Who is Richard from Texas from Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia and what is their importance?

Richard from Texas is a former junkie and alcoholic who has briefly held many jobs that involve a bit of hustle, Richard resembles the cartoon character Foghorn Leghorn when he appears in Elizabeth Gilbert's ashram in India, during the second leg of her travels. Richard worries about few things and brings a sense of security to Liz, whom he nicknames "Groceries" because of her big appetite.