Charles Richard Andrews

Charles “Dick” Richard Andrews of Bella Vista, AR, passed away Friday, January 3, 2014 at Highlands Health Care in Bella Vista. He was born on January 17, 1936 in Bristol, Virginia to Charles Elbert and Katherine (Penland) Andrews. As a boy and teenager he had loving memories of the influence and values he received from his beloved Grandfather and Grandmother Penland during the years he spent with them on their farm near Morristown, Tennessee. With his parents he moved to Dallas, Texas and graduated from Adamson High School in Dallas with the Class of 1955. Dick’s career began with General Dynamics in San Diego, California in 1958 after pursuing Engineering Studies at San Diego State College. His designs launched him back to Texas where he was employed as a Design Engineer for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, General Dynamics, Collins Radio Company, and finally to LTV which later became E-Systems, Inc. in Greenville, Texas. He became a seasoned structural and design engineer in large-body avionic and aircraft design modifications under military contracts, was instrumental with FAA coordination and interpersonal skills with the customer and interdepartmental groups on commercial and private jetliners with extensive airline interiors for European and Middle East countries, as well as U.S.A. companies such as Boeing Aircraft. Dick became a mentor to many young engineers beginning their careers. With 33 years and retirement from E-Systems at Greenville he continued his work for an additional five years with Chrysler Technologies Airborne Systems located near Waco, Texas which later became E-Systems, Inc. In 1999, he and his wife, Sharon, relocated to Bella Vista, Arkansas when Dick was offered a position as Engineering Manager, Mechanical Design with the newly established Ozark Aircraft Systems by Northwest Regional Airport where he finally retired in 2001. Dick and Sharon Lancaster Andrews were married in Texas. They enjoyed sailing and dance lessons. For over 20 years he volunteered to coach young students in football, basketball and softball. He possessed a vivid memory of past and present athletes, coaches and sports events. He was a competitive archer where he was a member of the Texas Field Archery Association, became a Lifetime Member of National Field Archery Association, served Director of Arkansas for the NFAA, established the Arkansas State Archery Association and was highly competitive in State, Sectional, National and World Archery Tournaments and the Arkansas Senior Olympics. He was featured in the Bella Vista Weekly News on August 28, 2002 as “Archer Andrews is right on target”. From a young age to the present, he collected cars and was presently pursuing his dream of restoring a 1941 Ford owned by his wife’s grandfather and father. He possessed a versatile, adventurous and dedicated experience in all his hobbies and career paths. With each one, he was determined and passionate to achieve his highest mark. Above all, Dick hit above the mark by his kindness, determination, wisdom, dependability, intuition, understanding, and sensitive, gentle soul. Dick was always a dedicated Methodist and active in church and youth activities. He was a member of the First UMC-Bentonville. A friend described him recently saying, “Dick was a straight shooter in every walk of life, and I admired and respected him.” Another close friend wrote after his passing, “He found peace, and Heaven got a great one!” He was predeceased by his parents and a brother-in-law. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sharon Lancaster Andrews of Bella Vista, AR; a sister-in-law, Shirley L. Reed of Texas; his son, Lance and wife, Mary; daughters, Vicki and Lisa of Texas; step-daughters, Jennifer of Arizona; Sharilyn and husband,Tolbert of Texas; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, three nieces and one nephew, several cousins and life-long friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 27, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church – Bentonville, 201 NW 2nd St., Bentonville, Arkansas with Reverend Rex A. Dickey officiating. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Alva, Oklahoma. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas PDF Printable Version

Charles Richard Andrews

January 17, 1936 - October 17, 2014