Richard Franklin Folds
Richard Franklin Folds, age 84 of Malvern, died Monday, January 4, 2021 at his home. He was born on November 9, 1936 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Thomas Alonzo Folds and Mary Jane Dempsey Folds. Reared and educated in Atlanta, he graduated from Fulton High School.
He then joined the United States Navy, received his training in San Diego, and spent 18 months on Guam in radio communications. After his military service, he worked for General Dynamics, (home of the Atlas Missile) as a mail clerk, and worked his way to a supervisory position in the engineering department. While holding that job, he attended San Diego City College and San Diego State College. A salesman for most of his life, (automobiles, women’s clothing, and advertising for the Malvern Daily Record). In January 1997, he left the MDR to help develop and put into operation the Hot Spring County 9-1-1 Emergency System. He rejoined the MDR in August, 2000 as Publisher. He retired in July, 2018 after a combined 27 years of service.
He loved sports, especially baseball, and spent 16 years keeping stats for all of the Malvern junior high and senior teams. He also spent 16 years as president of Malvern Little League Baseball, and coached in the Little League and Hot Spring county Junior Babe Ruth League. Richard also coached Malvern Elementary football teams. He was selected to be on the Malvern High School Wall of Honor for his support of the athletic department. Richard was a member of the Lions Club, serving as president, and was twice selected as Lion of the Year. He served on the Hot Spring County Development Committee, Malvern/Hot Spring Chamber of Commerce Board, was on the Library Advisory Board and the Emergency Management Board. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Richard was the widower of the late Jo Payne Folds, to whom he was married on August 30, 1968. She preceded him in death on November 30, 2016.
He is survived by his children, John Richard Folds and his wife, Wendy of Malvern, Wesley Thomas Folds and his wife, Angie of Conway, and Laura Jane Folds of California; his grandchildren, Caroline, Mary Kate, Mackenzie, and Jackson; step-grandchildren, Olivia and A. J. Kidder; and several nieces and nephews in Georgia and South Carolina.
Richard was also preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters.
The family will receive friends at their home, 2223 McHenry Circle, Malvern, on Wednesday evening from five until eight o’clock.
A memorial service will be held at two o’clock Thursday afternoon, January 7, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Courtney Bacon-Latina officiating and under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home. Due to COVID-19, masks are required.
Honorary pallbearers are: Michael Chance, Blair Williams, Landon Williams, Mike Burris, Terry Bracy, Allen Pulley, Danny Riggan, Dr. Thaxton and Staff, Phillip Nix, Dr. Larry Brashears, Rich Colananni , Dudley Steele, Bonnie Parker, Eric Lewis, Caregivers and Helpers: Kathi Ledbetter, John Kevin Thompson, and Danielle Crosby; Darryl Baker, Ben Dial, the Breakfast crew at The Place, Chris Williams, Ralph Williams, Penny Gassman, and Darrell and Shu Hathcock.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to cancer research, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, or the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome. com.