Richard Allen Tompkins, Sr. was born on October 22, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan to his parents, Price Allen Tompkins and Flossteen Tompkins. Richard is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Alice Tompkins, and his five children:  Rodney Allen Tompkins, Pamela Tompkins Washington, Phillip Meriweather, Richard Allen Tompkins, Jr., and Logan Tompkins.  Richard is also survived by his Brother, Vincent Tompkins (both Robert Luke and Beverly Thompson, brother and sister, are previously deceased).​

​Richard leaves behind a whole host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loves.  Although born in Detroit, Ricky grew up with his siblings and family at 709 45th Place North, Birmingham, Alabama, where he made life-long friendships that thoroughly enriched his life and were essentially important to him to his last day.​
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"Big Ricky," as affectionately known by his family, held onto life with a will of steel…throughout a stroke, leukemia, and a long battle with lung cancer.  Healthy and athletically active long into his life, these are the illnesses that took a toll and ultimately removed him from our lives.  ​
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Big Ricky was not only Honorably Discharged from the Air Force, but he also retired from a 30-year career at Union Pacific Railroad in Houston, Texas.  A computer whiz, a talented basketball player, an amateur Nascar driver (those who know…know!), and a serious lover of guns, gives one a glimpse into this complex, complicated, and multi-layered man.  ​
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Richard will be dearly missed by the family, friends, and loved ones he leaves behind as he ascends to the next level of life in the loving arms our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.​