Richard E. Stovall

Beloved husband, dad, granddad, and so proud to be a great granddaddy, Richard Stovall was called home to his Lord and Savior, April 20, 2012. Richard was born on November 13, 1934, in Ft. Worth, to Rev. J.W. and Velma Stovall. Richard accepted the Lord at age 8 and never wavered. He spent the last 59 years serving at South Memorial Baptist Church, where his father pastored for over 42 years. Richard spent over four years helping rebuild the church after it burned in the late '80's. He lived and talked his faith. Richard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Winn, that he always referred to as his "Gift from God"; his daughter, Wendi Tully and husband, Mike of Midland; son, Burt Stovall and Eileen Bucayan of Round Rock. Grandchildren include: Michael Tully and wife, Jessica of Midland, Matthew Tully and Timothy Stovall of Midland, Hilary Stovall at Texas Tech, and Cliff Hicks from Round Rock. Great grandchildren include: Caden and Rylee Tully from Midland. Richard is also survived by brother, Jim Stovall and wife, Beverly of Huntsville, Alabama; sister, Vernenice Anderson and husband, Bill of Hurst; and brother, Bob and wife, Jackie of Midland; and by many very special nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a diving family of thousands that have helped spread his vision throughout the world. Richard was a member of the coffee group that meets each morning at the Bradford Inn. Thanks Guys! Richard graduated from Wink High School and was master of many things. He owned Stovall 's Scuba and Travel, which opened in 1960, and was the first scuba center in West Texas. He built his first re-breather in 1954 and was a self taught diver until 1959, when he became a better, safer diver. He had a passion for teaching people to become comfortable divers and enjoy the fancy and real artwork that God has provided in his underwater world. All of his children and grand children are trained divers, and in his 58 plus years of diving, he never had an accident, nor did his students. Richard was a solid supporter of Midland business, owning Stovall's Garage, then Stovall's Imports until 1986, then continued on with his love of scuba. In addition to all this, he held a commercial, multi-engine pilot's license and was certified as a trainer for so many things. He was a proud veteran of the 11th Airborne, US Army. Richard always loved to discuss religion and politics and would respect your belief and opinions, but he did expect you to do the same. The family would like to give special thanks to the Concho County Sheriff's Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Eden EMS and Brady Fire Department, the Concho County J.P., Scott Spoonts and Global Diving and Salvage of Houston. You have all become a part of our family during this difficult time. Funeral services will be led by Pete Campbell, at South Memorial Baptist Church, at 2:00 p.m., Friday , April 27, 2012, at 1700 West Carter, Midland 79701. After graveside services at Fairview Cemetary, the family will be receiving guests for a meal at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, at 3309 W. Neely. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home of Midland. Condolences may be made at: www.ellisfuneral.com. If you choose, in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to South Memorial Baptist Church in care of Ellis Funeral Home.