Richard was born in Marshall Va and never ventured far from home. As a boy he grew up just down the road on Rt.709. He was one of seven children born to Earnest and Eva Rector. Richard had five sisters and one brother. All of whom have predeceased him except for Louise Woodward and Pauline Morris. Richard was married to Marie (Hensley) Rothgeb for 26 years with whom he had four children, Richard Lee Rector Jr, Wendy Byington, Lisha Miller, and Christine Rector. He had 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. At the time of his death he was married to Marlene Rector for 19 years with whom he had no children with. He had battled back from many bouts with cancer over those years. He was a strong man who didn't believe in giving up and instilled that philosophy to everyone he came in contact with.
He was a horse trainer,jockey,horse showman all his life. He did it all. Horses were his passion and now he can ride over those lush green pastures with that smile on his face that showed he and the horse he was riding were one. In the words of one of his grandsons, there will never be another man like him that had so much to offer,even in his darkest hours of illness. He continued to reflect a positive image and live his life to the fullest. His disposition reflected the man he had always been and will continue to be in the hearts of his family and friends.