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Richard “Rick” Henry Tilford, Jr., 56, passed away on September 14, 2024, in Pryor, Oklahoma. He was born on October 7, 1967, in Fort Benning, Georgia, to Georgia “Jody” Lee and Richard Henry Tilford, Sr.
Rick spent his early years in Tulsa, Oklahoma, growing up in the Brookside area. He attended both Wentworth Military Academy in Missouri and Edison High School in Tulsa. He excelled as a wrestler and proudly competed on the Junior Olympic Team.
Throughout his life, Rick lived in various places, including South Texas and Oklahoma City, before settling in Locust Grove in 2018 to care for his father. A man deeply connected to his spirituality, Rick attended Victory Christian Church in Tulsa and more recently became a part of Lake View Baptist Church in Salina, Oklahoma.
Over the years, Rick spent time working as a sandblaster and painter. He also had a special love for animals, and his talent for training dogs was remarkable. His connection to nature was strong—Rick found joy in being outdoors, whether kayaking, water skiing, or fishing. He was happiest near the water, engaging in a variety of activities that let him experience nature at its’ best.
A proud member of the Choctaw Nation, Rick took great pride in his Native American heritage, embracing tribal customs and traditions. Known for his sense of humor and playful spirit, Rick was known to be ornery but that never overshadowed his kind heart. He was a compassionate man, always ready to lend a hand to those in need, whether it was caring for animals or offering his own belongings to the homeless. He literally was willing to share the shirt off his back.
Rick’s memory will live on in the hearts of his extended family and the many friends whose lives he touched. He will be remembered for his kind spirit, love for the outdoors, and deep compassion for others. His generosity and warmth left an impression on all who knew him.
Rick is survived by: his fiancé`: Michelle Sams of Grove, Oklahoma; 2 daughters: Sabrina (Sexton) Aymond and husband Kevin of Siloam Springs, Arkansas and Samantha Sexton of Rogers, Arkansas; 2 sons: Kyler Edwards and wife Derian Bedwell of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Stormy Tilford of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; 3 sisters: Donna Forbis and husband Michael of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Megan Spoerl and husband Arthur of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Tracy Millard and husband Nicholas of Hulbert, Oklahoma. Rick was also a grandfather to nine grandchildren and an adored uncle to nine nieces and nephews. He is also survived by numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Wanda Louise Tilford, and his paternal grandparents Alice and Henry Tilford.
No services are planned. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Locust Grove Funeral Home.
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