Richard Lee Sowder

     Richard Lee Sowder of Meridian, Mississippi passed away peacefully at Anderson Regional Medical Center on December 4, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.

     Richard was born to Joseph Green and Dorothy Vivian (Hellard) Sowder on November 26, 1937, in Covington, Kentucky.  After high school, Richard joined the United States Army and once serving his term, enlisted in the United States Navy, serving until his retirement.  While serving in the USN, he worked as a machinist and received many commendations during his term, including the Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, just to mention a few.

     After retiring from the USN, Richard became a machinist, working at several different locations in the Meridian area as well as at the Meridian Naval Base.  His granddaughters fondly remember how he loved to teach anyone something new.  He also taught at Meridian Community College in the Machinist Department. 

     Richard was known for never meeting a stranger and having the ability to brighten anyone’s day with his smile and laughter.  His family remembers his favorite saying, “What can I say?”, being his response to most anything about himself.   An avid golfer and bowler, he loved staying active and busy.  He enjoyed his vanilla ice cream and even a good cigar from time to time.  His absence will genuinely be felt by all who knew and loved him. 

     Richard is survived by his sons, Barry (Beverly) Woods, Tim (Jackie) Woods, and Danny (Barbara) Woods; grandchildren, Kristy (Keith) Dickerson, Lynnzie (Baron) Blackwell, Justin (Jennifer) Woods, Jordan (Makayla) Woods, Tiffany (Glenn) Powers, Morgan (Jeremy) Bertrand, MD, Magen (JD) Shaw, Daniel Woods, Bradley Woods, and Matt Woods; his legacy of great grands; and his many friends he leaves behind.

     He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley Mae (Cummings) Sowder; granddaughter, Heather Woods; great grandson James Jordan Woods, Jr; and a brother.

     The family would like to send a very heartfelt “thank you” to all the staff at Aldersgate Retirement Community for their care and compassion to Richard and his family during the time he spent there, as well as the many great times and special memories shared with his best friend, Mary Galvin.

     Visitation for Richard will be held from 10-11AM on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North, located at 7774 Highway 39 North, Meridian, Mississippi 39305.  A chapel service will follow, beginning at 11AM with Rev. Kenneth Owens officiating. 

     Burial will take place at Fellowship Cemetery located at 2335 Old Trace Rd, Mathiston, Mississippi 39752, on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 10:30AM, with Rev. Steve Taylor officiating.

     Pallbearers for the service will be Justin Woods, Jordan Woods, Barry Woods, Tim Woods, Keith Dickerson, and Baron Blackwell.

     The staff at Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North are grateful for the opportunity to honor Richard, his memory, and his wonderful family.