Richard Wayne Manning, 80, of Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born on July 29, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, to Reginald and Lou Manning. He spent most of his life in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he graduated from Fair Park High School in 1963. He went on to attend Louisiana Tech University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology. In December 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Parrott, beginning a devoted partnership that would span six decades.

Richard transformed his love for wildlife into a respected and enduring career as a taxidermist. For over 53 years, he practiced his craft as a skilled wildlife artist, earning admiration and recognition from sportsmen across the region. His deep appreciation for the outdoors was evident in the joy he found in hunting, fishing, and sports of all kinds.

Above all, Richard was a devoted husband, father, and man of faith. He was the love of Margaret’s life and a faithful and steadfast partner for 60 years. He was a generous and compassionate man who often lent a helping hand to those in need. His faith in the Lord was central to his life. He served faithfully as a deacon at Queensborough Baptist Church and later at Summer Grove Baptist Church, where he also taught a men’s Sunday School class for many years, guiding and encouraging others in their spiritual walk.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret; his son, Chad Manning and wife Kathryn, and their children Julianne and Connor; and his daughter, Courtney Harold, and her children Sera Alford and Adaea Harold, along with great-grandson Miles Johnson. He is also survived by his sister, Denza Williams and her husband Wayne; his sister-in-law Ellen Manning; sister-in-law Suzy Harris and her husband Ruben; sister-in-law Prudy Wilkins; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reginald and Lou Manning; his brother, Reggie Manning; his nephew, Merrick Manning; and his brother-in-law, Don Wilkins.

In September 2025, Richard was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given an expected prognosis of approximately five months. By God’s grace, he was granted nine months—time he used faithfully to share his life, his story, and his testimony. He had previously been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018, facing both ailments with courage and faith.

Though a private man by nature, Richard felt called to openly share his journey through terminal illness as a believer. Shortly after his diagnosis, he began writing a Facebook blog, documenting his daily experiences with pancreatic cancer and his trust in the Lord. Through his honesty and faithfulness, he touched the lives of hundreds, offering encouragement, hope, and a powerful witness.

Richard’s life was marked by faith, generosity, and deep love for his family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his testimony will continue to inspire those who were blessed to hear his story.