Rick Goolsbey, age 59, died Friday, September 30, 2016, at his home in Clayton, New Mexico.

Memorial services were held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Clayton, New Mexico with Rev. Billy Rammage officiating. Burial followed in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton.

Rick was born January 12, 1957 in Sacramento, California to Joe and Cleta Goolsbey. He was raised in Clayton where he attended school and graduated with top honors in 1975. As a young boy Rick suffered from leg Perthes disease. As a result he was on crutches for 2 years. After recovering Rick, along with his sister and grandad, had a very successful lawn mowing business. During high school he played piano and won a talent show. He also played the trumpet and was drum major, worked at the radio station, rode a bull or two, and also won the United Nation theme contest and a trip to New York City. He was editor of his High School yearbook and was voted most popular his senior year. Upon graduating high school Rick married Jeri Moore from Roy, NM. They had two children, Rikki Garcia and Willi Goolsbey. Rick owned and operated the Hi Ho Café and Motel, Kirby's Pottery and Gifts and the Manuel Franco Art Gallery as well as having several rental properties. He made many trips to Bartlesville, OK to spend time with his father and in turn became the entrepreneur he was. In 1990 Rick married Mary Vigil and adopted her daughter Diana Clay. Rick was a very successful and resourceful citizen of the community. He was awarded Business Man of the year in 1995 by fellow business owners. He thought of his employees at the Hi Ho like family. He adored his customers there including the morning table of coffee drinkers, the afternoon group of ladies who drank tea, and Art Claycomb's ability to fix anything at a second's notice. Sunday's at the Hi Ho were always filled with church services on the radio, pan fried chicken on the buffet, and the church crowd he always looked forward to seeing and visiting with. He catered many meals for different organizations, businesses, holidays and people in and around Clayton. Thanksgiving was always a holiday he wanted any and every one to have a meal whether in the café or having it delivered. He could never say no to anyone or any job. He always lent a helping hand with a smile. His infectious laugh was recognized by anyone that knew him and he was as ornery as they come. He had a special friendship with Marilyn Oney and Mark Funk that he cherished. In 2001 Rick was involved in a motorcycle accident leaving him with a head injury. After rehabilitation he took a job at KLMX where he broadcast the morning local news and weather. Rick became friends with Paula Maestas Ballew while working there. He valued her friendship, time and opinions throughout the remainder of his life. Friday's at the radio station was his favorite day of the week doing the morning trivia show with Paula and Jim Henly. Rick was an avid Bronco fan and attended many games and even went to Super bowl 33 where the Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Miami, FL. He also enjoyed listening to his Uncle Clifford's c.d. ministry and reading his Bible. He loved Willie Nelson, watching National Geographic and History channels and the Lone Ranger. Rick was a member of the First Baptist Church in Clayton and appreciated the ministry and friendship of Billy Rammage. The last few years of his life Rick struggled getting out in the community, but he pushed himself to go to the Clayton Nursing and Rehabilitation center weekly where he was a blessing to everyone he visited. Rick enjoyed visiting Sherri and all the girls at the Ranch Market, Wednesday's meal with Loudres at the Wild Horse and Mariana at the Si Senor Tacos. Rick cherished the time he spent with his grandkids, always joking with them and acting silly. His grandkids always enjoyed going to his house to visit him and his cats. Rick is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ewing and Mary Sampier, his mother Cleta Goolsbey, and his half-sister Helen Goolsbey.

SURVIVORS:

HIS FATHER: Joe Goolsbey and his wife JoAnne of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

2 DAUGHTERS: Rikki Garcia and her husband Josh and Diana Clay and her husband Adam all of Clayton, New Mexico.

1 SON: Willi Goolsbey of Clayton, New Mexico.

2 SISTERS: Tammy Goolsbey and Beck Thomas and her husband John all of Amarillo, Texas.

12 GRANDCHILDREN: Patrick Goolsbey, Guy Goolsbey, Cory Goolsbey, Asher Goolsbey, Savina Galindo, Yesenia Galindo, Reegan Garcia, Brayden Garcia, Joe Clay, Will Clay, Jada Clay and Ella Clay.

3 NIECES: Jessica Thomas and her husband J.W. and Jamie Tamaz and her husband Lupe, and Karlee Thomas.

2 NEPHEWS: Joshua Arnett and his wife Trista and Zachery Bilsky.

2 HALF-BROTHERS: Jerry Goolsbey and Jody Goolsbey.

MEMORIALS: The family suggests that memorials be made in Rick's memory to the First Baptist Church, 223 Oak Street, Clayton, New Mexico 88415.