Richard Saunders West Sr.

Dick was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia on September 11, 1929, to Terry Samuel and Ima (Saunders) West. Dick was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Bobbie J. West; brothers, Terry, John William, and Franklin D. West; and sister, Eura West Banner. Dick is survived by his sister, Mary Alice Turner; sons, Rick and Tony West; daughter, Julie West Hammond (Robby); grandchildren, Terry West (Delaney), Rachel West, Alexis West, Weston Hammond, Bella Hammond, and McKenzie West; great grandchild, Terry Samuel West II; and a host of numerous nephews and nieces.

Dick was an Air Force Veteran, graduate of Carson-Newman College, and bank officer with Oneida Bank & Trust. In 1963, he and his family relocated to establish a successful ServiceMaster Franchise in Chattanooga. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Chattanooga and the Oneida Jaycees and Lions Club.

Dick lived a full and extraordinary life and loved his family. He loved being outdoors, traveling, playing doubles in tennis with his wife, and dancing (both country-line and tap). He impressed upon people to laugh, enjoyed telling jokes, and seeing people enjoy life.

We would like to thank Hearth Hospice and his caregivers for their faithful service on his journey.

Funeral services will be held at 4 PM Thursday at the McEwen Chapel of First Baptist Church of Chattanooga at Golden Gateway with Dr. Thomas Quisenberry officiating. The family will receive friends from 3-4 PM Thursday in the parlor. Burial will be at 10:30 AM Friday at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.