all else, Richard loved his family. In the many years that Richard posted to AFPF, he shared with all of us this deep love he felt for his Annie and all of his family. He was justifiably proud of Tommy his son.
"Ole Tommy, he's my buddy. Well...he's Annie and my boy. The boy has been taught by some of the best house builders in in the entire Piedmont. He can climb; he can frame; he can trim; he can pour concrete; he can lay block; he can lay brick. He can plumb, even pull some wire. I worry over his safety because he has a dangerous job but for sure they always gonna be a need for his kind in North Carolina". He fairly burst with pride when he talked of his beautiful Dusty. How very proud he was on her wedding day. His two lovely grand-children, Micah and Bailey, were his joy. How lucky we all were to share those stories, and for just a few short moments be part of it.

The greatest tribute of all to Richard's life, were the numbers who came to pay their respect to Ann and the family at the Memorial. He enriched the lives of all who knew him. He was greatly loved in life, he will be sorely missed, now that he is no longer with us. Goodbye dear friend.