He was born on October 5, 1928 in Texas to the late Coleman and Bertha Ross Askew. He married Virginia King on June 2, 1951 and they were married for 58 years until her death in 2010. Richard was retired as manager of Dean’s Foods of Jackson, TN. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church Bemis and served in many positions such as Deacon, Sunday School Director, and Sunday School Teacher. Richard also served as Assistant Master for the Boy Scouts from 1969-1974.
In addition to his parents and wife, Richard was preceded in death by a brother, Royce Askew.
He is survived by his four children, Elizabeth (Libby) Barton (Joe), Barbara (Babs) Baker, Richard C. (Buddy) Askew (Tracey), and Robert Askew; one grandchild, Lennie Cox (Steven); and two great grandchildren, Brendan and Caitlin Cox.
The family will receive friends and loved ones on Friday evening, April 30, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. in the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons and again on Saturday morning, May 1, 2021 beginning at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church Bemis. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Bemis with Bro. Bill Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Lester’s Chapel Cemetery.
Active pallbearers to serve will be Ray Rowan, Jimmy Pierce, Tommy Dean, Patrick Wright, Justin Wright, and Gary Dorris.
