October 3, 1950 ~ August 26, 2022
Richard Benjamin Waldrep age 71 of Denham Springs, Louisiana passed away on August 26, 2022. After a long illness, he passed quietly at home surrounded by his loving wife, his sons, and other family. Richard is survived by his wife, Laura Linton Waldrep, sons Brian (wife, Janell), David (wife, Kellen), Matthew (wife, Madison), stepdaughter Ashley Johnson (husband, Jacob), grandchildren Brady, Peyton, Perrin, Clara, Camille, and Ellis, and siblings Rusty Waldrep (wife, Mary), Bill Waldrep (wife, Lisa), and Margaret Waldrep Henderson (husband, Peyton). He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Betty Waldrep.
On October 3, 1950, Oscar Peyton Waldrep, Jr. (Red) and Elizabeth Aiken Waldrep welcomed their son, Richard, into their loving arms, and from that moment on Richard brought joy to every life he touched. Considerate, caring, and loyal are all words which describe Richard. If one was fortunate to earn Richard’s friendship, he or she had a friend for life. Richard was a proud alumnus of the Denham Springs High School class of 1969. After graduation, he attended the Marion Military Institute in Alabama and Southeastern Louisiana University. Richard used his many exceptional talents to become a master salesman for Acme Brick and Block.
Richard was a devoted and loving husband to Laura Waldrep and a wonderful father to sons Brian, David, Matthew, and stepdaughter, Ashley Johnson. A true child at heart, Richard cherished spending time with his six grandchildren: Brady, Peyton, Perrin, Clara, Camille, and Ellis. Richard, the perfect host, loved to see his home filled with family and friends. Richard’s kindness, friendship, and love was obvious to everyone around him. Richard was one of a kind – there will never be another like him. He was a wonderful man who will be missed by all.
Special thanks go to Compass Hospice and their care team: Betty Dixon, Tracy Bolgiano, Michelle Broussard, Shae Landry, and Toni Leblanc and to friends and family who were generous with their time and love in Richard’s final days.
Visitation will be held at Denham Springs First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, August 31 from 10:00 – 12:00. The funeral service will follow with the Reverend Dickie Davis officiating.
Pallbearers include Buster Garrison, Stacy Jones, Jay Zuelke, Dale Zuelke, Sam Digirolamo, and Tommy Sullivan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA). Please sign the online guestbook at www.sealefuneral.com
9 comments
John Ragle
September 1, 2022 at 1:18 am
It’s been more than 40 years since I was last with Richard, and more than 50 years since we both graduated from Marion Institute. Nonetheless, me, Richard, Jay, Stacy, and Victor quickly became fast friends at MMI. Why I was the only Yankee welcomed into this small group of Louisiana boys back in 1969, I will never know, but bonds were made that transcend both time and distance. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Richard. In our small group, he was always the energetic, “ready-to-go-anywhere, do-anything” guy that kept us all on the move. I remember enjoying the hospitality of Richard’s entire family when I visited Denham Springs back in 1970. My sincere condolences and best wishes to ALL his family, especially Laura.
John Ragle ’71 MMI (Indiana)
Noah
August 31, 2022 at 7:04 pm
Great man. He got to know me when he would walk the block and first met me when I was just a little kid. I fixed more than a few things for him after the flood of 2016. He was always friendly and cared about me.
Patrick Roy Lanier
August 30, 2022 at 4:33 pm
I never saw Richard without a smile on his face and that is the way I will remember him.
Jimmy and Patricia Tullos
August 29, 2022 at 5:59 pm
Jimmy and I are so sad to hear of our classmate Richard’s passing. He was such a sweet soul. Sending our heartfelt condolences to the Waldrop family and friends along with our thoughts and prayers. 🙏🙏🙏❤️🙏🙏🙏
Clarence "Sonny" and Priscilla Haile
August 29, 2022 at 4:34 am
Our prayers and loving thoughts go out to the entire family. Although we have only known the Waldrep family for a few years, we were quickly welcomed through our church, Denham Springs United Methodist. We were fortunate to sit in the pew behind “Miss Betty and Doc” and enjoyed seeing their families join them on Sundays. Sonny and I consider ourselves most fortunate to know this family. Our prayers are sent to all.
Kenneth Fogg
August 29, 2022 at 3:15 am
Richard was such a sweet soul. He always greeted me with a smile and asked about my family. I knew him for over sixty years and all my memories of him are positive. My condolences to his family.
Angela (Cameron) Simms
August 28, 2022 at 3:17 pm
Condolences, sympathies and prayers to the entire Waldrep family. It is so hard to see lifelong friends pass away. Remembering all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Helen Terry
August 28, 2022 at 1:24 am
Matt and family, I am so sorry for your loss My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Barbara Dugas Cheney
August 27, 2022 at 8:47 pm
to the Waldrep family
My heartfelt sympathy is extended to each at this time. Many memories will help see you through this time. My prayers with each of you