Richard Leroy Akers, age 80, of Clarksville, TN, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2016, at Grace Healthcare.
Richard was born January 8, 1936, in Marion, IA, to the late Leroy and Pauline Akers. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Akers.
Celebration of Life will be held Monday, October 24, at 12:00 PM, at the Chapel of Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, with Bro. Melvin Felts and Chaplain Gene Horn officiating. Visitation will be Monday, October 24, from 10:00 AM until the hour of service, at the funeral home.
Richard retired from the US Army, having served 22 years and specializing in military intelligence. He also retired from the Fort Campbell School System after 20 years. Mr. Akers was a member of Northeast Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and was a Sunday school teacher for the Golden Saints Sunday School Class.
Richard is survived by his wife, Arlene Grace Akers; three daughters, Kathy (Steve) Nary, Valerie Akers, and Peggy (Alan) Miller; stepson, Alan (Tammy) Kirkman; stepdaughter, Darla (Irving) Tillman; five grandchildren, Steven Nary, Mary (Keith) Freeman, Richard Nary, Colleen Nary, and Gracie Nary; three step-grandchildren, Michelle (Mike) Rhodehamel, Brian Alexis, and Mark Kirkman; three brothers, Bob (Helen) Akers, Tim (Florene) Akers, and Phil (Judy) Akers; two sisters, Virginia Chappel, and Sheryl Akers; and two special great-grandchildren, with whom he had a special bond and were his buddies, Blake and Emerson Rhodehamel.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the entire staff of Grace Healthcare and Tennova Hospice, as well as those at Dr. Rohit Patel’s office and Tennessee Oncology, for their excellent care of Richard during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society for cancer research, 2000 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203; or to the Northeast Baptist Church Building Fund, 3900 Trenton Road, Clarksville, TN 37040.
Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488.