Richard "Rich" Donald McCormick's Obituary
Richard Donald McCormick
February 15, 1938 – July 3, 2025
Richard Donald McCormick was born on February 15, 1938, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Jerry Lynn McCormick and Thelma Johnson. One of five siblings, he was raised in a bustling home with three brothers and a sister.
Rich grew up in Youngstown, where he developed a lifelong love of learning and a sense of responsibility that would guide his every step. He earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Youngstown State University, where he also participated in ROTC. After graduation, he was called to serve in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Hood from 1963 to 1965.
After his military service, Rich began a promising career with NASA on the West Coast. But when his mother fell ill, he made the selfless decision to return to Youngstown to care for her and his younger siblings. He began working for Western Electric (which later became AT&T), career that would later bring him to Mesquite, Texas — and ultimately to the love of his life, Sherry.
On April 12, 1975, Rich and Sherry joined their lives and their families, raising four wonderful children — Kathy, Tommy, Terry and Ritchie — in a home filled with love, faith, and laughter. Rich led by quiet example, teaching values of honesty, integrity, and compassion. Those lessons live on in each of his children and grandchildren.
Rich spent 25 years with AT&T before retiring — briefly — and then enjoyed another 25-year career with GCI. He was not a man to idle; he believed in working hard, serving others, and always learning.
Outside of work, Rich’s heart belonged to simple pleasures. He loved reading — especially history and westerns — and was often found with a good book and his beloved pipe in hand. He had a deep appreciation for nature, a soft spot for animals, and a collector’s eye for coins and rocks. He was active in the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club and enjoyed hobbies like camping, bowling, square dancing, and hosting poker nights that were less about winning and more about the company.
He was never the loudest in the room, but his presence was unmistakable — quiet, steady, loving. And he had a playful side, too. He adored family gatherings and holiday celebrations, always ready with a smile and a margarita, especially at his favorite spot, Rio Mambo’s, where he and Sherry shared many joyful afternoons.
Later in life, Rich earned a very special title: the only male member of the “Ageless Wonders” — a spirited group of Sherry and her sisters, chaperoned by Kelly Wilson. He traveled with them, laughed with them, and wore the badge with pride.
He is survived by his daughter, Kathy McBride and her husband Doug; his son, Tommy McCormick and his wife Kelly; his son, Terry Vaughan and his wife Leslie; and his son, Ritchie Vaughan and his wife Cara. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, one great-grandson, and a great-granddaughter, expected in September.
A celebration of Rich’s life will be held at Restland Dallas on July 16, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the Memorial Chapel. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. for friends and family to gather and remember a truly special man.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
— Matthew 25:21
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