Thomas Richey, Jr.

Thomas Richey Jr. passed away peacefully on December 20 at the age of 95.

Born on September 25, 1930, in Norwich, Connecticut, Tom lived a life shaped by integrity, curiosity, and kindness. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, an experience that instilled in him a deep love of the ocean and a lifelong devotion to his country. Sailing, the sea, and the sense of freedom they offered remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Those who knew Tom will remember his gentle spirit, his kindness, and his unwavering loyalty to family, friends, and country. Tom was, at his core, a dreamer—someone who believed in possibility and approached life with quiet optimism. Above all, he loved his family. He shared 57 devoted years of marriage with his wife, Lucy, whose love and partnership were central to his life.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathy MacDougall (and husband, Kirk) of Erie, Colorado; his son, Tom Richey of Jackson, Tennessee; and his two grandchildren, Austin MacDougall of Dallas, Texas, and Duncan MacDougall of Denver, Colorado. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Tom is now as free as the sea he loved so much, and his memory will live on in the lives he touched.

The family will receive friends and relatives at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, followed by a service honoring his life at 1:30 p.m., both at Church of Our Saviour, 704 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin. Burial will take place at Crestview Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to Church of Our Saviour or Gallatin Public Library are welcomed.