Richard Douglas Coleman

Richard Douglas Coleman (84) of Nashville, TN, recently of Greenback, TN, died at his home on Saturday, 14 September. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Frieda C Coleman; his parents, Carl H and Bertha Lennon Coleman; brother Bobbie Joe Coleman; and sister Patsy June Coleman Schilling. Known variously as Richard, Ritchie, RD and Red, he will be sorely missed by daughter Carla E. Coleman of Austin, TX; son Colin A. (Rachel) Coleman, granddaughter Mary Greer Coleman and grandson William Riley Coleman, all of Nashville; his companion Linda Lambeth of Southlake, TX; and a host of friends and extended family. Richard was born in Knoxville, TN and was a lifelong Volunteer, having spent his youth helping his father and brother run the Neyland Stadium scoreboard. He attended Bearden High School (class of 1957) and obtained his higher education at UT-Knoxville, East Tennessee State University, and Vanderbilt University. He joined the faculty of Volunteer State Community College soon after that institution’s founding, where he spent a 30 year career as a Professor of Natural Science. At various times, Richard enjoyed SCUBA diving, distance running, cycling, kayaking, and backcountry camping. A proud environmentalist, he was one of a small group who brought the Sierra Club to Tennessee; he also supported numerous other charitable organizations. Following his retirement in 2005, Richard and his wife Frieda moved back to the foothills of his beloved Smokies, and also frequently travelled to the mountains of the American west. After the death of Frieda, he engaged in a loving relationship with a lovely Texas lady, Linda, with whom he continued to enjoy life and travel for six wonderful years, most recently to Alaska only months before his death. Discovering a love for music after retirement, Richard bought his first double bass at age 67 and eventually established himself as bassist and vocalist for The Band Called Baker Creek, with whom he performed at various east TN venues; he continued to play with friends and with his son up until his illness prevented him. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Ascension St. Thomas West in Nashville, as well as the caregivers at Alive Hospice for their care in his final weeks. Richard requested that friends and family gather in his honor to eat, drink, listen to good music, tell stories, laugh, and celebrate his life. This gathering will occur on Saturday, 5 October, 2:00 PM at the Buchanan Log House on Elm Hill Pike in Nashville. In lieu of flowers, he asked that you make a donation to your favorite environmental organization. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com

Tributes

Richard Douglas Coleman

September 14, 2024