Rick Gunderson,

Willard Richards "Rick "Gunderson, Jr., born on April 25, 1950 went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 20, 2012 following a sudden heart attack. Rick was born in Dallas, Texas, as the third of four children to Willard and DeMeryce Gunderson. He loved his brother Chuck, sisters Carolyn and Yvonne and their families and took delight in every opportunity to spend time with them. Family gatherings were always much anticipated because laughter and jokes continued for hours on end where Rick was always the center of attention. Known for his sense of humor and goofy smile, he was never short of a joke and could make anybody laugh. His love of life was contagious and he could warm anyone's heart with his amazing bear hugs. Rick taught everyone to find joy in the little things and the beauty of God's creation. He found the most joy outdoors watching the sunrise and the various birds that visited his feeders. Rick spent his entire career of 43 years as a loyal and devoted employee to Coca- Cola; something that is rare and unheard of these days. However, Rick was just that kind of person. When he found something he loved he did it with all his passion and devotion, and that was evident in his work at Coca-Cola. The friends he has made while being employed there is boundless. While Rick shared a special bond with so many, it was his family that he loved most. Married for 29 years to his wife Tina, he never let a single day pass without hugging her each morning and then again at night and saying to her, "Have I told you today how much I love you today?" He adored his children. Oldest daughter Jennifer always held a special place in his heart. Daughter Lauren and son Forrest were equally loved. However, it was the recent addition of his grandchildren Jacob and Kaitlyn that made is eyes sparkle with pride. . There are no words to express how much he will be missed. Rick is preceded in death by his parents Willard and DeMeryce, mother-in law Mildred Garrison, two nephews Eric Gunderson, Kevin Till, and infant son, Garrison Tyler Gunderson. He is survived by his wife Tina, three wonderful children Jennifer Nicole Pollack and her husband Todd, Lauren Gunderson and Forrest Gunderson, father-in-law Bobby Joe Garrison and sister-in-law Teresa Cauthen; his siblings Charles "Chuck" Gunderson and his wife Cheryl, Carolyn Wellborn and her husband Harold, Yvonne Till and husband Dean; numerous nieces and nephews along with four precious grandchildren, Victoria, Josh, Jacob and Kaitlyn Pollack. Visitation will be Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 6 to 8 pm at New Hope Funeral Home. A Celebration of his life will be held on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church of Sunnyvale located at 3018 N. Belt Line Road, Sunnyvale, Texas. There will be no interment. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Rick Gunderson Memorial Fund. For more information please contact Gail Wilmoth at RGundersonfund@gmail.com, or Kelly Martinez at BBVA Compass Bank, 3111 North Galloway, Mesquite, Texas 75150.