Rick W. Autry

Richard Worth Autry, "Rick", was born on November 6, 1945 in Charlotte, North Carolina and went home to be with Jesus on November 7, 2015. He is survived by his daughter Kati Nicole Autry Payne, his son Richard Weston Autry, his grandson Aidan Michael Furtado, his sister Deborah Spurrier, and his maternal family from Mount Holly, NC. He is predeceased in death by his beloved mother, Blandina Spurrier. Rick was brought up in the Christian faith at Sardis Baptist Church in Charlotte, where in his teen years he accepted Christ as his Savior. He continued to serve at the church by coaching basketball for the youth. He attended Charlotte College, now known as UNC Charlotte, to obtain a business degree, and where he also played basketball. An avid athlete, RIck was also gifted in tennis, football and golf. He enjoyed a successful career in business and real estate. He helped design and create Multi Family housing in and around Charlotte - Providence Square, St. John's, Raintree and Tega Cay. Later, he worked for the Wall Street Journal as a representative for the NC and SC accounts. In 1982, he brought USA Today to the Charlotte area, distributing it at the airport and throughout the city. In his later years, he worked as a courier for William Trotter Building Company. A loving father of two, Nicole and Wes have fond memories of their father taking them to Carowinds, Celebration Station, Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers games. He was the kind of father who was always made time to play outside with his children and attend their special events. Rick had a deep love of the ocean, it was an important part of who he was, and he passed this love on to his children. One of the best memories his children have is the yearly family trips to beach. Rick also enjoyed early Saturday morning yard sales and flea markets, where he collected nautical antiques for his side business. Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to HIS purpose." In the spring of 2013, Rick was admitted to the hospital and almost lost his life while in ICU. It would be 3 months before he came home and several more before he was able to resume a normal life. It was during this long road to recovery that a beautiful story of God's love emerged. God repaired many things that were broken, including Rick's health and beyond. Relationships were strengthened between himself and his children and with his grandson. Over the next three years, as his health improved, Rick began to have a new outlook on life and lived each day to the fullest. He began to take care of himself in ways he had not before and had an new appreciation for life. He had a peace with the Lord and his children experienced a new dad. This was the greatest gift that God could have given this family, and for that they are grateful in ways that cannot be fully expressed. Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Rick went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 7, 2015. His children were with him as Jesus called him home. Though he will be deeply missed, he will always be greatly loved and remembered by his family until the day they shall embrace again in the presence of the Holy One. -

Visitation Details

Saturday, November 14th, 2015 10:00am - 10:45am, Central Church of God

Service Information

Saturday, November 14th, 2015 11:00am, Central Church of God

Details:

Service Extra Info A service in celebration of Rick's life will be held in the main sanctuary.

Interment Details

Private