1958-2026
Richard Gail Disotell was a man of great presence in stature, spirit, personality, and in the way he lived his life. He leaves behind a profound absence in the lives of those who knew and loved him, and a legacy defined by devotion to family, quiet generosity, and a life well lived.
He was born on June 24th 1958 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Gail and Betty Disotell. From them, he inherited the values and qualities that shaped him into the man he became. From his father, Gail, he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, learning to fish, hunt, and find joy in time spent in nature. He often shared stories of their adventures together,
stories that brought laughter, connection, and a sense of shared history to all who heard them. From his mother, Betty, he learned discipline, care, and the importance of maintaining a home. Her remark that he once cleaned her coLee maker better than when it was new speaks to the pride he took in even the smallest of tasks and demonstrated his meticulous nature.
Richard carried these lessons into every aspect of his life. He worked diligently, cared deeply for his family and found joy in simple, meaningful moments. He treasured time spent with loved ones and made it a priority to stay connected, traveling to visit, support, and celebrate them. Richard loved spending time with his wife Cyndi in their country style home surrounded by forests, creeks, wildlife, and dirt roads. He loved to have hangouts by his swimming pool and under his poolside pavilion while grilling and soaking in all the vibes of country life. At one point he even grew his own grapevines and created homemade wines that would always knock you oL your feet. However, he never lost his Louisiana roots while
living in Arkansas because he remained a master at crawfish boiling, cocktail making, and spicing up any type of food that was placed in front of him.
Richard and his wife Cyndi were known for bringing people together, often hosting family gatherings at their home. These occasions were filled with warmth, laughter, and unexpected moments became cherished stories that will be retold for years to come.
Richard also had a special bond with his dogs, who he cared for with great attention and enjoyed making them unapologetically spoiled treating them like children.
Richard approached life with care and precision. Whether preparing a meal or tending to responsibilities, he believed in doing things the right way. This was evident in small memorable moments-like having his son Nathan remove each filet of fish from a shaker and looking it over before dropping it in the cooker to make sure it was up to his standards.
Another example is the “Cabin” on Dorcheat, a place deeply meaningful to his family, was originally his father’s retreat, and Richard made sure to maintain it as a gathering place where traditions continue and memories are made and family will always want to come. Whether it was home improvements or just busting out the wasp nests on the porches. Richard made sure this cabin was a safe haven for all the family to gather and make memories.
A story teller at heart, with a dry wit and a delivery so straight-faced that you were never quite sure if he was telling the truth, teasing you, or both. His humor was unmistakable and often punctuated by a big laugh and a quiet twinkle in his eye. Teasing was one of his favorite pastimes and a long standing family tradition. If you hadn’t endured a good round
of picking from Richard or his older brother Steve, you hadn’t truly been welcomed in yet.
Above all, Richard was mostly devoted to his family. He was so proud of his son and two granddaughters. Richard liked to brag on his son describing him as humble, kind, and a voice of reason. He was very proud of Nathan’s academic accomplishments and success in his career and looked forward to his 3-4 times a week phone conversations they would
have when they were both driving home from work. He loved to talk about the joys and successes of his two grandkids Emersyn and Chandler. He liked to brag about going to their softball games or cheer competitions and the Disotell’s being the best ones out there. He never failed to bring attention to them when it was due, including slipping them cash money under the table in secret every time he saw them. Richard gave freely of his time and energy, always willing to be present when he could, and carried himself with humility in all that he did.
Richard is preceded in death by his father, Gail Disotell.
He is survived by his mother, Betty Disotell of Taylor Arkansas, his loving wife Cyndi Disotell of Monticello Arkansas, his son Nathan Disotell and daughter in law Meagan Disotell of Benton Louisiana, his brother Steve Disotell and sister in law Marsha Disotell of Minden Louisiana, his sister Kim Barham and brother in law Mike Barham of Prescott Arkansas, his
granddaughters Emersyn and Chandler Disotell of Benton Louisiana, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Richard will be remembered for his steady presence, laughter, kindness, stories, generosity, and the unmistakable way he made life bigger and better for those around him.
His life was one that had a great meaning and demonstrated integrity. He will be deeply missed.
Memorial Services will be Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00am Spring Branch Church Cemetery, 470 Columbia 22, Taylor, AR 71861. Memorials may be made in memory of Richard to 2nd Chance Fur Dogs, P.O. Box 322, Monticello, AR 71657 or Favorite Charity.
