Richard Wike

Richard Wike departed this life on November 11, 2019 in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Born March 25, 1946 in Memphis, Tennessee. Richard was the son of Jess and Mary Frances Wike of Marked Tree, Arkansas, which served as home for the Wike family and held a lifetime of memories. After graduation from Marked Tree High School in 1964, Richard attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. On July 20, 1968 Richard married the love of his life, Janet Ford. Later that same year, Richard volunteered to serve his country in the US Army serving as a Green Beret in Vietnam from January 1970 to January 1971 rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant with the 5th Special Forces receiving several medals of honor. After serving his country, Richard completed his degree from the University of Tennessee and entered the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. After graduating from SCO he practiced in Corning, Fayetteville and Bella Vista, Arkansas. Richard is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janet, as well as their three sons, Jess, Jeff (Allison) and Patrick (Amy) and their five grandchildren, Garrett, Mary Claire, Sam, Lance and Max Wike and his sister, Jeannie Nichols. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Peggy Bankston. Richard was a faithful member of the Downtown Church of Christ where a visitation will be held Thursday, November 14th at 10:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service with Warren King officiating. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.