Obituary: Richard William Bludworth Jr.

Richard William Bludworth Jr., born August 22, 1948, in Houston, died February 16 in Houston at the age of 77.

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Bludworth worked for Continental Airlines before following in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps to work in the maritime industry. From the 1970s to the 1990s, Bludworth worked for Wolffkran, BLUDCO, Martin Gas and Vessel Repair. Then, in 1998, he started his own company, Bludworth Marine.

Besides Bludworth Marine, Bludworth was involved with many organizations, including Vistage, Rotary Club, Kiwanis International, Dive Pirates Foundation, the Propeller Club, Maverick Business Adventures, Northern Brazoria County Education Alliance and Bay Area Ancient Mariners, according to his official obituary. Bludworth was also a lifelong outdoorsman, having traveled to all seven continents.

Bludworth was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of nearly 50 years, Sheila, along with other family members. He is survived by Jenny Knodell, “who was devoted to him for the past seven years,” his children and grandchildren, along with numerous extended family members. Bludworth’s family offered thanks for his medical team, including the staff at Houston Methodist Hospital.

A celebration of life and memorial service are scheduled for March 21 at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home in Friendswood, Texas.