Richard Doran Sammons
June 16, 2015
Date of Service: June 20, 2015
Interment Location: Garden of Gethsemane
Richard D. Sammons, age 77, of Elizabethton, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 from the Johnson City Medical Center.
Richard was a native of Carter County, Tennessee and was a son of the late Doran S. Sammons and Myrtle L. Birchfield Sammons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Teddy Sammons and Harold “Pete” Sammons.
He faced an extended battle with heart disease and recent challenges with Alzheimer’s much as he faced EVERY circumstance in his life; with a smile on his face, dignity, courage, and faith in God. His life was defined by being a generous, humble man of prayer and servant leadership, not only to his family, but the entire community and country:
Mr. Sammons was a CPA from 1972-2013 and was well loved by his clients. He was President of Sammons Restaurants Incorporated. He served on various boards including: Doe River Gorge for 14 years, Elizabethton City Council for 12 years, Elizabethton Electric System, Deacon of First Christian Church, Elder and Treasurer of the Elizabethton Alliance Church, East Tennessee Christian Home, and Missions Safety International. In addition, he mentored at the Elizabethton Girls Group Home, and led prison ministry in Mountain City. Richard was a gifted teacher who taught biblically based principles for financial freedom in local seminars and throughout the United States, impacting lives of Moody Aviation serving all over the world. He loved teaching Sunday School as well as speaking in churches in the surrounding region. He had a great love for the people and city of Elizabethton, where he began his first job downtown in his father’s news-stand and hot dog stand. He was a member of Elizabethton Alliance Church and was a United States Navy veteran. His life exemplified his favorite saying, “God is in control and you just can’t beat it.”
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Doris P. Sammons, of the home; two daughters, Debbi Sammons Maupin and husband Michael, of Gray, and Denise Sammons of Johnson City; one aunt, Virginia Birchfield, Miami, FL; his long time administrative assistant, Jeannie Head, Mt. Carmel; and his special friend, Jennifer Barrett, Elizabethton.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Richard D. Sammons will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 20, 2015 in the First Christian Church of Elizabethton, with Pastor Louis O’ Bourke and Mr. Terry Maughon, President of Doe River Gorge, officiating. The receiving of friends will be conducted from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Friday, June 19, 2015 in the First Christian Church of Elizabethton; or at the residence at any time.
The graveside service will follow the Saturday service at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Military honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Delbert Loudermilk, Gene Sams, Larry Proffitt, Lee Davis, Dr. Rick Martin, M.D., Charlie Middleton, Bill Gothard, Jim Vaughn, Joe Hopkins, Roger Day, Roger Deal, Pastor Ron Drake, Pastor Marvin Slagle, and Board Members of Doe River Gorge Ministries.
Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to Doe River Gorge Ministries, 220 Doe River Gorge Road, Hampton, TN 37658.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton is serving the Sammons family. Office 423 542-2232, Obituary line 423-543-4917.
