Richard Thomas “Dickie/Pygme” Souza, 71, of Lovelock, Nevada, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 22, 2025. Born on February 14, 1954, in Merced, California, the youngest of three boys to Robert W. and Pauleta E. (Grinder) Souza, Sr., Dickie lived a full life defined by his love for family, cold beer, high balls, fast cars, a passion for hot rods, and good times.
In 1967, Dickie’s father, Robert, and his two uncles, Cap and Elmer Souza, purchased the Flying M Ranch in Imlay, Nevada. The following year, Dickie and his parents moved from Merced to Imlay. The family later settled at the Souza Ranch in Lower Valley near Lovelock, where Dickie graduated from Pershing County High School in 1972. After graduation, he attended the Denver Automotive & Diesel College in Denver, Colorado, specializing in Auto Body Repair.
After completing his studies, Dickie moved to Ely, Nevada, where he married his first wife, Gloria Guisti, in 1973. Together, they welcomed their oldest daughter, Samantha Jean, and built their first home. In 1977, they relocated to Winnemucca and later settled back in Lovelock in 1979, where their youngest daughter, Sabrina “Breeze” Kim, was born. There, Dickie continued to build his life, opening his own business, D&G Auto Body, raising his family, and forming lifelong friendships.
He later began painting armored cars through D&G Auto Body, eventually going to work full-time for Armored Transport in Lovelock, where he remained for many years. In 1995, Dickie started a new career in blasting with ICI Explosives/Southwest Energy, retiring on October 8, 2015.
February 28, 2002, Dickie married the love of his life, Krista “KB” Bagley, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway; a fitting celebration for a man whose heart raced for both speed and love. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, adventure, and family.
A lifelong racing enthusiast, Dickie found joy at the track, whether behind the wheel, volunteering in the infield, or watching his favorite NASCAR drivers compete in person or on TV. He was also a devoted San Francisco 49ers fan who never missed a chance to cheer on his team and share a bit of friendly game-day banter.
Dickie is survived by his loving wife, KB; his two daughters, Samantha Evans (John) and Sabrina “Breeze” Foley (Robert); six grandchildren, Hailey (Strom) Balko (Anthony), Lexie (Strom) Andrus (Austin), Savannah, Izzah, Izabellah, and Rebah Foley; and two great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Charlette Andrus. He is also survived by a bonus family member, Raul Dominguez (Abby), and two additional bonus grandchildren, Camisha (Ross)
Warren (Mike) and Howard “Bass” Mitchell. Other surviving family include his brothers, William “Bill” Souza (Kathy) and Robert “Bob” Souza (Becky); mother-in-law, Dorothy Bagley; brother-in-law, Darren Bagley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends he considered family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Pauleta Souza, and his father-in-law, Lou Bagley.
Known for his fun-loving, ornery, and quick-tempered Portuguese personality, Dickie had a big heart and was always ready to lend a hand to a friend in need. He was the kind of man who could strike up a conversation with anyone, and leave them laughing. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Meisokothan Hall, 1045 Franklin Ave, Lovelock, Nevada, to honor Dickie’s memory and the joy he brought to so many.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Dickie’s memory to:
Lovelock Street Fever Car Club
P.O. Box 1906
Lovelock, NV 89447
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