Richard Joseph Hritz, age 77

Richard Joseph Hritz, 77, of Cabot, Arkansas, revved his engines one final time and crossed the finish line on October 4, 2023. Born on August 28, 1946, in Yonkers, New York, Richard soared to great heights during his time in the United States Air Force, where he expertly navigated the twists and turns of vehicle maintenance. He earned his stripes as a Technical Instructor after serving in the Vietnam theater on a couple of wild rotations.

When he wasn’t conquering the skies, Richard had a need for speed on the ground. He left tire tracks on the racing circuit and cruised the streets on his beloved Harley motorcycles. His passion for cars and poker was unmatched, always ready to go all-in with a winning hand.

Richard’s dynamic personality was as complex as a puzzle, but he always had a wrench in hand to help anyone in need. He was a true friend, with John Mason, Rick Eggleston, and John Daughtery as his chosen brothers, always ready to join him on an adventure.

Surviving Richard’s wild ride is his current wife, wife #3 Ramona Rogers-Hritz. He leaves behind his first wife Laura Hritz, who kept up with his fast pace and many PCS moves with their two daughters, Marcy Falkner of Birmingham, Alabama, and Katrina Hritz of North Little Rock, Arkansas. His cousin Holly Green of Salt Lake City, Utah, was always in on the action. Richard’s legacy continues with his grandchildren: Kelsey Falkner, Kyle Falkner and his great grandchildren:  Bray Falkner, and Max Falkner, who will keep his spirit burning rubber.

Richard’s foster sons, Tommy Griffin (Tammy) and Greg Rozenski (Dana), rode shotgun on his journey, along with foster grandchildren Joseph Griffin, Koby Griffin, Abby Griffin, and TJ Rozenski. Stepchildren Tracy Brownfield (Dan) and Michael Simmons, along with step-grandchildren Allice Brownfield, Leslie Brownfield, Michael Maddox, Tristan Simmons, Xavier Simmons, Annah Simmons, and Keeghan Simmons, added even more thrills to his life. And many more relatives and friends.

Richard’s adventure-filled story was woven together by his grandparents, Andrew and Sophia Hritz, his parents Joseph and Helena Hritz, his two uncles Paul Hritz and Andrew Hritz, His cousin that was more like a sister to him Lorraine Hritz and his late wife Ellie Hritz, who rode shotgun with him on their own incredible journey.

A celebration of Richard’s life will take place at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas, where friends and family can gather to share stories and memories. Visitation/viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 6pm to 8pm in the chapel. The grand finale is on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at noon. It will be a graveside ceremony in the Arkansas State Veteran Cemetery in Sherwood.

In honor of Richard’s indomitable spirit, contributions can be made to veteran organizations, cancer research, or 12 Step programs. Let’s keep his legacy alive and roaring.

The checkered flag waves for Richard Hritz, and we extend our deepest gratitude to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas, for their assistance in ensuring his final lap was filled with love and laughter. May his spirit continue to burn rubber in the great racetrack in the sky.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com