Richard Dale Depew

Richard Dale Depew beloved husband of thirty-eight years to his loving wife Rhonda, devoted father to his children Amanda and Perry and adoring Pappy to two precious grandchildren, Hatley and Jace answered God’s call and arrived in his heavenly home on Friday, June 28, 2024. 

Richard was a lifelong resident of Fall Branch and is also survived by his devoted mother, Madeline Depew; brothers Mike (Libby) Depew and Chris (Kathie) Depew all of Fall Branch; sisters Carol (Larry) Wallace of Kingsport; Janie (Brian) Morelock of Gray; and sisters of the heart Cathy Fair and Becky Fox of Jonesborough.

Richard is preceded in death by his father, J T Depew; grandparents Perry and Adelaide Depew and Enos and Fannie Littleton.

He relished the title of Uncle Richard to nine nieces and nephews and thirteen great nieces and nephews who enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor and knowing they could always call on Uncle Richard. He so enjoyed his large extended family gatherings. Upon retirement from Eastman Chemical Company in 2022 with forty-five years’ service, he built a barn with his large family in mind to have a special place for family get togethers. 

He was the owner and operator of The Magic Wand Car Wash on Highway 93 for several years and older nieces and nephews remember the fun of helping him count the quarters. Uncle Richard was good at creating fun in unexpected ways and he was a fan of riddles and challenging the younger generation with solving. 

Richard was a strong man of faith and enjoyed membership at Sullivan Baptist Church. He grew up at First Baptist Church Fall Branch and appreciated the love of church family. He shared his faith with others in his daily walk.

Golfing was a favorite hobby and sharing stories of golf adventures with family members and friends brought a smile to his face. He was always up for scheduling a tee time. Picking and grinning with his guitar was a simple joy in his life.

Richard volunteered for thirteen years coaching young athletes in basketball at Fall Branch School. He encouraged good sportsmanship and camaraderie among young players.

His loving wife, Rhonda, said “he was the best” …the best husband, dad, Pappy, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Richard is deeply missed and has left lasting memories to treasure.

Graveside services for Richard will be at Oak Hill Baptist Church, 2501 Highway 81N, Jonesborough, TN, Tuesday, July 2nd at 2:00 PM. Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home Fall Branch is overseeing arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Richard’s memory to Sullivan Baptist Church, 4152 Maplewood Street, Kingsport TN 37660, or Fall Branch Volunteer Fire Department, 106 Ruritan Road, Fall Branch TN 37656.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of HIS saints…Psalm 116:15