[Tulsa, OK] Richard Jack Gilchrist ("Gilly"), 84, peacefully passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2022. Richard was born on March 22, 1938 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Richard graduated from Athens High School in Athens, Michigan in 1956 where he was a member of the glee club and an all-around athlete on the varsity football, track, and basketball teams as well as many community recreational teams. Richard joined the United States Air Force in June 1958 and achieved the rank of Airman First Class stationed at Plattsburgh AFB, NY and Thule AB, Greenland, where he was a KC-97 crew chief. Richard was honorably discharged in June 1964. After his time in the USAF, Richard attended Western Michigan University where he secured an internship with American Airlines. After graduating, he began his career with American Airlines based in Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX and then eventually in Tulsa, OK. Richard's career culminated as a Wide-Body Maintenance Manager in Tulsa, OK, retiring after 38 years of service in 2004. He is preceded in death by his brothers William Gilchrist, John Gilchrist, James Gilchrist, Eugene Edward Backus, his sister Edythe (Backus) Gault, and his parents George Livingston Gilchrist and Annie Eleanor (Walton) Backus Gilchrist. Richard is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sarah (Cotton) Gilchrist, his son Mark Gilchrist (wife Amy Karam Gilchrist) of Fayetteville, GA and his daughter Leah (Gilchrist) Schmid (husband Jason Schmid) of Lorton, VA. He was blessed with 4 grandchildren: Nathaniel Schmid, Brian Schmid, Jack Gilchrist and Hailey Gilchrist. He is also survived by his sister, Mary (Gilchrist) Sansbury and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10AM on Friday, July 15, 2022 at Asbury Church Chapel, 6767 S. Mingo Road, Tulsa, OK 74133. In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute donation in Richard's name to the Air Force Aid Society (https://afas.org/) or the Blue Star Families (https://bluestarfam.org/) charity organizations.