Richard Spades

Richard Judkins Spades of North Little Rock, formerly of Black Rock and Cabot, Arkansas, passed away on February 28, 2015 at age 91. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ina Ruth Wilson Spades, on October 22, 2011, and his parents, Pearl Iva Judkins and Sebastian Augustine Spades. He was one of nine children and was preceded in death by seven of his siblings. Richard was born in Black Rock on December 25, 1923. He attended elementary school and high school at Black Rock, graduating as the Valedictorian Honor Student in May of 1941. As a young teenager, he was a member of Boy Scout Troop 65 in Black Rock. Richard joined the Army Air Corps in November 1942 and served in the 8th Air Force in England during World War II as a Radio Operator and Gunner on a B-24 Liberator. He served in the U.S. and in Europe, where he survived a forced-landing plane crash in France. Shortly afterward, Richard's plane was shot down during a bombing mission over Germany, where he spent over two months as a Prisoner of War. After World War II ended, he completed his active-duty service and returned to Black Rock and was later awarded the Purple Heart. Richard married Ina Ruth Wilson on December 23, 1950 in Hoxie, Arkansas. He is survived by their four children. Richard attended college at Arkansas State University as a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Soon after joining the Army Air Corps, he enrolled in classes at the University of Tulsa as part of his military training. After separating from active duty, he enrolled in college at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he graduated with a math and physics degree. He also completed studies at Johns Hopkins University during the eleven years he and his family lived in Baltimore, Maryland. Richard taught math and science for one year at Black Rock High School before joining Commercial Credit Equipment Corporation in Baltimore as a Field Adjustor. He retired from Commercial Credit Equipment Corporation in 1971 as a National Director. After Richard and his family moved back to Arkansas for a short time, he joined Mobile Home Associates in Atlanta, Georgia. He and his family lived in Atlanta for three years and then returned to Black Rock, where he founded and owned Spades Realty. He also co-owned and operated the Three Rivers Fish House in Black Rock for two years. Richard then returned to teaching math and science at Black Rock High School from 1982 until 1987. Richard was a member of the Methodist Church for over 85 years and served in several capacities until his health intervened. He was a member of several veterans' organizations and served as Commander of both the American Legion Post 4550 in Black Rock and the American Ex-Prisoners of War Chapter 1 in Little Rock. Richard is survived by his sister, Kathryn Callahan of Pocahontas, and his four children: Steven W. Spades, Sherwood; Richard J. Spades Jr., Little Rock; Samuel W. Spades (Becky), Black Rock; and Julie Ann McCarroll (Billy), Cabot. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Casey, Jessica, Steven, and Sean Spades (Steven); Candace Petty, Sara Kopp, and Amanda Ball (Samuel); and Nathan and Gregory McCarroll (Julie). Richard is survived by seven great-grandchildren: Colby Morgan (Candace); Erik Harmon and Dakota Grim (Jessica); Xander and Lola Ball (Amanda); Bryson Spades (Sean); and Dane McCarroll (Gregory). Both the visitation and funeral will be conducted at First United Methodist Church in Cabot. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, followed by the funeral at 10:30a.m. Interment will be at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Moore's Cabot Funeral Home (501) 843-5816. Please sign the online guestbook: www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.