Richard Lee Townsend

Richard Lee Townsend was born on December 10, 1931, and passed away on October 14, 2019, with his family by his side.Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jo Vicars Townsend; parents, Ralph and Alice Reeves Townsend; sisters, Judith Laughlin and Marilyn Townsend; brother, Ralph Townsend; and brother-in-law and friend, Ralph Crane.Survivors include his daughter, Tamara Barbour, (Tom); sons, Randall Townsend (Linda), and David Townsend (Sandra); grandchildren, Andrea Weller, Robby Barbour, Leah Barbour, Alisha Townsend, Daniel Townsend, Joseph Bourque and Jillian Townsend; great grandchildren, Sophia Weller, Thomson Weller, Alexandra Weller, Giovani Townsend, Chole Townsend and Addilynn Bourque and sisters-in- law; Ruth Vicars Crane and Joeann Townsend.Richard served in the U S. Navy aboard the USS Coral Sea Aircraft Carrier from 1952 – 1956. He attended Reedy Creek Presbyterian Church for several years.Richard retired from Bell Atlantic, after 30 years of service. He resided in Maryland until moving to Kingsport in 1988. Richard was a Redskins fan and enjoyed traveling, skiing and loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, October 19, 2019, at Reedy Creek Presbyterian Church with Rev. Marshall Steinle officiating. He will be entombed with his wife, Betty, at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Section W.The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the nurses of Amedisys Hospice, especially Erica and Tyrel.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Reedy Creek Presbyterian Church, 6044 Orebank Rd., Kingsport, TN 37664.Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakhillfh.comThe care of Richard Lee Townsend and his family has been entrusted to Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services.Read Obituary