Richard M. Shewmaker

Richard M. Shewmaker Jr., 70, was born into heaven on February 2, 2014. Living his full life in AR, he was born into earth by Eva Raney and Richard M. Shewmaker on March 18, 1943 at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. His father passed away when he was three. At that time he, his mom, and I year old brother, David, moved into the home of his grandparents, TJ and Inez Raney. His grandmother lovingly raised her two grandsons while Eva ran the Desota Hardware store in downtown little Rock. Richard had many tales to tell of the events with his family. Years later, Eva Raney Shewmaker married Earl Elijah Heath. They continued to raise Richard Jr. and his brother, David, in the home of TJ and Inez Raney. Richard is survived by his lovely wife of 49 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Hervey Shewmaker of Rogers, AR; son, Richard M. Shewmaker III and wife, Samantha of Fayetteville, Ark.; son, Brian A. Shewmaker and wife, Leslie of Bentonville, Ark.; five grandchildren, Chandler, Chase, Cameron, Carolyn and Caitlin; brother, David Shewmaker of North Little Rock, Ark.; uncle and aunt, Jim and Lilly Major of Little Rock, Ark.; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins-as well as, his beloved puppy Peaches. Richard was a graduate of Central High School in Little Rock. He attended Hendrix College in Conway for two years completing his course work at Little Rock University where he met the love of his life, Betty. He became smitten, married her, and adored her for the remainder of his life. His first job was with the AR Planning and Development Commission in Little Rock. At the age of 24 he, Betty and 9 month old Richard III moved to Fort Smith where he was in the Planning and Development Commission responsible for all of Western AR. One year later, his second son, Brian was born. Richard and Betty settled in Fort Smith, where they raised their two sons, for the next 21 years. During that time, Richard started his own company continuing to work for the development of the surrounding areas. In 1988, they moved to Fayetteville where he was instrumental in the rejuvenation of Dickson Street. While working with Jim Lindsey, he became passionate about developing commercial real estate. He retired in 2004, at which time Betty and Richard moved to Rogers. He remained involved in commercial and residential real estate, taking a special interest in his existing properties. He was known as the "go to guy" for property owner associations in these areas. While Richard remained involved in "career" during retirement, he plunged head first into investing his available time for family, Rotary, community and church. Specifically, The Samaritan House where he volunteered as a mentor and encourager , a leader in his Fellowship Bible Church community groups, and the Men's Fraternity where he cherished the opportunity to guide other young men in life. Richard loved life and could light up a room with his wit, personality and kindness towards others. He was handsome, vibrant, courageous, generous, loving, wise and a total rascal! A few comments shared on his life: Richard is a man of character, integrity and wisdom. His legacy will carry on in the lives of the men he impacted and the families those men lead. Richard was a friend to all and a true servant of the Lord. He will be missed by so many and remembered for his many acts of kindness and his friendly smile. A true christian gentleman that enjoyed life to the fullest. His smile and laugh will always be remembered, his being a leader in faith and the example he set forth for me will remain forever. A distinguished, christian gentleman in the best sense of the word has entered into his reward. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him. What a man! The peace we have is that he is worshipping our Savior all day long! We will always cherish our time with Richard and will never forget his great sense of humor, and his ever present love and compassion. I know that he is at peace and safe in the arms of Jesus. The angels and those who went before him are rejoicing. The good news is, we will all get to see him again someday and what a day of rejoicing that will be He was an inspiration to so many in his words and his deeds. Heaven has opened welcoming arms for him with comfort and peace He went out of his way to make others comfortable and a part of the group. He was friendly to all, not exclusive to any. Richard has been an amazing man, son, brother, father, husband, uncle, grandfather, father-in-law, cousin, nephew, brother-in-law, mentor, leader, friend, counselor, servant and most importantly what makes all of these possible…. a christian! We all love you dad, and know you have peace with our Father of all Fathers. You taught us well and we will do our best to uphold your legacy. We will keep close and do our best to serve as a family. Please guide us from above in you can. We will be listening…for a change. We will miss you dearly. We love you, Dad. Thank you so much for everything! We look forward to our next BNO… Memorial service will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Fellowship Bible Church in the main sanctuary. The family will be available for visiting after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Samaritan House, 1211 West Hudson Road, Rogers, AR 72756. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Words of comfort may be expressed at stockdalefuneral.com.