Richard Wayne Counts

Richard was born on November 19, 1946 in Clintwood, Virginia to the late James and Wilma Counts. He graduated from Elizabethton High School and then received his Bachelor of Science from ETSU followed by a Master of Science at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

As a statistician, Richard held several scientific and research positions during his career, retiring from UT Battelle (at the Oak Ridge National Lab) after 28 years of service in 2009.

Richard was an avid sports fan and enjoyed many sports events. As a high school student he excelled in basketball and track. Later he enjoyed playing golf and tennis and had a very successful record. But more than that he had a great time having fun and making great lifelong friendships. Especially as a member of the Gettysvue Golf Club in Knoxville where he experienced memorable golf trips. He was also a member of The Knoxville Racquet Club where he met Betty and began a tennis partnership which led to a marriage partnership. Traveling to Tennessee State mixed doubles tournaments and USTA local and district championships were highlights. Later, it was good to have time to travel to interesting tourist locations.

In retirement Richard shared his woodworking skills with Nashville Tools for Schools and was honored to receive their Certificate of Appreciation for his service. His cultivating new friendships didn’t stop and he looked forward to and greatly appreciated his new friends at his weekday morning coffee trips to the Belle Meade Starbucks.

Richard is survived by his wife, Betty James Counts; Stepchildren, Andy (Elizabeth) James of Tulsa, OK, Lauren (De) Dawkins of Nashville, TN, and Evan James of Nashville, TN and nine wonderful grandchildren; Brother, Larry (Pat) Counts of Johnson City, TN, sister, Sue (Steve) Blevins of Abingdon, VA; Niece, Holly (Jeremy) Briscoll of Blountville, TN; Nephews, Carter Counts of Johnson City, TN and Chad (Kate) Counts of Folly Beach, SC.

A Celebration of Life/Gathering of Family and Friends for Richard will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woodlawn-Roesch-PattonFH.com for the Counts family.