A graduate of Bauxite High School, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Arkansas School of Law, Rick started a law practice in Booneville in 1970. Throughout his legal career, he served as Booneville City Attorney, Logan County Deputy Prosecutor, Public Defender, and Booneville Municipal Judge. He was also a member of the American Bar Association and the Arkansas Bar Association.

Rick was also extremely active in the Booneville community where he was President and member of the Booneville Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Booneville Parks and Recreation Commission, a Member of the USDA Committee, President, Paul Harris Fellow, and member of the Booneville Rotary Club, Booneville Little League Coach and board member of First Western Bank.

In 2003, Rick was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS, and true to his nature, passionately volunteered in whatever capacity possible. He volunteered tirelessly for the Fort Smith Chamber of Muscular Dystrophy Association, MDA, and the Memphis and Arkansas Chapters of the ALS Association.

As a man of faith, Rick taught the McLean Bible Study Class at First United Methodist Church and was a devoted member of the Walnut Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Rick spent a lifetime dedicated to the community of Booneville and will be deeply missed. My deepest sympathies go to his wife, Elaine; his three daughters, Lisa, Laura and Lesley; his three sons, Billy, Justin and Kyle; and his sister, Sharon. While Rick may no longer be with us, his legacy will live on in the lives he touched.