Rickford Eugene Parratt
Rickford Eugene Parratt, 59, of Victoria died April 8, 2010. He was born Oct. 9, 1950, in Richland, Wash., to Lois Evelyn (Sturdivant) and the late Donald Edgar Parratt.
He graduated from Niceville High School in Niceville, Fla., in 1968.
That August, he joined the Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Vietnam Cross Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm, Vietnam Campaign and Service medals, and the Civil Action Unit Citation with Palm and Frame. He was honorably discharged in 1972.
He attended dental school at Blair College and received a degree in dental technology.
He met his bride, Sherry Louise Goodwin, in April 1973 in Garden Grove, Calif. and was married three months later on Aug. 25, 1973. They welcomed their first daughter, Chandra, in April 1975; second daughter, Jessica, in January 1979; and son, Jonathan, in February 1980.
He and his wife opened Reliance Dental Laboratory in August 1984 and dedicated 25 years to perfecting his craft and creating quality dental restorations for patients across Texas. He walked his daughters down the aisle on their wedding days; pinned his daughter’s second lieutenant bars when she was commissioned in the Air Force; welcomed his son into the family business and took great joy in passing on his legacy; held in his strong and gentle arms all five of his grandchildren upon their births; and celebrated 36 years of marriage with the love of his life.
He was a teacher, artist and athlete who loved life and gave generously to all those who knew him. He was honest, loving, hardworking, creative, passionate, friendly, proud and meticulous.
His common sense kept his family grounded. He would tell you the truth even if you didn’t want to hear it, but he couldn’t keep a secret. He loved to make people laugh. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and best friend.
In his final years, he found happiness vacationing with his family and friends, working with his son and playing with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Sherry Parratt; daughter Chandra Longfield and husband Colin, and Jessica Ladd and husband Andy; son Jonathan Parratt with Kim Meisner and son Caleb; grandchildren Camille, Noah, Vaughn, Liam and Elaina; his mother; sister Marsha Moore; and brother Timothy Parratt.
Private family services were held April 11 at Rosewood Funeral Chapel.
Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. April 16 at Rosewood Funeral Chapel.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.