Richard Carrington Stockett Jr., 90, a retired realtor, died January 3, 2026, at St. Catherine’s Village in Madison.
A native of Jackson, Richard was born August 5, 1935 to Beth and Richard C. Stockett Sr. An Eagle Scout, Richard graduated from Central High School in 1953, and from Mississippi State University in 1957 with a B.S. in business. While at State, Richard was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa and also served as president of both the campus YMCA and of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
Upon graduation from Mississippi State, Richard was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served for eight years, ultimately obtaining the rank of captain.
In December 1957, Richard met Betty Patton in an elevator at Jackson’s Kennington’s Department Store. Six weeks later the two were engaged, leading to a rich marital partnership of 53 years.
Richard worked as a realtor for 47 years, first in Jackson, and later in Crystal Springs, where he established Stockett Realty. Enjoying Crystal Springs’ close-knit community, he was active in both his church and civic affairs. At Crystal Springs United Methodist Church, both Richard and Betty poured themselves into service to God and their faith family, building enduring relationships.
During the same period, Richard served as president of the Copiah County Economic Development District, the Crystal Springs Chamber of Commerce, and the Crystal Springs Lions Club. He was also a founder and the first president of the Copiah County chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
In addition to his church and community involvement, Richard loved the Stockett family farm, and could often be found on a tractor even into his 80’s. He found great pleasure as a gentleman farmer, tending cattle, horses, and timber for over 50 years.
After Betty’s death, Richard married Carol Rives at Christ United Methodist Church, where he became a member. Carol survives Richard, as well as his children, Cary Stockett (Mechelle) and Alice Clement (Rod), as well as Carol’s children, Beth de Gruy (Andre), and Mark Rives (Teresa). Grandchildren are Andrew Stockett (Shannon), Elliot Stockett (Maggie), Wilson Clement, Lucy Clement, Alex de Gruy (Lisa), Arielle May (Joe), Grace de Gruy, Leila de Gruy, and Charlie Zhang. Richard was also blessed with three great grandchildren, as well as with Carol’s five great grandchildren.
Richard is also survived by his brother, Marvin Stockett (Pat), as well as by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Bethany Boone (Howard).
A Service of Resurrection will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Galloway United Methodist Church, with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Wilson Research Foundation at Methodist Rehab Center (wilsonfoundation.org), or to a charity of your choice.
