Richard A. "Dick" Lemons

Richard Arlean (Dick) Lemons finished the earthly part of his eternal life on May 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in Abilene, Texas.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, May 12, 2024 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 13 at Buffalo Gap Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. at First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange Street, Abilene.

Pallbearers will be Gary Hulshouser, Brad Davis, Ricky Hulshouser, Zach Hulshouser, Clay Davis, and Rachel Davis.

Honorary Pallbearers will be John Bingham, David Hutcheson, Ed Foreman, Kel Robinson, Kevin Walker, Brian Hutcheson, Brad Hutcheson, Tom Rose, Don Paige, Louis Gutierrez, Ron Guy, Gerald Galbraith, and Harold Collins.

Dick was born in his grandmother’s house on September 5, 1940, in Seminole, Texas.  He was the oldest of 3 children.  His parents were Lillie Faye (Criswell) Lemons and Joe S. Lemons.  He lived from the age of 13 with his aunt Martha Lee and Uncle Paul Combs and his 3 cousins.  Their oldest son, Rupert Lee Combs, was his best friend until his death at the age of 27.

Dick played basketball in high school under Coach Metz LaFollette and was a superb ball handler.  After graduation he attended South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, having been awarded a basketball scholarship.

At the beginning of his sophomore year, he met Nancy Bingham from Pecos, Texas.  They became lifelong partners when they were married on August 15, 1961 at First Presbyterian Church in Pecos.  They began their life together in Seminole, but soon moved to Abilene.  Dick worked at Dyess Air Force Base, Fielder Lumber Company, Swinney Glass and Paint and in 1972 became a furniture salesman.  He was a furniture professional for 45 years where he made many friends before retiring at the age of 77.  His expertise with design and color gave his lifelong customers trust and confidence in his recommendations.

Dick and Nancy were blessed with two daughters, Jan and Jamie.  They have 4  grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.  Their family has always been their greatest love and enjoyment.  His children and grandchildren were his life, and he was unabashedly proud of all of them.  He taught his children and grandchildren how to fish and enjoy the outdoors.  His green thumb was evident in his yard, flowers, and his vegetable garden.  His home and yard were his hobbies, except for fishing.  He also worked in the garden at his church after he retired; planting shrubs, flowers, and pulling weeds!

Dick was ordained first a Deacon and then a Ruling Elder in his church and served on many committees.  He and Nancy have been members there for more than 60 years.

He had a special relationship with his in-laws, Bill and Elizabeth Bingham.  They were like parents to him, and their love and advice were precious to him.  He loved and cared for them as long as they lived; his devotion to them never wavered. 

He and his family enjoyed many years of fishing trips to the beautiful mountains of Colorado.  Those trips hold many special family memories for all of us.  One of Dick’s specialties was cooking breakfast or supper over a campfire for everyone.  Fly fishing came naturally to him.  We loved to watch him “cast and catch” on the beautiful water.  He loved it!

Dick’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Shannon Polone, PA, Dr. Swarna, and Alpha-Omega Hospice.

Dick is survived by his wife Nancy Lemons, daughters and spouses: Jan (Gary) Hulshouser of Quitman, Texas, Jamie (Brad) Davis of Lubbock, Texas, grandchildren Ricky (Amber) Hulshouser of Deerfield Beach, Florida, Zach (Brianna) Hulshouser of Whitehouse, Texas, Clay Davis of State College, Pennsylvania, Rachel Davis of Lubbock, Texas.  He is also survived by his four great grandchildren, Andrea Valdez, Jordan Hulshouser, Bingham Hulshouser, and James Hulshouser, his brother Donald Lemons, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Fayrene.

The family suggests memorial gifts in Dick’s name to be given to First Central Presbyterian Church Bereavement Fund or The Garden of Hope Fund at First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange St, Abilene, Texas 79601, or the Jones, Espy, Finley Camp of Boys Camp Meeting, ℅ Jan Van Eman, P.O. Box 9037, Midland, Texas 79708-9037.