Dr. Richard Arnold Cording

Dr. Richard "Dick" Arnold Cording, 85, passed away on July 5, 2021, in Huntsville, Texas. He passed peacefully at home, with his wife by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Gerhardt Cording and Helen Rhudy Cording, his sister Patricia Cording Pearce and his daughter Susan Dwan Cording Smith. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Frances Watson Cording, daughters Lisa Lynne Cording Burns and husband Rick, Sheri Renae Cording Gaines and husband John, Jennifer Shay Cording Cox and husband Nelson, son in law Timothy Smith, grandchildren Richard Cording Burns and wife Mallory, Colby Watson Burns, Savannah Shay Gaines, Sarah Frances Gaines Brown and husband Jackson, Stratton Cording Gaines, Nelson E "Trey" Cox III, Tristynn Ansley Cox, Braedon James Smith, great-grandchildren Jadyn Lee Goodrow, Bret Maverick Burns, his brother Terry Melvin Cording and wife Delois, as well as a circle of extended family and close friends. Dick grew up in Wallace, North Carolina, where he and Frances were childhood friends and later high school sweethearts. Dick graduated from Wallace High School in 1954 and was voted Most Likely to Succeed and Best All-Around. He and Frances married the summer after her first and his second year of college. He graduated with his B.A. from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He furthered his education by obtaining a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. Dr. Cording's 40-year career with Sam Houston State University began in 1970 when he was recruited to initiate and develop the Philosophy Department. From 1981 to 1994, Dr. Cording was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, presiding over a period of dynamic growth and development. He founded and was the first president of the Texas Deans of Liberal Arts and Sciences during this time. In 2013, he was a recipient of the Sam Houston State University Wall of Honor. Dr. Cording then returned to his great love as professor of philosophy, professor emeritus of philosophy, and served as an adviser to his beloved students in the Student Advising and Mentoring Center. As a professor, Cording exhibited top-notch teaching skills, maintaining superior student-evaluation scores some 35 years after winning the university's Excellence in Teaching Award. His 44-year record of teaching is a testament to his dedication to his students. Dick and Frances have been faithful members of First United Methodist Church for 51 years. Dick was a member of many committees and served on the administrative board. Dick was also active in civic affairs. He served as President of the Rotary Club and was a recipient of The Paul Harris Fellow Award. Dick was best known for his love of family, golf, games of chance, religious study, self-exploration, and all sports. The only teams he rooted for more strongly than his beloved North Carolina Tar Heels were his kids' and grandkids' sports teams. Dick was a fierce competitor striving for the win, from the golf course to the poker table and family games while befriending and supporting his competition along the way. Dick was fondly called by many names: Dad, Sweetheart, Pop, Dean, Doc, Dickey-doo, Coach, and 321. He served many roles. He was often credited with rescuing students' college careers when challenged, turning a rocky academic career around for a struggling student. Visitation will be Friday, July 9, 2021 at 10:00 AM and the service for Dr. Richard Cording will be held at 11:00 AM, both at First United Methodist Church of Huntsville. Burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery-Mayes Addition, Huntsville, Texas. Memorial donations can be made in Dick's name to The Richard Cording Endowed Scholarship through Go Fund Me, https://gofund.me/79e1a07e. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com.

Dr. Richard Arnold Cording

June 23, 1936 - July 5, 2021