The Rev. Paul Richard Akridge Jr., 62, died on Feb. 8, 2025, at his home in Lampasas, after many years of battling illness.
A graveside service will be held at School Creek Cemetery on Feb. 16 at 3 p.m.
Richard was born on Sept. 28, 1962, in Ashburn, Georgia to Paul and Anne (Pate) Akridge.
He grew up in a number of small towns in Georgia and although he attended five different high schools, Richard still managed to impress college football scouts with his skill on the defensive line.
He graduated from West Georgia University and finished his education with a master’s degree some years later.
Richard was a man of faith. He dedicated 30 years to the education field as a coach and teacher, shaping the lives of countless students. He played a key role in helping establish the football program at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and was recognized in “Who’s Who of American Teachers” in 2004.
In addition to his work in education, he contributed as a sports photographer for the Lampasas Dispatch Record, capturing moments that celebrated athletic achievements. He also pursued his passion for the outdoors as a professional angler, a hunting and fishing guide, and as a taxidermist.
Beyond his professional life, Richard was an artist who enjoyed painting with acrylics and woodworking. His creativity and craftsmanship were evident in his works.
Richard married Melissa Kay Gomez in 2006 in Belton. They were married for 19 years.
He also was a licensed minister through School Creek Baptist Church. As his health declined, Richard found ways to serve others by sharing messages of faith and encouragement through social media, reaching former students, fellow educators, and anyone in need of support.
Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Lisa Kirby; paternal grandparents, Edward and Ola Akridge; and maternal grandparents, Cecil and Ernestine Pate.
He is survived by his spouse, Melissa of Austin; his daughter; his son, Trey Akridge of Austin; his sister, Beth (Charles) Herrin of Crestview, Florida; his parents, Paul and Diane Akridge of Augusta, Georgia; his mother, Anne Grosse of Crestview, Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Memorial donations may be made to the nonprofit where he volunteered his computer skills, Forgotten Felines of Texas, forgottenfelinestx. org.
