Richard Theodore Rippstein

Richard Theodore Rippstein, age 61,  passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on October 20, 2022.

Family and friends will have a celebration of life at a later date.

Richard, known to all his family and friends as Ricky, Bubba, or Pops,  was born May 26, 1961 in Houston, Tx to Dyan Wyrick. He grew up mostly in Houston and California, before moving to Waco, Texas with his family in the 80’s. He is the second oldest of 6 children and was the protector to his siblings; who he shared a very close relationship with. Growing up, he was mischievous and was always getting into trouble, could always make you laugh, and had a heart of gold. He met the love of his life Teresa Parker in Bellmead, Texas on May 26, 1989. They were married on August 31,1991.  Their love was definitely a “once in a lifetime ” love. You never saw one without the other; they were inseparable. When he married Teresa, he became a stepfather to her children, Crystal and Tony Jr, (who also goes by “Bubba”). He had such a strong bond with them and was very proud to call them his own; and they, in turn, loved and adored their “Daddy Ricky”.  Ricky loved music and was a huge fan of Elvis Presley. He loved to sing, dance, and was a beast on the pool table. He had a sense of humor that would keep you laughing and was a very good storyteller. He had what his daughter called, a “shake it off” attitude, and would always say, “Just shake it off, Baby Girl,” anytime she was worried about something. Ricky had a very strong faith in the Lord and was recently baptized. After his wife’s passing in 2017, Ricky lived in a state of mourning and longed for the day that he would be reunited with his “Sweetness”. Ricky is now, indeed, with his “sweetness” and Our Father in Heaven.

He is preceded in death, by his mother, Dyan Wyrick;  father, Norman Wyrick; sisters, Jeanie Rippstein and Melissa Hensley; and his soulmate, Teresa Parker Rippstein.

He is survived by his children Eddie Sadler; Crystal Gatlin Walker and husband Andrew; Tony Gatlin Jr. (Bubba) and wife Natasha; His “bonus daughter” Barbie Eubank; and “bonus son” James Walker; his grandchildren whom he adored so much, Alyssa Walker,  Andilynn Walker, Jose Andrew, and Brandon Gatlin Jr;  his sisters, Dana Hughes, and Lynn Carter-Hinton; and brother Eric Wyrick; many nieces and nephews and close friends, including,  best friends Geno Galmiche and wife Lynn Galmiche;  and his brother from another mother, Rob Hall. Ricky also leaves behind his beloved dog, Sissy Bug, who was his partner in crime for the last 11 years, and who misses him dearly.

To BSW hospice, Teri, Tammy, Jose, Kelly and Scotti, the family would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude for all the care your staff rendered to Ricky during his time at home. Thank you for making him comfortable and making the process one with dignity and love. We are forever grateful.

Roman’s 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Acts 2:25-28

I saw the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken; Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence!