Richard "Dick" M. Booher, Jr

Richard “Dick” M. Booher, Jr., age 89, crossed over the other side to be reunited with his beautiful wife, Pat on July 26, 2024, at 5:30pm. Dick was born on July 19, 1935 in Nashville, where he was raised. He was a Korean War veteran where his main duty assignment was Battalion Supply Sargeant at First Battalion Headquarters Platoon, 5th Cavalry Regt., 1st Cavalry Division in Japan 1954-1955. Upon being honorably discharged he received The National Service Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal and a Medal from the Republic of Korea. Dick then attended The University of Tennessee where he graduated in the class of 1959. While there he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa and served as secretary his senior year. Later, in the mid 1970’s, he graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, earning a master’s degree of Arts in History. While at MTSU Dick was inducted in Phi Alpha Theta, a history major honor society. Dick had an enduring career teaching and serving others; as a teacher in the Knox County School System and at Friendsville Academy; in the Environmental Education Field, both at UT and in Oak Ridge; and as a foster care worker for the Tennessee Department of Human Services from 1977-1994. As a former American History teacher, Dick loved history with a passion- especially World War II history, the history of the American West and the Revolutionary War period. He was a voracious reader, mainly of military history. He also enjoyed reading the Knoxville News Sentinel. He was a lover of all kinds of music, but especially Jazz and folk. Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 35 years, Pat who passed in 2009; his parents, Richard M. Booher, Sr. and Isabel McElrath Booher; and his brothers, Robert “Bob” Booher and Johnny Booher. He is survived by his daughter, Laura Nell Booher of Knoxville; his son, Richard M. Booher, III of Morristown; first wife, Margaret "Peggy" Booher; brother, William “Bill” Booher of Houston, TX; stepdaughters, Mary Bedinger (Al) of Knoxville, Susan Rainey (Brick) of Knoxville, Sarah May (Allen) of Knoxville and Paula Mitchell (Michael) of Florida; six step grandchildren, Kate Ferrell, Jr. (Brent), Martha Fox (Ryan), Julia Connor (Ryan), Sarah Claire Williams and Brown Tate (Jessica). Dick was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Knoxville. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 9th from 5-7pm at Rose Funeral & Cremation – Mann with a funeral service to follow, Rev. Mike Wilkerson officiating. A private family graveside service will be held at Resthaven Cemetery in Corbin, KY. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The First Cumberland Presbyterian Church at 6900 Nubbin Ridge Road Knoxville, TN 37919, The Knox County Public Library System, or Honor Air Knoxville 7536 Taggart Lane Knoxville, TN 37918. Dick’s favorite bible verse was Isaiah 40:31 and his favorite song was “Stewball” by Peter, Paul and Mary. Dicks parting words are “Put God and music in your life and you will be a better person for it.” Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Richard "Dick" M. Booher, Jr

July 19, 1935 - July 26, 2024