Richard Allen Burrell Sr. was born Saturday, March 9th, 1940 in St. Louis, MO. He was the son of Mary Glover and the step son of Howard Glover. He was an only child. Richard finished his high school education at Beaumont High School in St. Louis.

While employed as a security guard at Barnes Jewish Hospital, he met a beautiful woman from East St Louis, IL, Lucille Floyd Jackson. They would become Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Burrell on July 1, 1968. He was married to Lucille for 50 years until her passing in April of 2019. Richard moved to the Illinois side of the Mississippi to purchase a house with Lucille and start a family.

Richard and Lucille would go on to have four children, Richard II, Terry, Marszlar, and Coy. Richard would spend 31 years working for General Motors in Wentzville, MO. He would pick up his co workers along the way to make the 54 mile drive 5-6 days a week. After retirement from General Motors in 1999, Richard would spend his time taking care of his wife plagued by many illnesses, spending time with his 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and enjoying his hobbies. "Big Richard" as his wife called him, "Dad" by his children, and "Gramps" by his grandchildren enjoyed watching Law & Order, horror movies, and Looney Tunes. His favorite music genre was classical music. He loved asking for his favorite foods and drinks of choice, cheese and crackers, Ginger Ale, Root Beer, and chili.

Richard's last moment on Earth occurred on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at the age of 83 years, 4 months, and 14 days at his daughter Coy's house surrounded by his loved ones. He was proceeded in death by his mother, Mary, step father, Howard Glover and his wife Lucille. To remember the memories of Big Richard are his 4 children; son, Richard Burrell II of East St. Louis, IL, son and daughter in law Terry & Bernadette Burrell of Auburn, ME, daughter Marszlar Burrell and daughter Coy Burrell of Belleville, IL; his 6 grandchildren, Christopher Morgan of Phoenix, AZ, Talia Thorton, Donte Garner, Aja Garner, and Ke'Mon Burrell-Bennett of Belleville, IL, Aaliyah Burrell of Gainesville, FL, and great grandson King Griffin of Belleville, IL. May Gramps rest in peace. We will be in good hands. Until we see you again.