Richard H. Blume

Richard Harry Blume -- coach, boss-man, funky dresser, golfing nut, work-out enthusiast, truth teller, fighter, our hero, lover of life -- died on Monday, August 17, 2015 after his courageous battle with ALS. Richard was one of a kind, often reminding the locals of the Little Rock "Sanford & Sons." His Jewish New Jersey roots led him into the scrap metal business nearly 25 years ago. He opened Blume Scrap Metal and soon after, I-30 Truck and Scale. He was the ultimate entrepreneur. His passion in life was basketball; so much so that in 1985 he created the 1st semi pro- basketball team in Arkansas: the Arkansas Express. They played the very first game in Bud Walton Arena. For 15 years the team would travel around the country and play Division 1 schools during pre-season. He garnered many wonderful long-lasting relationships through his love for basketball. Richard was a fair and honorable man by default. He believed in equality for all. He was outspoken about race relations. He spoke his mind without regret through commentary in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. In the 90's Richard and his daughter Lara sat on the Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission. He was very happy and pleased that hometown President Bill Clinton and Barack Obama were elected into office. His only regret is that he didn't see Hillary Clinton run our country. He had a life-long love affair with spaghetti & meatballs, Matzo ball soup and kasha. He made it a rule while his children were growing up for everyone to sit together during dinner. There was nothing more important in the world than spending time with his family. Richard was very athletic all of his life. He would often ride his bike from his home in West Little Rock to his business downtown. In 2009, when he was diagnosed with ALS, his physical body started to decline. He purchased an adult ' Try-Cycle'. He began to ride his beloved bike with his granddaughter Masyn in tow. He never let ALS defeat his spirit and was a beacon of hope for others battling ALS. Richard and his daughter founded the ALS In Wonderland Foundation in 2013. The foundation has assisted over 45 PALS in Arkansas. Giving to others was very important to him. He had a smile and kindness for all. " Why Me? Why Not?" was Richard's motto. Richard made his last wishes clear and known to his family, wife Jean, daughter Lara and son Douglas, that he was "ready to go to heaven." He said that he had suffered and been through too much. Richard had a beautiful life and in the end, as his family held his hand and watched him take his last breath, he was surrounded by immense love. He is now at his eternal home in heaven. Richard is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jean H. Blume; daughter, Lara Blume-McGee; son, Douglas Blume; his loving sisters, Stephanie Tansey, Donna Grauer and Dora Sharpe; and two grandchildren, Masyn Blume Dupont and Leyla McGee. Visitation will be Saturday, August 22 from 5-7 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Interment with Military Honors will be held on Friday, September 4 at 1 p.m., at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, officiated by Rabbi Barry Block. In lieu of flowers please send your condolences to: ALS In Wonderland Foundation, 1321 Scott St., Little Rock, AR 72202 or www.alsinwonderland.com. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Richard's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.