Rick "Too Tall" Burtcheard

BETHANY - Rick 'Too Tall' Burtcheard, 54, of Bethany, died 12:25 a.m. Friday (June 3, 2011) at his home after suffering a massive heart attack. Celebration of Life services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will be in the French Cemetery, Allenville. Visitation will be from 4 - 7 p.m. Tuesday. Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan Fire and Ambulance Service. Condolences to the family can be sent to reedfuneralhome.net. 'Too Tall' was born February 22, 1957 in Decatur, IL, the son of Garrett and Evelyn Pugh Burtcheard. He was a local driver for Keller Trucking of Sullivan working out of Sherwin Williams in Effingham. 'Too Tall' loved to spend time in his boat on Lake Shelbyville, riding his motorcycle, working on motors, he could fix just about anything, and especially loved watching NASCAR races. His greatest passion was spending time with his family and his precious grandchildren. He loved Sunday dinners at home, cooking on the grill, working in the yard and spending time outside around the house. 'Too Tall' even advised Natalie on how to raise pumpkins so that someday she could sell them. He married Pat Hodge on September 2, 1996 at Lake Paradise in Mattoon and she survives. Other survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Riley of Sullivan; son, Tony Hodge of Decatur; parents, Garrett and Evelyn Burtcheard of Sullivan; grandchildren, Kaylan Jo Riley and Nathan Joseph Riley, both of LaPlace, IL and Addison Hodge of Decatur and several cousins. He was a caring son, loving husband, great dad and compassionate grandpa. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at http://legacy.com/obituaries/herald-review/