H. Richard Harrod

”American Airlines…”, he’d answer his phone even though he’d never worked for American nor any other airline for that matter. Harold “Richard” Harrod (12/5/37-8/19/23) was a jokester, lover of his “Dallas Cowpies” and reigning “Perro Viejo” (aka. “old dog”) of the Rio Grande Valley. Born in Central Texas, Richard lived a small-town life helping his parents run the Harrod’s family grocery store in Burnet and farm in Bertram before joining the Texas Army National Guard. He was the first in his family to earn a college degree, graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science. Upon graduation, he taught at a school for the deaf. Richard then had a nearly 28-year career at the Internal Revenue Service where he met many of his lifelong friends. Not being able to sit still in retirement, he then went to work for the Harlingen Housing Authority, ultimately as Director of Operations, before retiring for good. A loyal player of the lottery, Richard won the actual jackpot when he met the love of his life, Ann, on a blind date. The couple was married in May 1981 and spent the next 42 years building a family and community of love, respect and fun with God as their guiding light. Wherever the family moved--from Brownsville to Austin to Tulsa to Cheyenne to Harlingen—they lived a life of service to the community, participating in Marriage Encounter, Engaged Encounter, Love Circle, Eucharistic Ministry, Culture of Life Ministries and more. Richard loved to cut a rug with his wife on the dance floor, tease waitresses (e.g. “Do you have Caldo de Tlacuache??” aka. “Possum soup”), wear funny t-shirts, conserve electricity by constantly turning off lights, and do his Donald Duck impression for his grandkids. While his home was his favorite place, he expanded his horizons by hosting foreign students from Japan to Denmark to Argentina and by traveling to South America, Europe and Africa. He was a principled family man, beloved husband and father, and treasured friend who will be missed by many. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Vera Harrod and sister, Marty Nichols. He is survived by his wife Ann Harrod, and by his 7 children—-Glenda French (Eric) of Georgetown, TX, Dianna Sorrells (Scottie) of Bertram, TX, Kevin Harrod (Thom) of Lake Jackson, TX, Larissa Stanton (Greg) of Denver, CO, Mari Belalcazar (Houcine) of Washington, DC, Eileen Godfrey (Wes) of San Antonio, TX, Grant Harrod (Talia) of Zihuatanejo, Mexico—-and by his 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, sister Kathy Haynes (Mike), and Julian Garcia, a dear friend who is like family. All are welcome to attend his Celebration of Life at Queen of Peace Catholic Church at 1509 New Combes Hwy, Harlingen, TX 78550 on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 10 AM. A rosary will be held in the chapel at Queen of Peace Catholic Church at 1509 New Combes Hwy, Harlingen, TX 78550 on Thursday, September 14th at 7:00 PM.

H. Richard Harrod

December 5, 1937 - August 19, 2023

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