Richard Calvin Gipson Jr.

Richard Calvin Gipson, Jr., obtained from the Garmon Funeral Home.

On May 26, 2020, the world lost Richard Calvin Gipson, Jr., a beautiful soul with a contagious smile and a steadfast dedication to others. Richard was born in Riverside, California on August 10, 1967 to Richard Gipson, Sr., and Gail Mitchell Gipson, according to his online obituary. Richard grew up in California with his siblings, April and Calvin. After graduating from the California public school system, he continued his education and attended Truck Driving School, where he received his commercial driver’s license. Richard was also an ordained minister; at the time of his passing, he was receiving his doctorate. Always seeking to learn more and challenge himself, Richard was also working towards becoming a lawyer. 

Richard, only 52 years of age, passed away too soon while he was incarcerated at the Michael Unit in Tennessee Colony, Texas. His death was not only untimely, but preventable. In Texas’s correctional institutions alone, more than 100 individuals, including Richard, have been casualties of the state’s irresponsibility and disregard for the safety of their citizens behind bars. 

Though preceded in death by his father and his grandmother, Violin Mitchell-Corde, Richard is survived by a host of loving family members and friends. He leaves behind his mother, Gail, who recalls how her son “left a great impact on so many people and changed so many lives.” Richard’s loving wife, Willie Sears Gipson, lives in Tatum, Texas; their six daughters -- Michelle Sears-Gipson, Ry-Drete Sympson Gipson, Gail Gipson, Na’Keisha Bagent, Tiffany Johnson, and Alijha Pipkins -- all remain in Texas as well. Richard is also survived by three adoring grandchildren, Ja’Zahya Williams, Mark Muckleroy, and Julian Muckleroy. In addition to April and Calvin, his brother and sister, Richard will be remembered by his two special sisters: Renae Carston and Stephanie Fuller, as well as a special aunt, Merlene Thompson. 

Richard’s friends and family remember him fondly, as displayed in the plethora of warm entries in the guestbook on his obituary page. Mel and Pam Gipson, who knew Richard at the Michael Unit, where he conducted Chapel services and taught classes, reminisced on how Richard “became family to [them],” calling them “dad and mama.” They recalled his smile -- “always a delight to see” -- and the value of his “hugs and friendship.” “His passing,” they wrote, “is Earth’s loss and heaven’s gain.” 

Shanna Potter, a close acquaintance of Richard’s, reflected: “He was a great friend to my family, an amazing prayer warrior and one of my brothers [sic] best friends.” At the end of her tribute, she wrote: “He is free from the walls of injustice.” 

We stand with Gail and Willie, and with the rest of Richard’s loving friends and family, in mourning Richard’s passing and in demanding justice. This beautiful soul will not be forgotten.

This memorial was written by MOL team member Frances Keohane with information from the Obituary for Richard Calvin Gipson, Jr. on Garmon Funeral Home and a press release by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.