Richard Lee Waggoner, 77 of Edgewood, entered the pearly gates October 4, 2021, in Grand Saline, Texas following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born November 8, 1943, in Henderson, and raised in Mineola. Richard joined the Army and was given an Honorable Discharge in 1967. He worked as a painter alongside his stepfather, later working for Western Auto and Greenlight Auto parts stores. He later opened Waggoner Tire Shop in Edgewood, Tx. He was a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of Pleasant Union Baptist Church.

Richard married the love of his life, Ruth Leach Waggoner, and joined her in Edgewood. He took joy in helping take on the responsibility of grandkids and was soon given the title “PAPA” to many children over the years. Papa loved watching westerns and loved family gatherings, especially when desserts were involved.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Leach Waggoner; father, Ernest Waggoner; stepfather, AB Pennington; mother, Mary V Pennington; brother, Gene Waggoner; brother-in-law, James Simonek; nephew, Christopher Simonek; niece, Bridget Simonek; step-son, Kenneth Leach; step-daughter, Sharon Phillips.

Richard left behind his sister, Aleta Simonek; nephew, James Paul Simonek ll, great-nephew, James Paul Simonek III and great-niece, Jessica Simonek all of Mineola; granddaughter, Hollie Mullican and husband Terry; grandsons, Gene Hill and Kevin Leach; great-grandchildren, Justin Jackson and wife Lauren ; Heather Verratti and husband Alfred; Jaiden Hill; Jazzmine Perez; Kyleigh and Kynlea Leach all of Edgewood; Kaylea and Adyson Leach both of Allen, Tx; great-great-granddaughter Madilynn Jackson of Edgewood.

Family and friends are invited to attend a 12:30 p.m. luncheon followed by a celebration of life memorial at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021 at Pleasant Union Baptist Church, Edgewood.