Richard Wayne Andrews, 81, of Russellville, departed this life on Saturday, August 17, 2024. He was born February 21, 1943, in Hot Springs, son of the late Robert and Hazel Cook Andrews. He was a 1962 graduate of Hot Springs High School and attended Henderson State University. Known as Grasshopper, he was a pipefitter for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 155 in which he was a member for over 50 years.

Richard leaves behind his children, Rob and Lezley Andrews, Diane Andrews, and David Andrews; grandchildren, Shane Andrews, Blake Andrews, Jonathon and Madison Watts, Annabelle Watts, and Mariska Paleno; sister, Elaine Harvey; brother, Ray Huber; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a vast community of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert; step-father and mother, Harold and Hazel Huber; and sister Patsy Breaux.

Richard was an avid outdoorsman and loved the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. He followed many a dirt road just to see where it led and could recall details of these travels for years after. An artist at heart, he loved poetry, books, and music. His family will cherish his self-published book of poems, Ups and Downs, The Musings of a Grasshopper.

Even in his last years, Richard enjoyed a clever battle of wits, corny dad jokes, and laughing with his kids. He was a loving ,caring, and giving man. His constant humor, numerous stories, and positive attitude will be greatly missed.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM, Saturday, August 24, at Lemley Chapel in Atkins. A family-conducted creekside memorial will be held at a later date: if interested in attending, please email Roband0806@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor may be made to the Arkansas Wildlife Federation.

Online obituary and condolences are available at www.lemleyfuneral.co