Dr. Richard Albert Worthington, Director Emeritus of the School of Music at ULM, Founder and Conductor Emeritus of the Monroe Symphony, and former Director of the University of Arkansas Razorback Marching and Concert Bands, passed away April 3, 2014.

Known as “Doc” to all his students and friends, he served in World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps, was a member of the Downtown Monroe Lions Club, and he served as District Governor of the Arkansas Lions Club. He was Grand President of the Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma Band Fraternities.

Doc was the Commander of the Monroe Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, Mission, Instructor and Check Pilot. For many years he served as the Commercial, Instrument Rating and Chief Flight Instructor for McMahan Aviation in Monroe. Doc and Philip Thomas with other pilots from around the state formed Angel Flight in 1997. In 2007 Doc, Philip and Sharon Thomas, Wayne Petrus and other pilots in the Monroe area formed Pilots for Patients.

Doc was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, serving as a Choir Member, Chalister, and Reader. He also served on the Vestry and as Sr. Warden.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy Cozort Worthington, his 3 children, Cyndi, David and Bryan; numerous grand and great grandchildren.
Services celebrating the life of Dr. Richard Albert Worthington will be held at 12 Noon Monday April 7, 2014 at Grace Episcopal Church in Monroe, LA with The Right Rev. Richard Norman officiating. Interment will be in Grace Columbarium. Visitation will begin at 11:00 A.M. at Kilbourne Hall, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pilots for Patients, Grace Episcopal Church or The Monroe Symphony, ULM School of Music, or the University of Arkansas Band.