Rev. Richard Arnold Naylor passed from this life and into the arms of his savior Jesus Christ on June 9, 2023 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Richard was born December 18, 1942 in Irving, Texas to Virginia (Phillips) and Grady Naylor. Richard had 3 great loves in his life: His country, his faith, and his family. A servant at heart, he was extremely proud of his service in the U.S. Air Force as an air traffic controller; his years as a leader in the Boy Scouts, and long time Sunday School teacher at Prairie Grove Christian Church. But, many locals simply remember him as “Mailman Richard” during his 20+ years as a Farmington mail carrier.
Richard was a proud Texan and Vietnam Veteran. He was an avid ham radio operator; motorcycle aficionado, and unofficial event photographer for his large extended family. Whether you knew him as Pastor, Coach, Scoutmaster, K5LRS, or simply “Granddad Mailman,” he made an impact on everyone he touched during his life.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents and maternal grandmother, Sadie Phillips who raised him for most of his youth. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kay; a sister, Charon Minter of Waco, Texas; a son Brian and wife Michelle of Farmington; and a daughter Keli (Gill) and husband Tom of Springdale. His greatest pride are his 5 grandsons: Jacob, Garrett, Matthew, Austin, Devin and his favorite granddaughter Rylee.
Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Wednesday evening June 14th at Beard’s Funeral Chapel in Fayetteville. A celebration of his life will be at 10:30 am Thursday, June 15th, at the Prairie Grove Christian Church in Prairie Grove. A private family interment will be at the Fayetteville National Cemetery following.
God bless Richard and the family. I know that all their memories of him are fond ones. Many condolences to a wonderful family!
So saddened to hear of your loss! My thoughts and prayers coming your way ! I automatically thought of all the weekends at the softball fields
Rich will be greatly missed by all the Air Force Flyers as we always looked forward to hearing his jovial voice and friendly chuckle on our daily net,
Rich was a real asset to the group and a good friend, but we know he’s rejoicing with our dear Lord now.
Rich was a good friend. He be missed. He was a great asset to the members of the air forces flyers club. He will be missed by all
K5LRS Mr Rich 73 my friend
Charlie Corriveau
K4YDB
Our daily get-togethers on the radio will not be the same without Rich. I looked forward every day for his cheerful wit and deep thoughtful insights. He will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Dale, W5OG
73 Rich from a good friend and radio operator; Lee Ransom W4PUO. We shared some phone conversation and a few emails regarding the Air Force airplanes we loved. You knew things about the U-2 that I did not and I shared some SR-71 stories with you. Thank you for all the aircraft control work you did. You kept a lot of us from running into each other up there. I did not know about your other devotions; to Scouts, the Pulpit, the US Mail service and family. I praise our God for the short sweet time I got to know you just a little. Rest in Peace dear friend. 73.
We all know where he is. He and pop are catching up. Sending our condolences. Sorry we will not be able attend as we are out of town. Sending hugs to all.
Rich was a wonderful member of the Air Forces Flyers Net and all of us as amateur radio operators and veterans will miss his daily presence on that net. He always had a wonderful sense of humor, a good knowledge of history and in particular aviation history. He was a great resource for us all. He is with our Lord now and we hope he looks down with a smile each day when the air waves are full of chatter on 14.290 MHz. We miss you Rich.
To K5LRS,
73’s my friend
Bob Gast NX6RG
Rich will miss hearing your laugh and chuckle you always made me laugh. And it was a pleasure to know on the Air Forces Flyers Club net. On HF and on echolink. May he rest in peace. and 73 my friend.
James M. Horak (KG5PTE)
Rich was a delight to listen to on the radio. We all enjoyed his humor and knowledgeable input of any topic we were discussing, He will most certainly be missed by all of the flyers. 73’s Rich
Don, K0ZNC
It is difficult for me to comprehend that we will no longer be hearing from our friend, Rich, on our daily Air Forces Flyers Club nets. He has been a constant companion to all of us, providing good cheer, military aviation knowledge, and witty stories. Our condolences to the family of our good friend. Perhaps it is comforting to know his radio transmissions will live on forever, travelling through space for an eternity. Godspeed, Rich!
Love and prayers!!! I always loved his laugh and funny words of encouragement!! Always one of my favorite softball dads hanging on the fence and cheering us on!! ❤️
So sorry for your loss. My prayers for all during this difficult time.
Richard was a great Sunday school teacher and very knowledgeable of the word of God. He was a great man of God and loved people. He will be greatly missed. Until we meet you again in heaven-We love you Richard, Willie and Shirlene Logsdon
73 Rich, those of us on the Airforces Flyers Club Net will miss your little chuckle and your amazing knowledge of just about any subject.
May you rest in peace and we will meet again in the future.
I thoroughly enjoyed feasting on his knowledge of aviation history. I am already missing his cheerful voice and friendly chuckle.
I regret we never met down here, but we will in the Wild Blue Yonder.
73 Rich.
WX7LL.
Rich was a member of our Air Forces Flyers Club where I had the pleasure to know him. He was so knowledgeable about military Aircraft. He stomped me many times with his question of the day. We went on to meet up on Echolink where we carried on after our net. We will all miss him. My Condolences to Rich’s family. 73 Rich. Rest in peace till we all meet up again one day. Bob K2SJP
I only knew Rich for a year or so on the Air Forces flyers club net. I enjoyed his wit and knowledge. His questions were always challenging on the net. Rest in peace my friend.
Joe Boyle W5ABI
Richard was such a nice man. We always enjoyed visiting with him at the auctions. He was one of our regulars at the auction house in Tontitown.
He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Lana Dennis
Tammy Preston
So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. We were controllers in the military. His code name was Navigator mine was Panther. I look forward to seeing him heaven. He will be teaching a class I am sure. Kay and kids he was brave American that loved the Lord. Navigator see you later Panther ! OUT