Richard Dean Gutierrez

RICHARD DEAN “DICKIE” GUTIERREZ
July 06, 1958- February 10, 2023

Richard Dean Gutierrez, 64, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Friday, February 10, 2023. 

THE FOLLOWING WAS WRITTEN BY TWO OF DICKIE’S LIFELONG FRIENDS (DAVID TREVIÑO & DENIS “OZZIE” HILL):
Dickie was a true renaissance man gifted with many exceptional talents and skills.  Anything that Dickie attempted - he mastered quickly.  Early in life at Ryan Elementary, Dickie demonstrated exceptional athleticism by being one of the fastest boys in Laredo and reaching the State Regionals in the “Punt Pass and Kick” Competition.  Dickie was an all-star baseball player with a blazing fast ball in Little League and Senior League, and while at Nixon High School, was a free-spirited pole vaulter.  

While at Ryan Elementary, Dickie discovered the game of golf.  To say Dickie had a passion for golf is an understatement.  Dickie quickly mastered the elusive perfect golf swing and became an avid long-time champion on the golf course.  Dickie also loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He was at peace with himself and graced with God’s presence when spending time at the ranch with his sons and brother.  
   
Dickie would entertain friends for hours with stories and jokes.  Joke telling, however, was not one of Dickies best talents but that didn’t stop him from often-repeating jokes about his friends and acquaintances.  He was also an exceptional singer, guitar player, and dancer with all the moves that would make the Spinners envious.  For those who really knew Dickie - knew when Dickie arrived at a party with his guitar, that’s when the party was about to get good.    

Dickie enjoyed cooking for family and friends.  Cooking guisados and picadillo were two of his popular dishes but his specialty was smoking briskets and making his secret BBQ sauce long before it was popular to do so.  Dickie’s lifelong work was in home building which he learned from his brother Beto.  Over a span of forty years, Dickie became a great builder of homes, and helping countless families build their dream homes was something he truly loved doing.  

Even though his life could, at times, be chaotic, he never wore it on his face and would do his best to steer his focus towards the virtues of faith, hope, and love and taught us to do the same. Dickie exemplified Jesus’ teaching by possessing the rare gift of showing sincere kindness toward others.  Dickie always made time to ask how you and your family were doing.  His genial and radiant smile made you feel like the most important person in the room.  Those who met Dickie were truly blessed by his spirit and beautiful giving heart.

Dickie touched so many lives in a positive light.  We were truly blessed to know Dickie and experience his grace and beautiful giving heart. Dickie will be remembered for humility, kindness, simplicity, love of life, and eternal smile.  Dickie was never alone and the list of survivors and those who mourn his death are in the hundreds.    

Dickie is now with our loving Lord in His Eternal Kingdom bathed with eternal peace and love from his family and friends who preceded him into Heaven.  Dickie lives on in the heavenly realm.  John 10:28 says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.  No one can take them out of my hand.”  Anytime you wish to speak to Dickie you can do so through prayer.  Dickie will hear every word you say.

He was preceded in passing by: his parents Teodosio Alberto & Betty Gutierrez, and his sisters; Sandra Gayle Chavarria and Loraine Chavarria.

Left to cherish his memory are: his sons Richard Dean (Tessy) Gutierrez, Jr. and Robert (Ana Karen) Gutierrez; grandchildren; Emma Sofia Gutierrez, and Mila Fernanda Gutierrez; his siblings; Robert P. (Rebecca) Gutierrez, Denise (Tim) Jolly, and Mary Patricia Gutierrez; mother of his children Michelle Fernandez,  as well as numerous extended relatives, and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Saturday afternoon, February 25, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Chapel Service will commence at 1:30 p.m.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.