He was born April 16, 1959, in Wilmington. He graduated from John T. Hoggard High School with the Class of 1977. After attending Western Carolina University, he obtained an electronics degree from Cape Fear Community College. He had a long career in the installation and repair of fiber optics with SIECOR. He later became an independent contractor and the owner of Taylor Communications in Greensboro. His hobbies included handyman, interior remodeler, auto-mechanic, YouTube enthusiast and he enjoyed fishing. He was always proud to have “fixed the unfixable.” Richard will be remembered for always lending an ear or a helping hand to those in need and never meeting a stranger.