In Memoriam: Richard Bickerstaff

Words: Dan KamysRichard Howard Bickerstaff, age 96, passed away Feb. 20 in his home, which he had shared with his wife, Margaret Flournoy Bickerstaff, until her death in 1998.

Richard was born in the family home at Brickyard, Ala., on Feb. 14, 1918. Through his ingenuity and hard work, his family brick manufacturing business, Bickerstaff Clay Products Co., rose to national prominence. He was recognized as a mentor and friend to people in all walks of life. He enjoyed being with family and friends at Broken Arrow Farm and on many travels.

During his career, Richard served as chairman of the Brick Institute of America and has continued to consult people throughout the industry on best practices. He served for many years on the boards of directors of Synovus Financial Corp. and Total System Services Inc.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Bickerstaff Bradley, and her husband Richard Y. Bradley; his son, Richard Howard Bickerstaff Jr; his son, Walker Reynolds Bickerstaff, and his wife Catherine Z. Bickerstaff; and by six grandchildren: Margaret Bradley McCormick and her husband, William Fray McCormick; Sally Bradley; Vandy Middleton and her husband, William T. Middleton; Anne Dunning Bickerstaff; William Taylor Bickerstaff and his wife Ashley Atwood Bickerstaff; and Walker Reynolds Bickerstaff Jr. and his wife Sarah Walden Bickerstaff. He had 11 great grandchildren.
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