Richard Earl Malone, Sr. was the  fifth of eleven children born to Clifford and Ida Barnett Malone, Sr. His life here on this earth began at DeWitt, Arkansas on Monday, August 20, 1951. Growing up in the rural country life of eastern Arkansas, Richard learned to hunt and fish at an early age. He also attended the Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church as a child. He received his education thru the DeWitt Schools and began farming at the age of 17.

Over the years he worked at the Potlatch Corporation, and T & S Sawmill, Inc., before being employed at Lennox Industries in Stuttgart. After 21 years, Richard retired for Lennox in 2016.

During his younger years, Richard enjoyed riding motorcycles. One afternoon, while riding with his brother, they came upon a pretty girl driving a baby blue mustang. As they continued to follow her, she shouted out at them "Stop following me! You're married!"  Richard called out "Baby I aint!"

Shortly after this incident, Richard and Dianna Lynn Smith began dating and eleven months later, November 24, 1971 at Clarendon, they pledged their vows to each other. This marriage has been blessed over the years with three children and five grandchildren.

A light hearted and easygoing person, Richard found joy being outdoors fishing, taking care of the lawn at the First Assembly of God Church, watching John Wayne Westerns and Gunsmoke on TV and tinkering in the shop on his old 2003 Cadillac. One thing he was known for was buying, selling and trading. He should have owned a pawn shop because he loved the art of making the deal.

In 1993, Richard gave his life to the Lord and was baptized.   Since then he has been a faithful member of the Clarendon First Assembly of God Church. On Friday, January 29, 2021, at Springhill Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock, at the age of 69, the angels came and escorted Richard to Heaven to dwell with the Lord.

Richard is survived by his wife of 49 years Dianna Lynn Smith of Clarendon, Sons; Richie Malone and wife Tonya of Clarendon, James Dale Malone and wife Wanda of Roe, Daughter; Michelle and Fiancé C.J. Burtram of Gillett, Grandchildren; Milla Jo Ragsdale, Ryan, Taylor, Hannah, and Harlee Malone. Brothers; Clifford Malone of Dewitt, Tom Malone of Cabot, Sisters; Sue Mensch and husband Cecil of Aberdeen, Norma Cloud and husband Michael of Dewitt.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ida Barnett & Clifford Malone Sr., Brothers; Alfred, Larry, Arvin, Eddie, and David, Sister; Ida Crawford.