Richard Tindall

Richard Carlton Tindal, age 79, of McGehee, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Friday July 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born on September 13th, 1945, in Monticello Arkansas to Delbert & Margaret Tindall. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend who touched the lives of all who knew him with his kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith.
Married for over sixty years, their love story began as high school sweethearts in McGehee. After dating throughout their school days, they were married in December beginning a lifetime of love, faith, and partnership.
Richard was a true lifelong learner and a man of many talents. Throughout his life, he was a pioneer in many ways, including being one of the first to attempt raising saltwater shrimp in freshwater in Southeast Arkansas. He embraced a variety of occupations, each one reflecting his drive to grow, learn, and achieve more. He was in a partner at TW Flying Service, owner of Sharp Building Material Company,a licensed contractor and a farmer, he approached every venture with determination, skill, and a spirit of innovation. Whether working the land, managing his businesses, or building something new, he took great pride in a job well done and in serving his community.
He had a lifelong love of horses, beginning in childhood. Over the years, he showed Appaloosa horses, judged many Horse shows himself, and enjoyed riding cutting horses and participating in calf roping competitions. Among the many horses he owned, his favorite was named Crossbar. Another constant companion was his beloved Labrador Retriever, Kane, who earned numerous Field Trial awards and brought him great joy.
Richard was also an avid outdoorsman, but his greatest passion was tournament fishing. This love of the water became a special bond with his son, Richie, and later inspired one of his grandsons to take it to the next level by leading his collegiate fishing tournament team to the top.
All five of Richard's grandsons shared his enthusiasm for sports, participating in football, baseball, golf, track and field, and basketball. He was their biggest fan-sometimes their coach on the field, but most often their steady coach behind the scenes, always offering words of encouragement and just the right bit of advice to carry with them into the next game.
In 2018, he ran for Desha County Judge, and thanks to the support of the citizens he loved so dearly, he was elected to serve. He held this role with dedication and integrity until the day he passed. Though he never aspired to be a "politician," his goal was always simply to make a difference in his community, all while putting God first in everything he did.
Above all, he loved his family and found joy in the simple moments spent together.
Richard was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of McGehee, where he worshipped and served for many years. He served as Elder, Chair of The Buildings & Grounds Committee and many other duties. His gentle spirit, warm smile, and steadfast presence will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy Tindall, his children, Richie Tindall (Lori Tindall) of Monroe Louisiana and Brooke Tindall French of McGehee Arkansas. His grandchildren are Steven A. French II (Stevi Bolin-French) of McGehee Arkansas, Dr. Logan Malone French (Dr Elizabeth Draper) of Boston Massachusetts, and Max Tindall French of McGehee Arkansas, Taylor Carlton Tindall (Madison Tindall) of Monroe Louisiana and Cody Kade Tindall also of Monroe Louisiana. Two great-grandsons, Steven Arzo French III and Boston James French, and his older sister, Margaret Tindall Gilliam of Shreveport, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Margaret Tindall, his sister, Anita Tindall Rial, and many cherished extended family members and friends.
A Visitation will be held prior to the Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 9, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of McGehee. The Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Don Harris and Eddie Holt officiating. The service will include hymns, special music, and a time for friends and family to share memories in honor of his life. Arrangments made by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service. Online Guestbook can be signed at www.griffinculpepper.com
Following the service, all are invited to a reception in the Fellowship Hall to continue celebrating Richard life and legacy.
The Family has requested for memorial contributions may be made to The First Presbyterian Church of McGehee.
Your prayers and love have been a blessing to our family, and we thank you for surrounding us with your care and compassion.
"Well done, good and faithful servant."