Richard E Guizlo (1919-1988)  *69

A complete extrovert, never met a stranger, talked to everyone, everyone loved him. Grew up in Kansas, but his Dad deserted the family shortly after his Mom became extremely religious. Ferrell Guizlo would make her kids come in every day to read the Bible. Richard blamed her for his Dad leaving, and so he left as soon as he graduated from Coldwater High School to search for his father, whom he found in New Orleans. Moved to Memphis in 1940, married my mother, served admirably in the Navy in WWII, had my sister in 1942, then me in 1948. After the war, he worked for Keathley Pie Co, sold pies on a route for several years, then bought a little used furniture store in Millington, TN in about 1953, which he called the Millington Trading Post, later renamed Richard's Furniture (at my urging), and sold all new furniture and appliances. Opened Raleigh Home Furnishings in 1964. Richard was an eternal optimist, and if he liked you, he trusted you. Sadly, some people took advantage of him because of that.

Launched my career at Bartlett Home Furnishings in 1974 by borrowing the money at the bank to start the business, which I fully repaid. Richard was an avid sportsman, travelled extensively, mostly with his second wife, Betty Malone Guizlo. The thing I remember most about my Dad is that he was just always so cheerful. Also, quite corny. Like, when he drove past a cemetery, he'd always say, "People are just dying to get in there." Also irreverent, like when my mother would say the blessing at the Thansgiving table, he would always end the prayer with "Amen, Brother Ben, shot a goose and killed a hen, pass the butter." Or, when we expressed appreciation for something nice that had been purchased, he'd always say, "Well, it ought to be, it cost enough."

This is a man who worked hard, and played hard, loved his country, and his fellow man. And I miss him every day.