Richard W. Riffe

8-26-1957 - 6-20-2023

Richard Wayne Riffe of Kingsport, Tennessee passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 after a long, hard-fought battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Never losing faith, he continued to put God first, until his journey was completed. He was very proud to say he was from Mississippi, but, over time, he found his way to East Tennessee. After nine years of self employment in line construction, he went to work for Tele-Optics in Kingsport, where he remained for thirty-two years, retiring as President in December 2021. Richard was an avid lover of golf and participated in many tournaments and fundraisers. He was fun-loving, free spirited, competitive, and enjoyed all sports, especially anything to do with Mississippi State. In his eyes, they were always winners.

Richard was preceded in death by: his father, Charles William Riffe; mother, Mary Agnes Shields; and fur-baby, Bridgett.

Those left to cherish his memory are: his loving wife of 39 years, Dianna Trivett Riffe; sister, Cynthia Harrison and husband, James, of Columbus, MS, step-sister, Tina Ratliff and husband, Dale, of Alabama; several nieces and nephews; two fur-babies, Sissy and Sammie; a host of friends, his church family at Sullivan Baptist Church where he was a Deacon, and his Tele-Optics family.

The Riffe family will gather to greet friends and share memories on Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 11 am - 1 pm in the Chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held at 1 pm with Pastor Jeff Strong officiating. A Graveside service will follow the Funeral in the Garden of Prayer in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be: Mike Allen, David Jarrett, Jeff Carr, Chris Hartley, Brian Waldo, Phillip Almany, and Alan Spivy.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Deacons from Sullivan Baptist Church.

Memorial gifts may be sent to: Sullivan Baptist Church, 4152 Maplewood St., Kingsport, TN 37660

The Riffe Family would like to extend a special thank you to the management team at Ballad Health Medical Equipment and Ballad Hospice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eastlawnkingsport.com for the Riffe family.