Joseph Richard (J. R.) Hottle, 59, joined Our Lord on May 17, 2016. He passed suddenly in his home in Ruston, LA.

Richard was born in Poughkeepsie, NY on December 22, 1956 to Joe and Jacquelyn Hottle, though he was native to El Dorado, Arkansas. He graduated El Dorado High School in 1975. In 1976, he moved to Ruston, LA to attend Louisiana Tech. Finding the town the perfect place to raise a family, he settled in Ruston. In 1980, he began work at Lincoln General Hospital in the Biomedical Engineering Department. In 1991, he went back to Louisiana Tech, while juggling his full time job and raising his two children as a single parent. In 1993, he succeeded in attaining his Business Associate Degree. After completing school, he stayed on at Lincoln General Hospital, eventually becoming Director of Biomedical Engineering. He was forced to give up his career when CHS purchased the hospital and eliminated his position.

Richard was a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Ruston. Richard enjoyed working on anything related to computers and electronics. The greater the challenge, the happier he was.He found many family and friends calling him when something was broken. He, also, held an Amateur Radio License.

Richard will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, son, and brother. He was always ready to lend a hand where he was needed. From serving in the church's kitchen on Wednesday night, to greeting at the doors on Sunday morning, to driving the Ruston High School Band Equipment Truck on Friday nights.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Franklin Hottle. He is survived by his son, Alex (Bridget Copeland) Hottle; his daughter,Jeannell Hottle (Jason) Ferguson; his mother, Jacquelyn Hottle; his sister, Sharon Hottle (Johnny) Campbell; and grandchildren, Breann Ferguson, Micah Ferguson, and Miya Ferguson.

A memorial tree planting will take place at a later time. Memorial donations may be made to the Ruston High School Band.