Richard Lee Atha, Sr.

Richard Lee Atha was born on August 28, 1949 in Powellton, West Virginia to James Henry Atha and Sarah Pearl Kinder Atha.  Richard grew up in West Virginia and moved to Texas at the age of 17.  In November of 1968, he married Polly Davis and in June of 1973 they had one child, Tracie Atha.  Richard remarried and had his second child Richard Atha Jr. in June 1989. In July of 2009 he married his love Debby Sparks.

Richard is preceded in death by his Parents, brothers Raymond, Billy and James Jr. Sister Marlena and son Richard.

He is survived by his wife Debby, daughters Tracie, Miranda, Dena and Eyka. Sons Jamie and Brian and sisters Sarah, Juanita, Charlotte, Connie, Marsha and Laura and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was a lifelong self-taught mechanic who worked for various automotive shops over the years. Richard eventually followed his dreams and became a successful self-employed mechanic owning automotive repair shops in the Abilene area.

With knowledge of knowing his way around engines, one of Richards passions was to make things go very, very fast.  Knowing Richard, he wasn’t happy unless he was working on a project or driving something that would go Mach 1 and catch your hair on fire.  This is why he went bald at a younger age.

His hobbies included dirt bike riding, car racing, boat racing, driving his razor, playing his guitars, camping, and fishing.  He always looked forward to his annual boys fishing trip with his nephews.  What happens at Taylor, stays at Taylor.

His true passion in life however was his very large family and friends.  He was a one of a kind, loving, caring, adventurous, adrenaline junky, God fearing, husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, that would do anything for anyone. He loved being surrounded by his loved ones.  Especially his wife Debby, daughter Tracie and son Richard.

In the words of Potosi Baptist Church leader Ben Wilson, “You are one of a kind! Well done my brother.” We will love you always and miss you forever.

Viewing will be held on Sunday December 13 from 2-4 PM at Piersall-Benton Funeral Directors 733 Butternut Abilene, TX.  Services will be held Monday December 14, at 2 PM at Potosi Baptist Church 2826 Potosi Road Abilene, TX.  Burial will be help Wednesday December 16 at 11:00 am at the veteran’s cemetery on FM 600 in Abilene.  All are welcome.