It saddens me greatly to know of Richie’s (he’ll always be Richie for our gang) passing. Though we did not stay connected over the years, for Ann and me, he is fondly remembered. Richie was a groomsman for our wedding, and he and I were roomates for a year at Memphis State. There were many hours — some all night — playing cards and consuming Raymond Grimes’ mother’s desserts. There were double-dating, golf and basketball — I never could figure out his one arm, one handed jump shot. In those early years, Richie’s parents embraced our gang and made us feel so welcome in their home and club. I suspect they were largely responsible for my strongest recollection of Richie — his smile, laugh, and fun-guy nature. To friends and family, you have my deepest and most sincere condolences.
I was a shy kid at WHS, but Richie helped to get me out and engage high school life more. He was very approachable and had an irreverent sense of humor, which would buoy my occasionally flagging spirits. He was a bright spot in my life, and always will be.
Richie was a precious soul. I will always remember most his smile and his hug. He was so sweet, kind, and a lot of fun. He had a great laugh, and really liked to share good times with friends. I was fortunate to spend time with him at WHS and at reunions, but never saw him as much as I would have liked. Several people said to me after Richie passed that they didn't really know him as a friend but they always wished they had. That image is indeed a testimony to his life and who he was. People who didn't know him personally felt that they lost out. That says a lot about him and how he lived. We seldom know how others see us. He is missed.
In high school Richie and I were in a band together that never played anywhere except his game room where we rehearsed. Many fond memories of Richie playing his Framus guitar with Kenny Bell and myself singing. Richie and I would spend time at The Four Flames when Richie was "working" and just hung out as guys feeling their age, and almost done with school, would do. It wasnt long before Kenny and I left for UT-Knoxville and we lost track of Richie. I soon thereafter went into the Army and lost track of Kenny. I unfortunately, didn't see Richie again until our 45th WHS reunion. We caught up a bit and met at Farmingdale CC several times when I was playing with The Hurricanes. We laughed and vowed to get together again and hang out. Life got in the way for both of us and, of course, we never got back together... ...it's a shame. We should have "hung out" again for old times sake... R.I.P. my friend...
Ed Jenkins
It saddens me greatly to know of Richie’s (he’ll always be Richie for our gang) passing. Though we did not stay connected over the years, for Ann and me, he is fondly remembered. Richie was a groomsman for our wedding, and he and I were roomates for a year at Memphis State. There were many hours — some all night — playing cards and consuming Raymond Grimes’ mother’s desserts. There were double-dating, golf and basketball — I never could figure out his one arm, one handed jump shot. In those early years, Richie’s parents embraced our gang and made us feel so welcome in their home and club. I suspect they were largely responsible for my strongest recollection of Richie — his smile, laugh, and fun-guy nature. To friends and family, you have my deepest and most sincere condolences.
Ed Jenkins
John Donahoo
I was a shy kid at WHS, but Richie helped to get me out and engage high school life more. He was very approachable and had an irreverent sense of humor, which would buoy my occasionally flagging spirits. He was a bright spot in my life, and always will be.
Bon Voyage, Richie.
John Donahoo
Sheila Hall
Richie was a precious soul. I will always remember most his smile and his hug. He was so sweet, kind, and a lot of fun. He had a great laugh, and really liked to share good times with friends. I was fortunate to spend time with him at WHS and at reunions, but never saw him as much as I would have liked. Several people said to me after Richie passed that they didn't really know him as a friend but they always wished they had. That image is indeed a testimony to his life and who he was. People who didn't know him personally felt that they lost out. That says a lot about him and how he lived. We seldom know how others see us. He is missed.
Alan Copeland
In high school Richie and I were in a band together that never played anywhere except his game room where we rehearsed. Many fond memories of Richie playing his Framus guitar with Kenny Bell and myself singing. Richie and I would spend time at The Four Flames when Richie was "working" and just hung out as guys feeling their age, and almost done with school, would do. It wasnt long before Kenny and I left for UT-Knoxville and we lost track of Richie. I soon thereafter went into the Army and lost track of Kenny. I unfortunately, didn't see Richie again until our 45th WHS reunion. We caught up a bit and met at Farmingdale CC several times when I was playing with The Hurricanes. We laughed and vowed to get together again and hang out. Life got in the way for both of us and, of course, we never got back together... ...it's a shame. We should have "hung out" again for old times sake... R.I.P. my friend...