Richard Vaughn “Dick” Wakefield, age 81 of Nashville, joined his family in Heaven on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. He was born July 17, 1942, in Corpus Christie, Texas, to the late Vaughn “Boots” Wakefield and Nell Harrison Wakefield.
Dick as everyone knew him was Howard County’s Sheriff for 22 years. Dick loved his community and was very active in it. He was a founding member and elder of the Cross Point Cowboy Church. He loved his farm, raising cattle and teaching his children hard work ethics. Dick was a former President of the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association, an office that he held more than once. He was concerned not only about law enforcement in Howard County, but also enforcement all over the state. Locally he had served as a Justice of the Peace on the quorum Court, also the Howard Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, the local Housing Authority, and the Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch which he fully supported. He was instrumental in starting the community clean up in Howard County. Dick learned all of this, how to be a leader and demanding work ethics to name a few from the Marine Corps. He served his country well in the Marine Corps Military Recon Unit.
His family made the following statement:
Dick “Pop” Wakefield, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
This day and age, Dick would also be referred to as, “that guy.” Him. The G.O.A.T. —-
During his time on Earth, Dick lead a strong family, a strong County, a strong church, and a strong life.
The Lord calls us to live this Earthly life to the fullest, Dicks friends and family will attest that he did just that!
He was a character, in every sense of the word, but more than that, he was a servant. One who used the work ethic he obtained as a United States Marine to serve others throughout his life. We were reminded by someone special that Pop lived by these words a man’s word and handshake will define you throughout life.
His family agrees, if there’s a few things he would like us to remember it would be all of the nicknames he’s given us, how much he loved us, to make time for each other, to love big and last but not least a Dick quote: “I DID IT MY WAY”.
Preceding Dick in death were his parents, a daughter Gayla Leigh Wakefield, and an infant sister. Also, the love of his life and best friend, his wife Carolyn Wakefield, which truthfully he never got over.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories three children, Danette and husband Dr. Allan Gocio of Bull Shoals, Ark., Pam and husband Doug Morris of Nashville, and Alan Wakefield of Nashville.
Two brothers, Tom and wife Jill Wakefield of Dallas, Texas, Harry and wife Becky Wakefield of Hot Springs Village, Ark.
His grandchildren, Richard Alexander, Derek Alexander, Amanda Burger, Coleman Gocio, Kelsey Gocio, Casey Jones, Erin Bell, Matthew Wakefield, and Skylar Ray. Also 23 great-grandchildren.
A large host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Also, his incredibly special church family.
Services will be Sunday Jan. 7, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Cross Point Cowboy Church with Bro. Don Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time at the church as well. The family asks in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Cross Point Cowboy Church building fund. Burial will follow at County Line Cemetery.
“GOODBYES ARE THE LAW OF EARTH; REUNIONS ARE THE LAW OF HEAVEN”
