Richard "Papa Rick" Fordham, 58, died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 9, 2010.

Rick was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, papa, and friend who will be missed more than words can express. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Calhoun Fordham; mother and father, Neal and Mary Ola Fordham; brother, Ron and Susan Fordham; his children, son, Allan Fordham and girlfriend, Lisa Shaw; daughter, Sonya and Keith Caldwell; stepchildren, Ashton Nicole Mann, Michael and Juanita Harris; grandchildren, Stephen and Samuel Fordham, Whitley and Dylan Wright, Kasey and Maci Caldwell, Elizabeth and Dave Anderson, Brandon, Drew, and Kevin Harris; nieces and nephews, Jennifer and Jonathan Fordham, Alayna and Jon Crews. Rick was a graduate of Cleburne County High School and Auburn University of Montgomery. Rick proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for six years. He was later employed by the State of Alabama for thirty one years, most recently with ALDOT. His stories of "Clem and Blue" will be missed by his family on the road trips they often took. Rick was a great storyteller and never met a stranger that he would not treat as a friend no matter their status in life. He gained this reputation by being a great listener and advisor to his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation: PKD Foundation, 9221 Ward Parkway Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114-3367.