Ralph E. Richards, 79 of Jonesborough passed away on Friday, December 7, 2018 at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. A native of Carter County, he is the son of the late Walter E. and Hazel (Myers) Richards.

Ralph proudly served his country in the US Navy for four years in the Vietnam Era. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from East Tennessee State University and worked at VA Medical Center for twenty-two years as a medical technician. Ralph was also a lifetime member of the VFW. He was a member of Embreeville Church of Christ where he was an elder, and also teacher of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class for twenty years. He was secretary and treasurer of the Washington County Christian Men’s Fellowship. Ralph’s hobbies included woodworking and gardening.

Those left to cherish Ralph’s memory include: wife of nearly fifty-three years, Patricia Louise (Gray) Richards of the home; children, David E. Richards (Amy) of Pocatello, Idaho and Deborah Leah Bailey (Terry) of Jonesborough; grandchildren, Daniel E. Richards, Kaitlyn Harris (Drew), Jordan Richards, Bryan Richards, Kelsey Bailey (Dominic Baez, fiance), and T.J. Bailey; great-granddaughter, Rachel Elizabeth Harris; several cousins; and special friends, Gordon and Shirley Lane, Pat and Angie Tester, and friends from the Senior Adult Sunday School Class.

The family will gather to receive friends in the Sunrise Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 beginning from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM with a funeral service immediately following with Pastor Kevin Holly officiating. Committal and interment will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Washington County Memory Gardens, Johnson City. Pallbearers will be Gordon Lane, Terry Tittle, Terry Bailey, Bobby Whitson, David Richards, Bryan Richards, T.J. Bailey, and Rick Broyles. Honorary pallbearers are George Campbell, Harlan Arnold, Chester Durham, John Mashburn, Billy Yates, and David Yates. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 12:50 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund or Benevolence Ministry of Embreeville Church of Christ, 4343 Hwy 81 S, Erwin, TN 37650.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, (423) 610-7171 is honored to serve the Richards family.