Richard John Llewellyn

Richard John Llewellyn
April 29, 1938 – March 25, 2023
Richard J. Llewellyn, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, went to be with the Lord on March 25, 2023. Richard was born on April 29, 1938 to Harry George and Dorothy Urweider Llewellyn in Taylor, Pennsylvania.
Richard will be missed by many, including his children Dorothy Llewellyn Garcia, Richard John Llewellyn Jr., and Samuel Kenneth Llewellyn (Felicia); grandchildren Richard Erik Paine (Timothy), Amanda Christine Burroughs (Aaron), Matthew James Llewellyn (Crystal), and Katherine Marie Warren (Jacob); great-grandchildren Aiden James Llewellyn and Andrew Luke Llewellyn; and numerous family members.
Richard is preceded in death by Mary Llewellyn, his beloved wife of 54 years, and Margaret Ellen Mayfield, his first wife; parents Harry and Dorothy Llewellyn; his son Baby Boy Llewellyn; siblings Elizabeth Anne Llewellyn Bergman, Mary Louise Llewellyn Abrahms, and Virginia Anne Llewellyn Eck.
Richard, or "Little Richard" as he was known to all his truck driving buddies, worked for the City of San Antonio, Baker's Dairy, and San Antonio Milk Producers Association. After that, it was on to the "big rigs." At Chemical Express, he delivered cement and other building materials before moving to gasoline and jet fuel. Eventually, he bought his own rig and proudly became an owner/operator.
This work took him all over the country and often kept him on the road for days at a time. Despite the long trips, he loved his work. Dad often said he felt as though he spent more time under the hood of his truck than he actually did driving it. On occasion, Richard would complain about being on the road too much, but if he didn't get a call to work for 2-3 days well, the road beckons. His career spanned more than three decades.
Richard took a great deal of pride in his work and made many friends on the road. He loved his work and his co-workers, and they respected him. These co-workers gave him the moniker "Little Richard" because of his diminutive stature. Although he was 5ft nuthin', he had the confidence of a man twice his size.
Although he hasn't been behind the wheel in a very long time, he still knew these Texas roads like the back of his hand. As a passenger, he was happy to point out when you missed an exit or turned right when you should have turned left. A wide-eyed look, a slight gesture, maybe even a nod of the head with a grin – these subtle gestures were clear.
Fishing, camping, swimming at the river, and hiking were his other passions. Richard loved to take his family on many trips to camp and fish at the Texas coast, Piney Woods of East Texas, Garner State Park, and often to an obscure spot he saw while he was driving his big rig. When the grandkids showed up, he and mom kicked it into another gear. He rarely passed up an opportunity to take the grandchildren on trips. In addition, he would never pass up the chance to barbecue even though he often burned all the burgers, hot dogs, and chicken, grilling (but mostly fire) was his forte.
Richard loved and was loved by his family. He considered his in-laws to be his own brothers and sisters. He also loved his nieces and nephews as his own. His grandchildren will remember him for his unwavering love and devotion. His family was his most cherished blessing.
Richard was a one-of-a-kind, larger-than-life man whose enthusiasm for all that life had to offer was infectious. As we say goodbye, we hold tight to the memories we've shared and the legacy fostered and instilled in all of us. Dad, you lived a life filled with love, joy, and laughter. We'll miss you always.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. at Mission Park South. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Mission San Jose Catholic Church. Graveside Service to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. with a procession to depart the funeral home at 1:45 p.m.