Robert Russell Rickard

RICKARD, CMDR, RET., ROBERT R. – age 90 of Oak Ridge, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 28th surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born October 22, 1922 in York, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Katherine Rickard and his brother, James Edward. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Anna Lee, daughters, Emily Ann Rickard, Katherine (Brant) Locklier of Anniston, AL and son Russell (Anita) Rickard, three grandchildren, Paul (Chyrl) Rickard, Shawna (Andrea Smith) Rickard, and Julia (Max) Miranda of Oxford, AL and two great grandchildren, Kelsey and Trevor Rickard. He is also survived by his sister, Jeanne (Dr. Robert) Maul of Lubbock, TX. Robert grew up in Thomas, WV and joined the CCC’s prior to attending and graduating from Berea College, KY. He enlisted in the Navy during WWII and studied engineering and military courses at Columbia University, NY, NY and Penn State College (University). He was commissioned an officer at St. John’s Cathedral in New York. Robert was Executive Officer on his ship (LCS 80) serving in the South Pacific Corridor. After the war, Robert returned to Berea, KY where he met the love of his life, Anna Lee Allen from Clay County, KY.They were married in 1947 in Oakland, MD. In the fall of 1947 Robert and Anna Lee moved to Oak Ridge where Robert began his distinguished career as an analytical chemist. He retired from ORNL in 1982. He was a published author of many scientific articles and books. He had a passion for science and literature. Robert was an outstanding athlete playing collegiate baseball and basketball and was an avid golfer. He loved to travel, enjoying numerous trips with his family and friends across America and Europe. Always a gentleman, Robert was a generous friend to many. He was a long time member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2200 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919. Family will receive friends from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm on Wednesday at Weaver Funeral Home. Family and friends will meet 12:45 pm Wednesday at Oak Ridge Memorial Park for a 1:00 pm interment. Pastor Tony Colson officiating. You may sign Robert’s guestbook on line at www.weaverfuneralservices.com. Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home.