Richard Lee Clements' Obituary
A bright light has dimmed for us but is now shining brightly with Richard Lee Clements (Dick) joining his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in his eternal home on August 15, 2020. Dick was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 24, 1933 to John and Ethel Clements. The family moved to Dallas when Dick was two years old, and he often claimed to be a native Dallasite. Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and faithful Christian servant.
When Dick was fourteen years old, his parents were killed in an automobile accident. Dick could not get anyone to throw his paper route, otherwise he would have been with them. His beloved wife, Chloie, often remarked that the Lord spared his life to be her husband. Dick lived with his brother, John, until graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended Texas A&M University and served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After completing his tour of duty, Dick returned to Dallas to open a fledgling real estate business in a two-desk, one- room office with John, who is now deceased. Clements Realtors rapidly grew due to hard work and tenacity. Dick was a gifted entrepreneur and credited that to his early years being a newspaper carrier. He always managed to win every contest by getting the most new subscriptions. Dick went on to build one of the largest real estate firms in the Lakewood/East Dallas area.
Dick was highly regarded in the Dallas real estate community having been a licensed realtor for over 65 years. He received “The Senate Resolution from the The State of Texas” for the important role he played in the real estate community in North Texas. Dick distinguished himself as a member of numerous committees for the Greater Dallas Board of Realtors (Metrotex Assoc. of Realtors.) He was a highly respected civic leader and businessman, fulfilling 25 years as director of East Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Dick served as a PTA president at two schools that his daughters attended. He also served as Chairman of Deacons at First Baptist Church 1988-1989. He was a sixth grade Sunday School superintendent for twenty-five years; served on the first board of trustees at First Baptist Academy, as well as chairing numerous committees at the church.
Dick married Chloie White in 1956 and devoted his life to his family and his Lord. He is survived by his adored wife of 64 years; his two daughters, Cindy and her husband Lance Bedford, Sharon and her husband Jesse Johns; three grandchildren, Camden Hallmark, Hayden and her husband Andrew Risinger; Joy Bedford, deceased; and two great-grandchildren, Julia and Macy Risinger, the lights of his life; five nieces and one nephew, along with sister-in-law, Sybil Clements.
Dick will always be remembered as a friend to all who knew him. He always appreciated the best qualities in a person, was a mentor to many successful real estate agents, and was always available to lift up those who needed a helping hand. A gentleman at all times, his experience, his focus, his integrity, his professionalism and his good humor served the real estate community very well.
Dick never met a stranger and was able to engage anyone in a meaningful conversation. He delighted in making new friends and was always available with a listening ear when someone
needed encouragement and help. His heart was filled with compassion to those going through difficult times.
A framed tribute written in 1980 by his daughters for a celebration honoring him for forty years of service to the real estate community hangs in his office.
Our Dad
For the man who gave us life.
For the wonderful man we call Dad.
For his joking, his eternal optimism, the joy he sheds, all the friends he’s always made.
For the home he provides us.
For the courage and determination with which he bucks the world for his family.
For the Christian guidance he always offers.
For the abundant love he always gives.
For the wonderful man we call Dad.
We thank you, Dad, for the lessons you have taught us!
To be honest, brave, believe in ourselves, and to be grateful.
But most of all the greatest thing you do for our family is love and appreciate our Mother.
For all these things we thank you, Dad
Cindy and Sharon
June, 1980.
In lieu of flowers, anyone moved or touched by Dick’s life and who wishes to honor his memory, please consider a donation to First Baptist Church Dallas, First Baptist Church Pathway to Victory, or a charity of your choice.
A private burial will be held prior to the service.
His family will hold a celebration of Dick’s life in the Historic Sanctuary of First Baptist Church-Dallas on September 11, 2020 at 2:00 P.M.
Due to the pandemic, social distancing will be observed.
The family wishes to thank Marcy Mendez, Linah Jokonya and Mary Stalvey whose care we appreciate more than they can ever know.
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